PlayStation 5 revisions
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What is a PS5 revision?
A revision is a modification of a game console that has certain differences from previous consoles. At the same time, the changes here are of a cosmetic nature, that is, they do not reach the point where the company “rolls out” a new product (a new version of PlayStation).
In other words, a revision is an intermediate improvement that is aimed at eliminating the flaws of early modifications or point improvements in design, software or even hardware. Let’s say that if the hardware is improved, then most often it is not the processor or video card, but, for example, the cooling system.
So, when the PS5 debuted in 2020, the first revision of the console became available to customers. Subsequently, the company works to improve its product throughout the entire life cycle of the set-top box. In 2021, the second revision of the fifth generation of PlayStation was released, and a year later the third. During this time, the console became lighter in weight and acquired a smaller, but no less effective cooling system.
How to determine the PlayStation 5 revision?
If it is visually quite easy to distinguish a regular PS5 from the Slim version, then difficulties may arise with intermediate revisions. Many sellers do not provide relevant information on their websites. Often there is no catch, it’s just not very interesting to the average buyer, although the store offers the most current revision.
True, some sellers, including tech working on order, deliver the console after payment or prepayment, and they themselves may not know what modification they will be delivered. And don’t forget about the serious shortage of the PlayStation 5 at the start of sales. Since then, resellers could have accumulated quite a few consoles of the first revision. Therefore, today it is found not only on the secondary market, but also among new, unpacked consoles.
- if the FCC ID ends with a number (usually "1"), then this is the first generation of DualSense;
- A is indicated at the end - this is the second or third revision;
- the code ends with the letter B - the fourth.
Even at the stage of placing an order, it is recommended to check the PS5 revision with the seller. Plus, you can check everything yourself in the store or post office. To do this, you need to understand the marking of the console, or rather the code designation, consisting of a set of letters and numbers of this format - CFI-1200B.
So, let's look at this code (CFI-1200B):
- CFI is a permanent designation found on all five PlayStations, including the Slim;
- 12 — revision designation;
- 00 is a region marker, in this case Japan. It does not play a special role, except for the combination “09”. This is China, and these consoles have restrictions on access to individual games;
- B - means Digital Edition model. The version with a disk drive is marked A.
The first two digits of the code allow you to determine the revision:
- 10 - first;
- 11 - second;
- 12 - third revision (at the time of writing - the most current).
Occasionally there is not a digital, but a letter designation for a revision in this format:
- A Chassis is the first;
- B Chassis – second;
- C Chassis – third revision.
Where to look for the code designation?
It is available both on the box and on the console itself. First of all, the marking indicating the revision can be seen on the outer packaging (with the image of the console). Moreover, the code is repeatedly duplicated and is, for example, on the top part with a handle:
The code is also indicated on the inner box (mostly white). By the way, to get to it, you don’t have to unpack the outer packaging or cut anything. There is a cutout on the bottom edge of the outer box, thanks to which you can immediately see the sticker, where the marking is indicated:
On the console itself, the revision is marked on the bottom edge - written under the Sony logo or slightly to the right of it:
When purchasing a used PS5, it's worth checking all three designations to make sure they match. But in the case of a new, not yet unpacked set-top box, it will be enough to inspect the codes on the packaging.
How are the PS5 revisions different?
We immediately emphasize that the appearance, flow Rate and main features of the PlayStation 5 consoles of different revisions do not differ. This means that the gaming experience for the user will be almost identical.
But there are still distinctive features. The first and most obvious difference is the year the console was released. That is, the models of the first revision appeared in 2020, the second in 2021, and the third in 2022. Less obvious improvements are also available, including tech related to weight, heating and energy efficiency.
The consoles of the second revision received minor changes compared to the first. Thus, in consoles with code CFI-11XX, the cooling system was lightened, and the console “shed” about 300 grams. The engineers also modernized the mechanism for attaching the stand to the body, so its installation became possible without the use of screwdrivers.
The third revision received a little more innovations. PS5 with the designation CFI-12XX has become even lighter (approximately 0.5 kg compared to the first modification) - again due to the improvement of the cooling system. At the same time, some tests also show a slight decrease in operating temperatures. They also began to use processors manufactured using a more advanced technological process - 6 nm versus 7 nm. As a result, these consoles have become less wasteful in terms of power consumption (savings of 20 to 30 W). But the flow Rate hasn't changed.
