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Is the $30 vertical stand needed for your PS5 Slim or is it purely aesthetic?
The release of the PS5 Slim in November from PlayStation brought about a smaller and more refined version of the original console. Both models use the same CPU and graphics processor though the Slim version comes with a far more toned exterior. While performance is virtually the same, the difference in build is enough to attract interest in a console that’s going to have a little more longevity and future-proofing than the 2020 model.
What’s not as tempting is spending an extra $30 for the vertical stand when PlayStation included a free stand with the original console. The design was innovative at the time, and built on PlayStation as pioneers who introduced the PlayStation 2 as a gaming console that could be positioned horizontally as well as vertically. Like the PS5 Slim’s vertical stand, the PS2 stand sold separately from the console for $14.99. However, they also manufactured a horizontal stand for the PS2, though it didn’t really do anything other than look…alright I guess.
But can the PS5 vertical case be avoided? After all, you’ve just shelled out $499 on a console, maybe even an extra $200 after you’ve read about how great the DualSense Edge is in our review, and now you’re expected to pay $30 for the privilege of standing up your console upright?
When the PS5 was first released – there was a little scare going around leading people to think that storing your console vertically would ruin it. This hoax was soon found to be falsely verified, though it did lead people to believe that there was a right and wrong way to store your console. In reality, the only disadvantage of storing your PS5 vertically is the risk of knocking it over.
Is the PS5 Slim vertical stand worth it?
If you can store your PS5 Slim horizontally and fancy saving $30, don’t bother yourself with the vertical stand. Unlike the original PS5 model, the Slim version comes with a pair of plastic feet, so it’s not like PlayStation hasn’t provided a replacement for the lack of case.
If you don’t fancy spending the extra money, your best bet is to wait for cheaper knock-offs to become available.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have the PS5 Slim vertically without a stand?
Of course you can use the PS5 Slim in a vertical position without a stand, but there’s a decent chance you’ll knock it over. There don’t seem to be any suggestions from PlayStation that the stand is needed for any other reason than this. PlayStation itself describes the case’s role as keeping the “console secure”, leaving out any mention of the role it plays in keeping the console cool.
