PS5 Colors Set for Launch, but Special Editions May Be Released in the Future

Much has been said about the look of the PlayStation 5 since the console design was unveiled during a digital Sony event in early June. Some fans have responded very positively to the radical departure of what we usually associate with PlayStation consoles — darker colors, a more rectangular shape, a more subtle appearance overall — while others have questioned why Sony took this particular curvy route.

PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan explained the thought process behind the design in an interview with CNET: “We wanted to do something that was bold and daring almost. We wanted something forward facing and future facing, something for the 2020s.”

Certainly, the PS5 looks unlike any console ever released before, with some on Twitter pointing out that it looks closer to a PC tower designed by Alienware or a modem/router. Personally, I really like the design, particularly the white shell with blue lighting, but agree that the console looks a little awkward when lying flat.

The shape of the console isn’t the only thing up for debate, though. Fans want to know more about the colors, too. Will Sony release alternate versions of the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition with different color schemes? Will there be an all-black version of the PS5 or a “PlayStation 5 Spider-Man Edition” to tie into the release of Spider-Man: Miles Morales?

So far, the answer is no, according to CNET. The outlet reports that Ryan confirmed “the white-and-black version of the PS5 will be the launch color combination.”

But, according to PlayStation VP of UX Design Matt MacLaurin, special editions of the console are coming in the future.

“While this is the flagship/reference, you can count on even more beautiful (and hopefully radical) special editions,” MacLaurin revealed in a now-deleted LinkedIn thread (via The Verge).

MacLaurin mentioned PS5 special editions while answering questions about the next-gen console’s redesigned UI. He also commented on people’s reactions to the PS5 console design, reassuring members in the LinkedIn thread that there were would be opportunities to customize the look of the PS5 at a later date.

“As we say in the industry, ‘this design has a strong opinion’ so it’s okay if not everyone loves it. Customization with special editions will be beyond anything seen before. Someone mocked up a wooden one on Reddit and it look crazy good.”

The fact that the LinkedIn thread has since been taken down suggests that MacLaurin may have revealed more information about future PS5 variants than Sony was prepared to announce. Either way, MacLaurin’s confirmation that special edition versions of the PS5 will be coming down the line should be music to the ears of fans who have been asking for alternate skins and color schemes for the console since the June reveal.

Artist BossLogic made headlines after the reveal event when he posted a mock-up of what he imagined a Spider-Man: Miles Morales special edition PS5 could look like. He also created a mock-up for an all-black PS5. They’re both pretty impressive:

For now, fans shouldn’t expect any other official PS5 colors besides the white-and-black palette that Sony unveiled. But MacLaurin’s comments suggest that this might change after the console’s launch this holiday.

We’ll keep you posted when we hear more.