Last week Sony finally unveiled the design of the PlayStation 5, which was bold and unexpected for a number of reasons. While fans had prepared themselves for a white console based on the color scheme of the DualSense PS5 controller, few could have predicted how unusual the console would look.
However, a trailer showcasing the PS5 design doesn't fully give a sense of how the console will look. Fans can somewhat gauge how tall and big the console is based on the promo shot featuring the PS5 next to its accessories, but it still doesn't compare to a live photo.
While it is unconfirmed, the first photo of the PlayStation 5 may have leaked. It shows three men wearing Sony uniforms standing on what appears to be a factory floor, with one holding the PS5 up for the camera.
Unfortunately, the PS5 photo only offers a side (profile?) of the console, which makes it impossible to see its more unique features. From the side, the PS5 looks like a typical console form factor of a big rectangle.
That being said, in the hands of a live person, the PS5 looks substantially larger than any of the past consoles that Sony has designed. In the photo, it appears to be almost the size of the man on the left's torso, which suggests it could be massive. Context is everything when it comes to the photo, though, so it's also possible that the PS5 is smaller then some expect. There is nothing meant to give a sense of scale.
Given the power inside of the PlayStation 5, the larger design makes sense. It gives the next-gen console more room for cooling and venting to ensure that the hardware stays within reasonable temperatures. Unlike past consoles, the PS5 is like a mini-PC so the biggest the case the less the risk of overheating.
One of the biggest issues with the PS4 and PS4 Pro is its ability to dissipate heat. Many PS4 Pro owners are probably familiar with the sound of the PS4 Pro fan, which can sound like a jet engine while trying to run demanding games like The Last of Us Part 2. If the size is Sony's way of overcompensating and ensuring the console is quiet, then fans likely won't mind clearing out a little extra space in their entertainment center.
Of course, this all assumes that the photo of the PS5 is real. This could easily be a fake meant to build excitement for the console and generate discussion about its size. It's unlikely that Sony will show the console in the wild for a while, especially because Sony's live events have been put on hold, so this may be one of the few chances to actually see the PS5 in someone's hands.
Source: Resetera