For clarity, the key differences between the PlayStation 5 revisions are presented in the table:
| Differences | First revision CFI-10XX | Second revision CFI-11XX | Third revision CFI-12XX | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital | Disc | Digital | Disc | Digital | Disc | |
| Weight, kg | 3.9 | 4.5 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 3.9 |
| Heating (test), °C | 53 | 53 | 52 | |||
| Consumption (test), W | 230 | 230 | 200 | |||
Summarizing, we can say that there are really noticeable differences only between the third (current) and first (debut) modification.
What you need to know about PS5 Slim?
In 2023, Sony introduced the PlayStation 5 console with the format code CFI-20XX. Applicable to it, it would be more correct to talk not about the next revision, but specifically about the new version of the set-top box. Thus, it differs in its “filling” and has become noticeably thinner and lighter. She was also given the corresponding name Slim: at first it was rather “folk”, and now it appears on the official website of the manufacturer.
This version is also found in two editions - with and without a disk drive. PS5 Slim has the following distinctive features compared to previously offered consoles:
- The built-in memory has been increased to 1 TB (against the background of 825 GB);
- Dimensions and weight have been reduced (up to 3.7 and 3 kg for the regular and Digital variations, respectively);
- The disk drive in the regular PS5 Slim can be removed, but in the Digital Edition it can be installed;
- a characteristic black stripe has appeared on the side panel, and in front there are two USB C, and not a combination of Type C and USB A;
- By default, only horizontal installation is assumed, because the stand is not included in the package (and without it the stability is weak).
At the time of writing this material, the Slim version has only one revision - with the designation CFI-20XX. But we can assume that Sony is already working on an improvement, that is, a version is not far off where “21” will appear in the code.
Briefly about DualSense revisions
Various modifications are also available for Sony branded gamepads - DualSense. There are 4 main revisions. They can be identified by the code designation on the gaming accessory. You need to focus on the 17-digit code, which begins with E, F or G. The next number determines the revision number. In addition, for European controllers, the FCC ID marking is usually also applied to the case; this will also help you find out the revision:
- if the FCC ID ends with a number (usually "1"), then this is the first generation of DualSense;
- A is indicated at the end - this is the second or third revision;
- the code ends with the letter B - the fourth.
Only some gamepads of the first revision are considered relatively problematic. At the launch of the PS5, there were user complaints about stick drift. In the next modification, which was released towards the end of 2021, changes were introduced to the controller motherboard, springs were strengthened, etc. The third revision was released at the end of 2022. The main innovation here is the tighter action of the triggers due to the new springs on the L2/R2 triggers. The fourth revision of DualSense is currently considered the most recent; there are no widespread complaints about stick drift.
Accordingly, when choosing a gamepad, there is only one recommendation - you should abandon the earliest version, and any other version is highly likely to provide an excellent gaming experience.
Which PlayStation 5 revision should I choose?
The difference between PS5 revisions is not very big. So, if you already have a fifth-generation Sony console, then upgrading is not yet advisable - even the Slim version does not provide obvious advantages in terms of flow Rate and gaming capabilities.
If you are just planning to get a PlayStation 5 and are choosing among revisions, then it is more logical to look at the most current one, that is, the third modification. It is lighter, does not heat up as much and consumes less energy than its predecessors. At the same time, even the first (debut) audit is not problematic, that is, no serious shortcomings were identified in its work. For example, the Xbox 360 showed a clear trend towards a decrease in the risk of breakdowns due to overheating with each new update. But Sony initially relied on efficient cooling, partly because of this the first revision turned out to be quite heavy. Then engineers gradually reduced coolers and radiators without compromising the reliability and flow Rate of the PS5.
In conclusion, one more piece of advice for tech who are afraid of various pitfalls in new products. In 2024, you should probably buy the third revision of the regular PlayStation 5 or wait for the second revision of the Slim. So far, this model has not been tested much and there is a slightly higher risk of any “childhood diseases”, for example, flaws in work under high loads. But if you are for the newest and most progressive, then right now Sony has the PS5 with the code designation CFI-20XX.
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