Unverified image claims to show first look at PS5 on the production line

An unverified image claiming to show a PlayStation 5 console in a factory setting has appeared online.

The image originates from the Resetera forum, where a recognised industry insider has claimed it’s authentic. Analysis of the image also suggests it has not been altered, however VGC has sought clarification from Sony Interactive Entertainment.

If authentic, the image offers some context as to the size of the PlayStation 5 console, which has been heavily debated since its unveiling last week.

The image would also suggest, as expected, that PlayStation 5 is entering its final stages of production. A recent report from Digitimes claimed that PS5 would enter testing this month, and start to be delivered to downstream manufacturers thereafter.

Digitimes said it expects production to peak by August, which would put PS5 on track for its planned launch later this year.

According to earlier fan-created PS5 size comparisons, created based on the PS5’s Blu-ray drive and USB ports, PS5 will be significantly larger than both Xbox Series X and PS4 Pro.

The console’s size and shape is likely influenced by Sony’s intention to improve PS5 cooling and fan noise.

According to Sony’s EVP European business head Simon Rutter, PlayStation has invested a “great deal of effort” in making the PS5’s cooling system less noisy.

And according to a Bloomberg report from earlier this year, Sony has implemented an “unusually expensive” cooling system in PlayStation 5, something which the platform holder has itself previously hinted at.

further reading

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PS5 size: 3D render offers first potential side-on view

Fan creation compares console to Xbox Series X

In a reveal stream watched live by more than seven million people last week, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan called the PS5 hardware “our most striking console design yet.”

The hardware features a two-toned design of black and white, similar to the DualSense controller which was unveiled earlier this year.

PlayStation also announced a Digital Edition PlayStation 5 console will also be available at launch, which sacrifices the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, likely for a lower price point. According to Sony, the experience on both versions of PS5 will otherwise be the same.