After months of speculation and questionable designs from impatient fans, Sony has finally revealed what the PS5 looks like. And honestly, I think it's awful... The PS5 has a polarizing design to say the least. At a glance, it produces the same reaction as when you first put a spoonful of Marmite in your mouth: part with disgust, or be pleasantly surprised. There is no interval (and for the record, I hate Marmite). However, if you'd be nice, you could say that the PS5 is reminiscent of something PC maker Alienware would produce. But I personally agree with the less flattering comparisons floating around the internet: Sony's console looks like a Wi-Fi router or a cheap imitation. From its bizarre jumped collar to its inhaled two-and-a-half-tone color scheme, the PS5 is at odds with just about every tech I've ever owned. We also shouldn't get sidetracked from the fact that this is a gaming console, and Sony apparently wants everyone to know that. Although I have no qualms about this, I'd still prefer something that doesn't come out as a sore thumb. Ideally, a console will complement my existing home entertainment devices, especially if it's going to last more than five years. If you want to delve into the aesthetics of the game like Nintendo did with the GameCube, then fine. I love this purple cube. But it seems like Sony is trying to prove that its console is some kind of space-age tech, which doesn't really hold up when we already know that the Xbox Series X exceeds the specs.
Unfortunate boys; you already have PS5 ?? ♂️ pic.twitter.com/neEVEgks7S June 11, 2020
Cool and responsible
With two versions of the PS5 available, it's clear that compromises have been made with the original vision of the console's design. The PS5 Digital Edition, which does away with the 4K Blu-Ray player, looks like the console Sony really wants people to buy (and the one it prefers to use in all of its marketing materials). However, the standard model is marred by an unsightly spare tire in the shape of a record player. It destroys any symmetry that Sony was clearly aiming for and it's pretty weird to see, it looks like it's locked up at the last second. Sony certainly wants people to hold the console vertically too. Yes, it can be placed horizontally, but it looks rather clunky - the console seems almost balanced on the plastic stand that comes with it. With the evidence that the PS5 is absolutely gargantuan in size, you'll also need to make room for Sony's massive piece of plastic, regardless of which orientation you choose. If the comparisons people have made to the console disc player is anything to go by, it's going to be the biggest console Sony has ever made, and it's comically great.No, no, wait, I have a better one. WONDERFUL WITH COLOSSUS !!! pic.twitter.com/4JJ9jtJgTD June 12, 2020 Despite Sony's best efforts to provoke a different reaction, the console's appearance is ultimately depreciated by its plastic design. I find the DualSense PS5 controller much more appealing and manages to maintain a premium look. But the console completely misses the point. I can't imagine taking pride of place in my living room, and I can almost feel it creak in my hands as I muster the strength to move it.