After over a year of speculation, Sony has finally confirmed PlayStation 5 will be getting faceplates and covers, alongside a host of new PS5 DualSense colors. Since the PS5 released in 2020, fans have wondered whether or not Sony would release different faceplates to allow users to change up the standard white console, with many resorting to unofficial clip-on plates in lieu of official options.
The PS5 is the first Sony console to launch in a color other than black since the original PlayStation. While many have praised its design, others have taken issue with not just how dirty the console can get, but also its DualSense controllers. PlayStation players have been able to acquire red and black DualSense controllers for some time now, but doing so has meant they no longer match the console itself. Many have thought the release of the colored DualSenses pointed to the release of faceplates, something which was hinted at last month in a Sony PS5 patent.
Announcing the news on the PlayStation Blog, Sony has revealed a total of four new console covers, allowing using to transform their PS5 console into Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Nova Pink, Galactic Purple, or Starlight Blue. The black and red faceplates match the previously-released DualSense colors, and the new pink, purple, and blue will also get matching DualSense releases. According to the blog, console covers will become available starting in January 2022, while the Nova Pink, Galactic Purple, and Starlight Blue PS5 console covers are expected in the first half of 2022. The covers are priced at $54.99 each. PS5 owners can expect the new DualSense colors to release around the same time, though Sony warns that release dates may vary by location.
Many expected Sony to launch new faceplates for the PS5 after taking legal action against unofficial versions. Following the launch of the PS5, some retailers began selling their own versions of PS5 covers, something which Sony didn't ignore. Similar to the unofficial designs, the new and official faceplates, according to the company, will reportedly click into place, and will be available for both disc and digital versions of the console.
PS5 gamers have been waiting a long time for customization options for their consoles, and it's very possible that the first wave of faceplates is just the beginning. Sony may release limited-edition faceplates in a similar way to limited-release consoles which celebrate the launch of certain games. Along with new color additions, fans are likely to see designs and patterns sometime in the future, though it's not clear what PS5 players can expect from customization options, or when.
Source: PlayStation Blog