The wait is over!
As I frantically mashed on the F5 key while staring at my tracking page, the doorbell rang. Steff opened the door to a delivery person wielding a giant box for me. My PlayStation 5 got here on launch day!
As of writing, it’s 2:09 PM. I could be playing it right now. Instead, I will share the unboxing experience with you! Let’s crack this thing open!
In case you’re wondering, here’s what the back of the box looks like. 825 GB is a weird number to advertise. I initially thought it was a 1 TB and they advertised the actual usable space, but it turns out that the full drive is actually 825 GB, of which 667 GB is actually usable. That’s like, five Call of Duty games at this point. Resolving the potential storage shortage is an issue for another day. Let’s keep going!
Taking off the outer sleeve, you’re met with a solid white box with a small PlayStation logo on the side. I like the slick look of the box. Pretty sure the PlayStation Classic is packed in the same way, but we don’t have to go back there.
Unlatching the top, there’s a tray that contains the manual, power cable, USB-C cable, the stand, and a DualSense controller. We’ll look at the controller first.
The DualSense controller features the same general layout as past DualShock controllers, but its overall silhouette is a departure of sorts. Its hand grips are more curvaceous than the DualShock 4 or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, giving it a more rounded look.
It’s hard to see in this picture, but the prongs at the end have a flat face, versus the rounded prongs on the DualShock 4. No idea just yet if that makes a tangible difference in usability, but it’s something worth noting.
One of my major pet peeves with the DualShock 4 is that the plastic on the analog sticks were terrible. The smooth surface made my thumbs prone to slipping off and the plastic on both sticks have been torn to shreds. On the DualSense, the plastic is textured to provide better grip while also having a thicker outer rim. It also feels like the plastic on the DualSense is a bit more rugged. Really hoping these hold up to standard wear-and-tear!
The DualSense does not feature an obnoxiously-large light on the back. Instead, the light appears as a border around the touchpad.
Another pet peeve of mine when it comes to the DualShock 4 were its buttons along the top. The triggers felt a little loose to me and both of my DualShock 4 controllers have issues where R1 and R2 routinely get stuck.
Too early to report on their durability, but I do like the feel of the new shoulder buttons and triggers. The shoulder buttons have a bit more tension to them while also seemingly having a slightly longer throw. The shoulder buttons also jut out a bit more. Also, all of the triggers and shoulder buttons are larger on the DualSense than its predecessor.
Don’t mind the felt particles in this zoomed-in photo, but I wanted to show the texture on the underside of the controller. It’s actually the PlayStation symbols! One wouldn’t notice unless they were in optimal lighting and were actively looking for it, but it’s a nice touch!
The most curious piece of the package is the stand. You will need this regardless of what orientation you plan on using the console. Horizontally, the console does not sit flush with a flat surface and will wobble. Vertically, its sleight footprint makes it prone to tipping over with light force. Make sure to properly install it before you play!
When mounted horizontally, the clips are rotated to be perpendicular with the grip pads of the stand. You then attach the clips to the bottom panel of the PlayStation 5, aligning the clips with the X symbols.
When mounted vertically, you’ll rotate the clips so that it aligns with the pads. From there, you’ll clip the stand to the bottom and use the attached screw to lock it into the base of the console. Yes, you will need a flathead screwdriver to complete this part. And yes, you need to attach the screw. While the console can stand without the screw, the console will easily slide off of it with any sort of force from behind. Screw it in!
Here is a look at the console in its horizontal mode. The curves on this console look very striking.
Here’s a close-up look at the disc drive and a few of the ports on the front. It’s one USB-C port and one USB 2.0 port on the front. There are also two USB 3.0 ports on the back. While we’re here, it’s also worth noting that the black plastic is very shiny, very prone to fingerprints, and very prone to collecting dust. You’ll probably want to wipe this down regularly to keep its luster!
Between the two white panels and the shiny black plastic are vents that line all the way around the console. Certainly a different approach to the Xbox Series X, where all of the heat is dissipated through one giant vent at the top. I have a lot more confidence in Microsoft’s solution, but I hope the PlayStation 5 doesn’t have any issues with overheating.
The inside of the consoles panels also feature the symbols embossed on them. Again, neat touch!
Finally, here’s the console in its vertical orientation. Though I greatly prefer consoles lying down, I do not have the desk space for that due to how big this console is. More on that in a sec. Instead, I have reinstalled a shelf on my desk meant for computer towers to accommodate and it will stand tall going forward.
Here’s a look at the console from an angle. Again, its angular design makes for an…interesting-looking console. At the very least, no one will criticize it for looking boring. 
A closer look at the vents that run all the way around the console. Again, hoping this is a good enough solve for whatever heat this thing generates!
One last look at the console. This time, standing shoulder-to-head with the PlayStation 4. The PlayStation 5 is really a monster in size by comparison. Odds are, many will have to rethink their desks and media setups to accommodate for how much larger this thing is compared to other consoles, cable boxes, or DVD players. I had to reinstall a shelf meant for desktop towers onto my desk to make this fit within my setup!
For everyone that got a launch day PlayStation 5, congratulations! I will join in you in playing games all day momentarily. For everyone else who wants one but hasn’t gotten one just yet, I hope it makes all of your dreams come true when you finally take the plunge.
Let the next generation of consoles begin!
Ok, technically, it started with the Series X and S a few days ago, but I digress. Game on!
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In Third Person 
It looks so good! It is so big but it is very exciting that you have it. I hope you have lots of fun with this new console.
Did you get your new Xbox yet?
It arrived on Tuesday but we only set it up last night because of work shifts. I’ve not had time to try to play anything on it yet (why does real life not appreciate console release excitement?).
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