THE PS5 HARDWARE REVEAL

Begin counting down the months now: Sony’s next-gen starts here

PlayStation 5 has emerged from the shadow of the DualSense controller. This console is a work of art, it’s no block of unwieldy, ill-shaped hardware that will struggle to squeeze under your TV. This is a fluid, elegant box of tricks deserving pride of place.

The console features a glossy black, vented inner wrapped in a curvaceous white shell that draws the eye up and out, hiding the bulk of the machine. Size-wise, PlayStation 5 is slightly fatter than a PS4 Pro but taller when on its vertical stand. The form and flow of the console is even clearer when we get in close to the hardware. The white internal ‘lapels’ of the machine are textured to the touch; the black engine of the console is smooth and glossy. The hidden vents have a wave-like form. All, it seems, is geared around cooling the console as much as making it look graceful.

Looked at together with the previously revealed DualSense, we can see both pieces of kit emit a subtle blue glow. The DualSense has lights behind the grips and touchpad, the PS5’s are around the vents. We anticipate this will change colour in line with what the hardware is doing.

There’s a reason PlayStation 5 looks so distinctive. Sony believes in generations of consoles, and in creating new hardware that draws a line in the sand and demands developers cross it to create bold new experiences.

Speaking at the Future Of Gaming event, Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained: “You’ve seen our most striking console design yet […]. At PlayStation we believe in generational transitions and we put years of work into making them happen. We want you to enjoy the unique benefits of moving from one generation to the next.”

TWO’S COMPANY