You've seen them. Those crisp, high-contrast pictures of a PS5 that look like they belong in a futuristic museum. When Sony first dropped the images of the PlayStation 5 back in 2020, people freaked out. It wasn't just a black box anymore. It was this weird, popped-collar architectural statement. But here’s the thing: most of the photos you see online aren't actually what the console looks like when it's sitting on a dusty IKEA desk.
Lighting changes everything. Honestly, in official press renders, the white plastic looks like polished marble. In reality? It’s a slightly textured, matte finish that actually picks up oils from your skin if you touch it too much. If you're looking at shots of the original "fat" model versus the newer Slim, the visual difference is more about the "seam." The original had solid white plates. The Slim version, which arrived in late 2023, has a visible horizontal slit because the plates are now in four pieces. It sounds like a tiny detail, but it totally changes the silhouette in photos.
Why most pictures of a PS5 look fake (Even when they aren't)
Product photography is a lie. Well, sort of. Professional photographers use a technique called focus stacking. They take dozens of pictures of a PS5 at different focal points and mash them together. This makes the entire console look sharp from the front corner all the way to the back vents. Your human eyes don't work like that. When you look at your console at home, parts of it are always slightly out of focus. That’s why the official marketing shots feel "too perfect."
Then there's the blue light. That iconic glow. In many photos, the LED strips look like neon lights from Tron. In a brightly lit room, those LEDs are actually pretty subtle. They pulse blue when booting up, turn white during play, and go orange in rest mode. If you see a photo where the lights are a deep, piercing purple or red, it’s either a custom mod or someone spent way too much time in Adobe Lightroom.
The scale is the other big deceiver. The original PS5 is massive. It's roughly 15.4 inches tall. Most people don't realize how big it is until they see it next to a TV or a Nintendo Switch. Professional shots often use a "hero angle"—shooting from a low perspective to make it look heroic and looming. It works. It makes the tech look powerful. But it also makes it look like it might not fit in your entertainment center, which, for many people, was a real problem.
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Identifying the different models visually
If you’re hunting for a used console or just trying to figure out what you’re looking at, you have to check the middle. The "Fat" PS5 has a glossy black center strip that is a literal magnet for scratches. I'm serious. Use a microfiber cloth or don't touch it at all. The Slim model changed things up. It’s about 30% smaller by volume, but the real giveaway in pictures of a PS5 Slim is that the top half of the plates are glossy while the bottom half are matte. It's a weird stylistic choice that Sony made to differentiate the two.
Then there's the Digital Edition versus the Disc version. This is the easiest spot. The Disc version has a big, asymmetrical "bulge" on one side where the 4K Blu-ray drive lives. The Digital Edition is symmetrical. It looks sleeker, sure, but you're locked into the PlayStation Store. In the newer Slim models, the disc drive is actually removable. You can see a tiny seam where the drive pops off. This was a huge win for repairability, even if it makes the "pictures of a PS5" look a bit more cluttered with extra lines and joints.
The "Pro" problem and visual evolution
Late 2024 changed the game again with the PS5 Pro. If you're looking at pictures of a PS5 Pro, look for the "racing stripes." Instead of the smooth white plates of the original or the single slit of the Slim, the Pro has three distinct black vents running across the middle of the white plates. It looks like a radiator. This isn't just for aesthetics; that machine pulls more power and needs the airflow.
A lot of the "leaked" images that floated around Reddit before the launch were actually 3D renders made by fans based on patent filings. You can usually tell a fake because the proportions are slightly off. Fans tend to make the "fins" at the top more aggressive or sharp. Sony’s actual design is more curved and organic. It’s meant to look like it’s flowing, even though it’s made of hard plastic.
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The reality of the "Black" PS5
Is there a black PS5? Sort of. Sony eventually released "Midnight Black" covers. When you see pictures of a PS5 that is fully black, it’s usually someone who swapped the plates. The actual internal body of the console—the "sandwich" part—is always glossy black. Dark photos of the black plates make the console look way smaller than it actually is. It blends into the shadows. This is why many enthusiasts prefer the black look; it hides the sheer bulk of the machine.
Don't be fooled by the "Special Edition" photos either. The Spider-Man 2 edition or the LeBron James limited edition plates are real, but they are often swapped out by collectors. If you see a PS5 that looks like it’s made of wood or carbon fiber, those are almost certainly vinyl skins. Dbrand and other companies made a whole business out of changing how the PS5 looks because the original white-and-black "Oreo" look was so polarizing.
Why angle matters for airflow
Looking at the back of the console in photos tells a different story. The rear is almost entirely exhaust vents. If you're looking at pictures of a PS5 to decide where to put yours, notice how deep the cables stick out. You can't just measure the console; you have to add about three inches for the HDMI and power cables. A lot of "clean" desk setups on Instagram hide the cables by drilling holes in the desk. Don't expect your home setup to look that clean unless you're ready to get a power drill involved.
- Original Model: Solid plates, very tall, heavy.
- Slim Model: Slit in the plates, smaller footprint, optional disc drive.
- Pro Model: Triple black stripes on the side, no disc drive included by default.
Taking your own high-quality photos
If you're trying to sell yours or just want to flex on social media, stop using the flash. Phone flash makes the white plates look yellow and the black center look greasy. Use natural side-lighting. Put the console near a window during the day. This catches the curves of the "fins" and creates shadows that give the object depth. That’s how the pros do it.
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Check the base, too. The original PS5 required a screw to stand vertically. The Slim uses these weird little plastic "teeth" for horizontal placement and a separate metal ring for vertical. If you see pictures of a PS5 standing vertically without a base, it's a disaster waiting to happen. It's top-heavy. One bump and that's a $500 paperweight.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you buy a PS5 based on how it looks in a photo, measure your shelf space. You need at least 4 inches of clearance behind the console for heat dissipation. If you’re looking at pictures of a PS5 to identify a model for purchase, always check the model number on the bottom of the unit (CFI-1000 for original, CFI-2000 for Slim). If you want that "stealth" look you see in professional setups, skip the expensive custom consoles and just buy a set of matte black "Darkplates." It’s the cheapest way to make the hardware disappear into your room's decor. Finally, if you're buying used, ask the seller for a photo of the console turned on; the light bar should be a solid color, not blinking red, which indicates a catastrophic hardware failure.