A YouTuber channeled his distaste for the PS5’s design into slick console covers
#PS5 #BoxPlates #console covers #design modification #Devyn Johnston #The Verge #Xbox One S #gaming accessories
📌 Key Takeaways
- Devyn Johnston created BoxPlates, snap-on covers that transform the PS5's curvy design into a flat aesthetic.
- The BoxPlates are priced at $89.99 and are available for purchase, targeting users dissatisfied with the PS5's appearance.
- The design of BoxPlates incorporates elements reminiscent of the Xbox One S/X, offering a more minimalist look.
- The PS5's original design has been polarizing since its 2020 release, with critics describing it as a 'robotic clam'.
- Johnston, a small form factor PC enthusiast, developed BoxPlates as a personal project to address his distaste for the PS5's design.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Gaming Hardware, Product Design, Consumer Modifications
📚 Related People & Topics
Xbox One
Home video game console
The Xbox One is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. Announced in May 2013, it is the successor to Xbox 360 and the third console in the Xbox series. It was first released in North America, parts of Europe, Australia, and South America in November 2013 and in Japan, China, and other Eur...
The Verge
American technology news and media website
The Verge is an online American technology news publication headquartered in Lower Manhattan, New York City and operated by Vox Media. The website publishes news, feature stories, guidebooks, product reviews, consumer electronics news, and podcasts. The website was launched on November 1, 2011 and u...
Entity Intersection Graph
No entity connections available yet for this article.
Mentioned Entities
Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it highlights how consumer dissatisfaction with product design can create market opportunities for third-party accessories. It affects PlayStation 5 owners who dislike the console's aesthetics, entrepreneurs looking for niche markets in the gaming industry, and Sony's potential response to aftermarket modifications. The story demonstrates how individual creators can successfully address design complaints that major corporations might ignore, potentially influencing future console designs from manufacturers who observe consumer preferences through such modifications.
Context & Background
- The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 with a distinctive white-and-black curved design that received mixed reactions from consumers and critics
- Third-party console modifications have existed for decades, ranging from cosmetic skins to functional cooling solutions and custom cases
- Microsoft's Xbox consoles have traditionally featured more rectangular, boxy designs compared to Sony's more experimental PlayStation aesthetics
- The gaming accessories market was valued at over $4 billion in 2023 and continues to grow with customization products
- Small form factor PC enthusiasts like Devyn Johnston often create custom solutions when commercial products don't meet their design preferences
What Happens Next
Other creators will likely develop competing PS5 cover designs at various price points, potentially leading to a broader market for console customization. Sony may respond by officially licensing third-party plates or releasing their own alternative designs, especially if BoxPlates gains significant market traction. The success of BoxPlates could inspire similar modification products for other electronics with polarizing designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
BoxPlates are $89.99 snap-on covers that replace the PS5's original curved side panels with flat, rectangular plates. They fundamentally change the console's appearance from curvy to boxy without requiring technical modifications, simply attaching over the existing structure.
Some PS5 owners strongly dislike the original design and want their expensive gaming console to better match their home entertainment setup aesthetics. The investment represents a fraction of the console's total cost for those who prioritize visual harmony in their living spaces.
No, BoxPlates appear to be an independent third-party product not officially licensed by Sony. This raises potential questions about warranty implications, though snap-on covers typically don't void warranties if they don't require console disassembly.
The BoxPlates design incorporates the rectangular, minimalist aesthetic of Xbox One S/X consoles, appealing to users who prefer Microsoft's more conservative design language over Sony's experimental approach.
If BoxPlates sells well, Sony might notice consumer preference for more traditional designs and potentially offer official alternative plates or consider different aesthetics for future PlayStation models. However, Sony has historically maintained distinctive designs as brand identifiers.
Source Scoring
Detailed Metrics
Key Claims Verified
Widely discussed in gaming media and user communities since its release.
The exact quote is found in Andrew Webster's PS5 review published on The Verge in November 2020.
The BoxPlates official website confirms Devyn Johnston as the creator and the price of $89.99.
Visual evidence on the BoxPlates website and numerous reviews clearly demonstrate this aesthetic transformation.
Visual comparison of BoxPlates with Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One S/X consoles shows clear aesthetic similarities (angular, flat design).