Unboxing the PS5: contents of the package, size, controller
By: Kostas Farkonas
Tags: Gaming, Playstation 5, Videogames, PlayStation, Sony

The PS5 is less than two weeks away from launch and yours truly was among the few journalists selected to test it prior to its release mid-November. There are “embargo milestones” attached to that privilege, though, so specific things only can be published about Sony’s system for now. A quick unboxing story with a few photographs will have to do until first impressions regarding the PS5 are allowed, then impressions about the new DualSense controller leading to a full, comprehensive review of the new PlayStation a few days later. So, on with the snaps!

The PS5 package is minimal in design and keen on underlining its support to advanced display technologies (Image credit: Road to NextGen 2020)

The PS5 packaging is rather large because, well, the system itself is big. The 8K, 4K/120 and HDR logos feature prominently alongside the system’s main photo — at the bottom, one can also find the DTS HD Audio and Dolby Audio logos but not the Dolby Vision logo. Hhhhmmmm…

After all the protective compartments of the packaging are removed this is what you’ll be left with, which is perfectly acceptable (Image credit: Road to NextGen 2020)

Here’s what’s included in the packaging: the PS5 itself, a power supply cable (the PSU is thankfully incorporated in the system’s case), the DualSense controller, a USB-A to USB-C cable (for charging the controller), an HDMI 2.1 cable (supporting 8K and 4K/120), the multi-functional base and a couple of brief manuals.

So the rumors were true and the videos were not kidding: the PS5 really is an imposing device despite its elegant design. (Image credit: Road to NextGen 2020)

This is the PS5 (without its base attached) compared to a PS4 Pro. Yes, it is considerably bigger as well as heavier. The whole back of the former is used to exhaust hot air from the inside, so it’s a given that placing it close to a wall would not be a good idea.

The new DualSense controller is also bigger in size but that seems to be a good thing ergonomically speaking (Image credit: Road to NextGen 2020)

The DualSense is also bigger than a DualShock4 and somewhat heavier but even before using it, one can tell that it’s also a better controller overall. Its grip is firmer, hands wrap around it in a more ergonomic way and gamers with big hands will like it way more than the DS4 because of the increased size. It’s very well-built and the plastics used feel more premium than the ones used in past DualShocks. The Road to NextGen 2020 will publish far more detailed impressions of the DualSense soon.

The PS5 does not look that big in this photo until one realizes that this is a 65-inch TV it’s standing in front of (Image credit: Road to NextGen 2020)

In its vertical orientation the PS5 does indeed look cool, especially if the room it’s placed in is arranged in a way that complements its size and overall design. The ideal place for it would probably be in a big enough living room standing alongside a huge TV. The color of the “wings” of its case is not as white as Sony’s press photos or these photos imply. They sport more of a matte cream-colored surface that does not reflect natural light. Since they are detachable and can already be replaced with different ones, the whole “modern or not in white” debate back in June regarding the PS5’s design looks kind of pointless now, no?

This is how most of us will use Sony’s new home entertainment system and… yeap. Still imposing. (Image credit: Road to NextGen 2020)

Standing upright the PS5 is all modern and stylish, sure, but most of us will probably be using it in the traditional horizontal orientation. That is less impressive than the vertical one but it’s no less futuristic thanks, again, to the shape and bold lines of those detachable “wings”. The rest of the case, the black part, is quite shiny and contrasts well with the matte “wings”, but one suspects that dust will show on its surface quickly enough (another piece of equipment in need of frequent dusting then). It’s hard to imagine that in matte black, though, as it’s the shiny surface that helps the PS5 project that high-tech image to begin with.

More on the PlayStation5 will appear in Road to NextGen 2020 stories over the next two weeks. The rather comprehensive PS5 FAQ published there — containing answers to all the important questions anyone could have regarding Sony’s system — will also be regularly updated as more details about it are allowed by the embargo dates set. Stay tuned!