The PlayStation 5, a beacon of next-generation gaming, launched in 2020 with a design that was, to put it mildly, polarizing. From the moment Sony first unveiled its radical aesthetic, the gaming world was divided. Critics and fans alike grappled with its imposing size, the prominent white “wings,” and the sweeping, organic curves that defied traditional console silhouettes. Andrew Webster of The Verge famously, and perhaps endearingly, dubbed it a “robotic clam” in his initial review. For many, the console felt less like a sleek piece of modern technology and more like a sculptural statement, often struggling to integrate seamlessly into existing entertainment setups. Its sheer scale and unconventional form factor invited comparisons to everything from internet routers to futuristic spaceships, making it an undeniable focal point in any room it occupied. While some gamers eventually grew accustomed to, or even appreciative of, its audacious look over the nearly six years since its debut, a significant portion remained unconvinced, longing for a more understated or traditionally elegant design. This enduring sentiment of dissatisfaction laid the groundwork for a creative solution born out of pure design frustration.
Among those who simply could not reconcile with the PS5’s original aesthetic was Devyn Johnston, a dedicated small form factor (SFF) PC enthusiast. Johnston’s background in SFF PC building speaks volumes about his design philosophy: a preference for clean lines, efficient use of space, and a functional aesthetic that prioritizes subtlety and integration over flamboyant expression. For someone deeply immersed in the world of meticulously crafted, compact computing solutions, the PS5’s large, curvaceous, and visually dominant presence was a constant source of irritation. He wasn’t merely indifferent to it; he was so profoundly bothered by it that he channeled his significant technical and design acumen into addressing the issue head-on. Johnston’s frustration wasn’t a fleeting thought but a persistent annoyance that eventually ignited a passion project. He envisioned a PlayStation 5 that could stand proudly alongside other well-designed tech, one that didn’t demand attention but rather exuded a quiet confidence. This personal quest for aesthetic harmony culminated in the creation of BoxPlates, a revolutionary set of snap-on console covers designed to fundamentally transform the PS5’s appearance.
The BoxPlates are more than just cosmetic additions; they represent a complete philosophical overhaul of the PS5’s exterior. Priced at $89.99, these custom covers are engineered to strip away the console’s inherent curviness, replacing it with a decisively flat, angular, and altogether more conventional form factor. The transformation is striking, instantly evoking a sense of familiarity for anyone acquainted with the design language of Microsoft’s Xbox One S or Xbox Series X. This unmistakable infusion of Xbox’s aesthetic translates into a PlayStation 5 that appears less like a futuristic sculpture and more like a robust, functional piece of hardware. Approximately 60 percent of the surface area of both the top and bottom plates features a sophisticated matte finish, available in classic black or a refined gray. This choice of matte material not only contributes to the understated elegance but also offers practical benefits, such as reduced visibility of fingerprints and dust, a common complaint with glossy surfaces.
The remaining sections of the BoxPlates introduce a thoughtful design element: semi-transparent areas punctuated by meticulously crafted slats. These slatted sections are strategically placed, particularly over the console’s critical fan vents. This design choice is far from arbitrary; it serves a dual purpose. Aesthetically, the slats break up the monolithic matte surfaces, adding a layer of visual interest and a subtle hint of the console’s internal workings without exposing them entirely. Functionally, and crucially, these transparent, slatted areas are designed to ensure unimpeded airflow. One of the primary concerns with aftermarket console covers is their potential impact on the system’s thermal performance. Devyn Johnston, with his background in small form factor PCs where thermal management is paramount, clearly prioritized this aspect. The careful integration of these vents ensures that the BoxPlates enhance the console’s appearance without compromising its vital cooling capabilities, allowing the PS5 to maintain optimal operating temperatures even during intense gaming sessions.
Beyond the major aesthetic overhaul, the BoxPlates exhibit a commendable attention to detail in their practical design. Upon installation, they meticulously avoid obstructing any of the PS5’s essential ports, whether located at the front or the rear of the console. This includes access to USB ports, HDMI output, power input, and Ethernet connections, ensuring full functionality remains intact. Similarly, the covers are designed to leave the power button easily accessible and do not completely obscure the console’s power indicator LED. This small but significant detail allows users to still discern the console’s operational status—a subtle glow that, as the original article points out, often reveals a surprising shade of blue beneath the PS5’s original white panels. This meticulous design ensures that the user experience remains seamless and unhindered by the aesthetic modifications.
The installation process for the BoxPlates, while generally straightforward, does require a degree of careful handling. The kit thoughtfully includes a reminder to consult a dedicated YouTube tutorial, an invaluable resource for first-time installers. For anyone who has previously undertaken the task of installing an M.2 SSD into a PS5, the initial step of removing the console’s original curvy side plates will feel familiar, often described as an act of “shucking this giant robotic clam.” This process can be a bit awkward due to the tight fit and the need to apply precise force. Once the original plates are off, attaching the BoxPlates involves aligning their internal pins with the corresponding slots on the console. This stage demands a delicate balance of firmness and finesse; while the plates are designed to snap securely into place, applying excessive or misdirected force could potentially damage the console or the new covers. The reviewer noted needing to “fiddle a little bit to get all of the BoxPlate’s pins clamped, carefully applying force so as not to break anything,” underscoring the importance of patience and following the visual guide provided in the tutorial. The overall build quality of the BoxPlates is reported to be on par with other premium console covers available on the market, offering a robust feel without the tiny etched symbols often found on official or Dbrand alternatives.
One crucial consideration for potential buyers is the BoxPlates’ compatibility. Devyn Johnston’s innovative covers are currently in production for the more recent iterations of Sony’s console: specifically, the PlayStation 5 Slim, available in both disc and digital-only editions, and the much-anticipated PS5 Pro. This focus on newer models suggests either a strategic decision to cater to the latest hardware or perhaps a recognition of the differing dimensions and complexities that would make adapting the design for the original PS5 model prohibitively challenging. Unfortunately, this means that owners of the original, launch-era PS5 models will find themselves excluded from this particular aesthetic upgrade. For these early adopters, the choice remains limited to Sony’s own official colored console covers or the diverse range of designs offered by third-party manufacturers like Dbrand. This limitation is a significant point of differentiation and may influence purchasing decisions for those who have clung to their initial PS5 units. The images provided beautifully showcase the BoxPlates on a PS5 Pro (albeit depicted upside down in one shot, a minor oversight quickly acknowledged), highlighting how seamlessly they integrate with the newer, more compact form factors.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Devyn Johnston’s BoxPlates are worth the $89.99 investment boils down to an individual’s personal aesthetic preferences and, more specifically, their “level of hatred for the PS5’s design.” For those who have spent years tolerating or actively disliking the console’s original curvy, white-winged appearance, these covers offer a genuinely transformative solution. They provide an opportunity to redefine the look and feel of their console, aligning it more closely with a modern, minimalist, and functional design ethos that might better suit their personal taste or living space. If the “robotic clam” analogy resonates with you as a critique rather than an endearment, and if the thought of a sleek, flat, Xbox-inspired PlayStation 5 appeals strongly, then the BoxPlates represent a compelling and, for many, a long-awaited answer to a persistent design dilemma. It’s a testament to the power of individual dissatisfaction driving innovation, proving that sometimes, the best solutions come from those who simply cannot stand the status quo.
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