If you’ve ever laid your PlayStation 5 on its side, you might have noticed that its asymmetric design isn’t exactly the most visually appealing. The console’s sleek, futuristic look is somewhat lost when placed horizontally, relying on small plastic feet to maintain stability. But what if there were a better way to integrate both form and function?
Enter Devyn Johnston, a YouTuber and hardware enthusiast determined to refine the PS5’s design. With experience in building small form factor PCs and even collaborating with Thor Zone on an upcoming case—Johnston set out to create replacement panels that seamlessly enhance the PS5’s aesthetic and functionality.
Using a $1,500 Creality CR-Scan Raptor 3D scanner, Johnston carefully analyzed the PS5’s existing cover panels, mapping out the exact placement of its clips to ensure a perfect fit. He acknowledged that it took multiple iterations to get the clip positions just right, but the result was worth it.
His redesign draws inspiration from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One S. The PS4’s sandwich-style design, which wraps the console’s top and bottom while exposing the glossy black front panel, played a key role in shaping his vision. Meanwhile, the brutalist venting pattern from the Xbox One S influenced the cooling system, improving airflow to help dissipate heat more efficiently.
Once the design was finalized, Johnston 3D printed his custom panels, testing them in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The first set featured a sleek silver and black color scheme, though he noted that other color combinations are also possible.
His meticulous attention to detail has sparked interest among gamers, and since releasing his video, he has been gauging demand for a mass-produced version of the custom panels. In a recent update, Johnston revealed that he is in discussions with manufacturers to refine the design for both the original PS5 and the Slim edition. To avoid potential legal issues, he also plans to redesign the ventilation pattern to ensure it doesn’t infringe on Microsoft’s Xbox design patents.
