Sony and Microsoft's next-generation consoles have been notoriously hard to come by since launching in November. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X supplies have each fallen victim to numerous issues, including scalpers and manufacturing shortages on account of the coronavirus pandemic, but both companies have assured they are working on ramping up production for 2021. Thus, many prospective buyers are likely wondering whether they have the space available to store their future consoles.
This question is not unfounded given the PS5 is the biggest console in modern video game history, which plenty of individuals and companies have been quick to poke fun at since it was first unveiled to the public. However, Swedish furnishing giant IKEA has apparently thrown its hat into the ring by using a clever stand-in product to assist its customers with purchasing decisions and call out Sony in one fell swoop.
Reddit user TomaccoTastesLikeGma posted an image of PS5 and Xbox Series X cardboard recreations they say were discovered in an IKEA to r/gaming Sunday. The two models have size measurements on all sides so people know how much space is needed to store each one, but the PS5 also includes a pointed jab at Sony's design. It says, "Which IKEA media storage unit will be able to fit my new, meme-ishly oversized, gaming console?"
"Which IKEA media storage unit will be able to fit my new, meme-ishly oversized, game console?" from gaming
TomaccoTastesLikeGma assures multiple commenters that these cardboard recreations are real and from IKEA, and it does make sense to market products like "media storage units" by proving they can hold the latest console models - regardless of their unusual size or shape. This wouldn't be the first time the furnishing company has delved into video game culture, as last year IKEA Taiwan released an Animal Crossing-themed furniture catalog for 2021.
While the image has gained traction in r/gaming via this post, which has over 60,000 upvotes and 1,000 comments as of this writing, it was also shared by Funhaus/Rooster Teeth writer, producer, and actor Elyse Willems on Twitter, who credits an Imgur user named JFP1. The official Xbox Twitter account responded to this with a couple of jokes prominently using extra characters and marks such as umlauts to emulate a Swedish tone.
Despite its size and seeming lack of availability, reports suggest the PS5 shipped more units in one month than any other PlayStation console, and the Xbox Series X has similarly broken records for Microsoft alongside its cheaper equivalent the Xbox Series S. As more people move into the new console generation, no doubt IKEA's use of cardboard PS5 and Xbox Series X models will help many looking to create the perfect home media center.
Source: Imgur