PlayStation 5 hardware revealed

In the closing moments of their ‘PS5 - the future of gaming’ livestream, Sony unveiled the hardware design of the upcoming PlayStation 5 console. Alongside this was another look at the new DualSense controller, as well as the introduction of additional accessories: a 3D camera, a revision to the Pulse wireless headset, and a new media remote.

The console itself is a departure from the more angular sensibilities seen in the various PS4 versions, and instead harkens back to the PS3’s beveled exterior. Matte white is the primary colour, with this and black accents ensuring a clear design language stemming across to the DualSense controller and other accessories.

In what seems to be the most divisive moment of the livestream, new console designs can often split the fanbase. Social media has already played host to some less-than-favourable comparisons to internet routers and the tower of Sauron. PlayStation are known for taking inspiration from skyscrapers when it comes to their console form factors, but perhaps they’ve instead spent a bit too long wandering the fields of Middle-earth.

The inclusion of the new PS camera is notable simply for the fact that it highlights the absence of PlayStation’s most transformative peripheral: PS VR. Rumours of a hardware revision to this Oculus Rift competitor have been swirling for some time, and this may well hint towards a looming reveal. Similarly, the Wiimote-like media remote might give some hint to the design language of revised VR controllers, though it is unlikely that the media remote itself will be functional within games.

It’s important to note that a price tag was not revealed for the console - a stark contrast to the proceedings of the PS4 showing at E3 2013. While this is likely down to the economic uncertainty as a result of COVID-19, it doesn’t do much to calm the concerns that the PS5 will see a significant price hike over its predecessor’s RRP.

While all had seemed quiet on the PlayStation front for quite some time, it remains to be seen if this loud and proud Sony will stick around as the console continues to near release or instead return back to the shadows and wait for competitor Microsoft’s next move. Either way, they have certainly left a lot for gamers to talk about in the meantime.