# **YouTuber Addresses PlayStation 5’s Major Design Oversight with Custom Mod**
When Sony launched the PlayStation 5 (PS5) over four years back, opinions within the gaming community were sharply divided. The PS5 introduced a striking, futuristic look with its white, curved design—an aesthetic that ignited passionate discussions among fans. While some embraced the console’s distinctive appearance, others critiqued its asymmetrical form, especially in a horizontal position.
With the arrival of the PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony has maintained this design choice, facing continued backlash. Nevertheless, hardware modder and YouTuber **Devyn Johnston** has stepped in to tackle what he sees as **”the most significant design flaw”** of the PS5.
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## **The Issue: PS5’s Asymmetrical Design**
A prevalent grievance regarding the PS5 is its **clumsy horizontal positioning**. Unlike earlier PlayStation versions, the PS5 does not rest evenly when placed sideways because of its curved build. This has left many users dissatisfied, favoring a more conventional, symmetrical design.
Johnston contends that the asymmetry of the console renders it **aesthetically unappealing** and **less stable** in a horizontal layout. To remedy this, he utilized Sony’s built-in customization option: **the removable side panels**.
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## **The Fix: Custom “BoxPlates”**
Johnston’s approach involved **redesigning the outer casing of the PS5** to achieve a more balanced and visually pleasing look. His custom modification, named **”BoxPlates,”** replaces the original side panels with a new design that imparts a more structured, symmetrical profile to the console.
### **The Process**
Johnston’s development encompassed several crucial phases:
1. **3D Scanning the PS5**
– By employing a **Creality CR-Scan Raptor**, a precise 3D scanner, Johnston captured the exact shape of the PS5.
– This enabled him to pinpoint the exact locations of the mounting clips for the updated panels.
2. **Achieving the Perfect Fit**
– Multiple attempts were necessary to **correctly align the clips** and guarantee that the new panels fit together perfectly without gaps or misalignment.
3. **Prototyping and Production**
– After finalizing the design, Johnston **3D-printed prototypes** to evaluate the new appearance and functionality.
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## **The New Design: Combining Elements of PS4 and Xbox One S**
Johnston’s custom panels draw inspiration from both the **PlayStation 4** and **Xbox One S**:
– A **”sandwich-like” structure** surrounds the console’s top and bottom, yielding a more cohesive shape.
– The **glossy black front panel** with USB ports stays visible, preserving the PS5’s iconic style.
– The **ventilation design** mimics that of the Xbox One S, enhancing airflow and heat management.
However, Johnston admits that the ventilation design might require adjustments before it can be marketed to sidestep potential **legal complications with Microsoft**.
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## **Acquiring the BoxPlates**
For those keen on elevating their PS5’s appearance, Johnston has made the **BoxPlates open for pre-order** on his website, **[DevynPC](https://store.devynpc.com/products/boxplates?variant=51073085505809)**.
– **Price:** $85 USD (around €82)
– **Compatibility:** Suitable for both the standard PS5 and PS5 Pro
– **Customization:** Buyers can select from a variety of colors
Nonetheless, Johnston has not provided **DIY guidelines** for those who aspire to create the mod independently.
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## **Conclusion: A User-Created Remedy for Sony’s Design Decision**
Although Sony continues to uphold the PS5’s original design, Johnston’s **BoxPlates mod** presents a sleek choice for gamers who prefer a more classic aesthetic. His initiative exemplifies the influence of **community-driven creativity**, demonstrating that even significant design shortcomings can be effectively addressed through innovation and technical skill.
Whether Sony will draw inspiration from modifications like this in future console designs is yet to be determined. For now, Johnston’s **custom PS5 panels** offer a stylish and functional fix for gamers who desire their console to look as fantastic as it performs.