The Size Of The PlayStation 5 Is A Result Of The Console’s Cooling Fan, Sony Explains

While internally the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 only contrast slightly in the scope of the system’s technological architecture and the outcomes & performance of both machines, the two are very similar altogether. But what really brakes the comparison between the two is the size of both units. While the next Xbox is thick in comparison to its predecessor, the PlayStation 5 both towers and exceeds the width of its older sibling.

However, Sony does share that the decision to create such a large device for commercial use is based on the cooling system mostly. When discussing the matters with Japanese technology outlet Nikkei Xtech, Sony’s Otori Yasuhiro  elaborates that the design and scale was decided after the components for the hardware was already assembled.

Yasuhiro did tell that Sony did have the option to create a smaller unit if incorporating two smaller fans, but ultimately the firm went with the 120 millimeter-sized fan.

It was possible to develop the PlayStation 5 to be smaller. For example, by implementing two cooling fans, one for side A and side B, the PlayStation 5 size would have been reduced.

However, there is naturally an additional cost associated with having two fans. Additionally, controlling the functionality of two fans is more difficult than just one. With these additional obstacles in mind, we decided to cool both sides of the main board with one, large fan.

Otori Yasuhiro, PlayStation 5 Mechanical and Thermal Design Team Lead

In the interview, Yasuhiro did mention that the decision to include two fans would also add more to the console’s production fee which looks to be why there is only one in the system. Additionally, Sony was already told to be struggling back in February with the scarcity for certain cooling components. So if the firm decided to opt-in for the two fans, the console’s release might have been pushed beyond 2020 if not enough components were readied for production.

In future reference, the proposed design for a smaller unit could perhaps be recycled for the newer PlayStation 5 iteration – assuming Sony does follow suit alike with the PlayStation 4 Pro. Microsoft already confirmed that the team will be reiterating on its Xbox hardware following the Xbox Series X.

Sony this past week shared more on the PlayStation 5 offering a first look at the UI Interface for the next-generation device. Not only that, but also confirmed that the new PlayStation Store will be fully integrated into the console this time around. You can read the full report by heading here.

What do you think about the large size of the PlayStation 5?

PlayStation 5 is set to arrive on November 12, 2020 and November 19, 2020.

Source: Video Game Chronicles