There have been countless articles dedicated to the volume and dimensions of Sony’s upcoming PS5. It’s the largest console in modern history according to oblong renderings that fail to take PS5‘s non-rectangular shape into account. The most popular of these articles were written before review units landed and/or were possibly too willing to add to the ‘PlayStation is massive’ narrative that had gained momentum.
Upstanding System
PlayStation 5 is far from the first machine to be derided for its size. Atari’s 5200, Microsoft’s Xbox and Xbox One and Sony’s own PS3 all took flak for their bulk in their time. All bar one were stuck in a horizontal orientation giving them a permanently large footprint.
Microsoft’s original Xbox’s rectangular size was said to be a factor in turning Japanese consumers away from the brand before it even released. While this may be just one minor reason of many for Xbox’s failure in Japan, it can’t be ignored.
PlayStation 3’s ability to turn on its side is a major advantage for consoles on the larger side. One that Sony was certain take into consideration when designing PlayStation 5. TechStomper editor Thomas Telford wrote a piece on the rationale behind Sony’s decision to size PS5 as it did.
PlayStation 5 – A Unit for Your TV Unit
It’s easy to stand an object on a table and marvel at how much bigger it is than something something else. The beast looming over a camera makes for a impressive shot but placing it in its natural habitat is often a different story.
Many gamers use their living rooms to indulge their habit. A substantial number of us have TV stands or units which contain a space (or multiple spaces) for Blu-ray players, amplifiers and other consumer electronics. That space happens to be shaped and sized like PlayStation 5. It’s not surprising that Sony know what they are doing when it comes to slotting things under or around a television.
Xbox Series X is a more awkward proposition for TV stands or units and for sliding in next to a television. Something that Microsoft has seemingly acknowledged by giving users a longer HDMI cable out of the box.
It’s odd that Microsoft has regressed in this sense. The aforementioned OG Xbox was too tall for many TV units with its bulging centre housing a giant Xbox logo. Microsoft seemed to learn its lesson about furniture for Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
In Practice
Our PlayStation 5 is no more awkward than the slim oblong boxes of yore and will be less awkward than XSX for many. Additionally, PS5 is substantially easier to work with than horizontal-only consoles of the past. Whether it’s sliding into the space left by Blu-ray player or sidling up beside your TV, it will fit somewhere. And that’s what matters, ultimately.
