The PlayStation 5 sports many differences to its last-generation counterpart, and one that’s especially noticeable is the fact that the PS5 is much bigger than its predecessors. This has sparked speculation over whether this was an aesthetic design choice, or if new elements of the PS5 console (like its hardware) necessitate a bulkier frame.

Although Sony hasn’t revealed all the details about its next-gen console – including its price or the exact date of its release – it is clear that there’s a specific reason behind the need for a larger PlayStation console. While gamers may take some time (and some improvements in entertainment center design) to get used to a larger body, if they want more powerful consoles going forward, a bulkier design seems like it will be required.

The PlayStation 5 isn’t releasing until this year’s holiday season, so the exact dimensions of the console aren’t known at the moment. But with many gamers excited to play games with crisper graphics and smoother gameplay, it’s doubtful that an aesthetic choice will dissuade many shoppers from adding the console to their holiday shopping list.

Some gamers may be surprised by the sheer size of the PlayStation 5. Though the trend in technology is usually that devices or consoles tend to get smaller as the generations progress, the PS5 is an outlier. Rather than being small or slimmer than its predecessors, the PS5 sports a clunkier design. But there’s a good reason for it: thermal casings. Since the PS5 is much more powerful than its previous generation’s counterpart, it requires a larger thermal casing in order to accommodate the increase in power. A larger thermal casing then makes the overall console bulkier, explaining the PS5’s new look.

Matt MacLaurin, the VP of UX Design at PlayStation, touched on the subject over LinkedIn after an inquisitive comment questioned the PS5’s size. “The performance in the PS4 was amazing. Why make the new product bigger and bulkier?” the person asked. To this, MacLaurin replied in the comments, “Thermals. This gen is little supercomputers. While the 7nm process delivers amazing heat performance for the power, the power is very extreme.” He added, “This tech is still so fresh it throws a lot of heat, so we need room to dissipate.”



Reactions to the PlayStation 5’s design have been mixed – some folks love the futuristic look of the PS5, while others preferred the simplicity of older generations. Luckily, MacLaurin confirmed there will be lots of opportunities for gamers to customize their consoles. “Customization with special editions will be beyond anything seen before,” he added. “Someone mocked up a wooden one on Reddit and it look[ed] crazy good.”

It’s not only the console itself that is getting a bulkier design. The PS5’s new controller – the DualSense – also sports a larger look that the DualShock controller for the PS4. From photos alone, it appears the DualSense is bulkier than predecessors and also has a futuristic aesthetic, therefore matching the PlayStation 5 perfectly. Players will also notice that the angle of the hand triggers as well as the grip are both different in the new model. Though both the PlayStation 5 and its DualSense controller have a bigger design than older models, they will make up for it in their upgraded and more powerful hardware that will enhance players' gaming experience, and hopefully won't overheat in the process.

Posted: Jul 06, 2020 8:08 am
Last Updated: Sep 01, 2020 1:40 pm
Related Forum: PlayStation Forum