Console gamers should be plenty familiar with what the PS5 looks like by now, three years after its launch. But it looks like outgoing PlayStation head, Jim Ryan, is getting a unique version of the console, with slight touches that brings back memories from the PS1 days.
Which is probably giving this PlayStation console more credit than it deserves, if I’m being completely honest. The PS5 console itself looks just like the original model, and not the newer and smaller version colloquially called the Slim. The only notable difference is the center bit, which sees the black getting replaced with the PS1 grey. The console covers, or face plates if you prefer, still looks to be the same default white that the PS5 gets anyway.
Sad I won’t be around for #TheGameAwards but I couldn’t pass up the chance to go to Jim Ryan’s thank you party and be around some legends and this one of a kind “Jim Ryan” PS5 with PS1 style. pic.twitter.com/WP7qwtxDI0
— 🎮Yuichi (@InstallBase) December 7, 2023
On the flip side though, the DualSense controller looks a lot more interesting despite it being just a colour change. The entirety of the controller sports the PS1 grey gradient, with one end of the USB-C cable even getting a shell that mimics the original console’s controller connectors. It’s easy to imagine that, if you’re not a fan of the original white and black two-tone, a more uniform grey would be more your thing. Even the PlayStation button comes in rainbow hues like the original.
The image of this special edition PS5 was shared by a PlayStation staffer who was present for Ryan’s farewell party. On his post on X, previously Twitter, there were other curios which were less eye-catching, and probably much less valuable, such as a cookie with Ryan’s face printed on it.
Jim Ryan will be retiring as head of PlayStation come March of 2024, after just about 30 years with the video games brand. The announcement was first made back in September, with Ryan citing difficulties adjusting to living in Europe and working in the US simultaneously. When that happens, COO and CFO of the alrger Sony Group, Hiroki Totoki, will take over as interim CEO.
(Source: @InstallBase / X)
