Is the PS5 too big? This supposed factory photo suggests it's not so bad

(Image credit: Sony)

A new image claimed to be of the PS5 has been doing the rounds, and it appears to give us a better idea of how large the console is. If it's the real deal – and that's the big question – it shows us more of what to expect from the size of the console. It's supposedly from one of Sony's factories, and it shows a man holding the unit. 

The photo started life in the depths of Discord, before being widely shared on the Resetera forum. There is no context whatsoever for what the photo is, though, or where it's been taken. Take a look below:

Some reports are pointing towards this Resetera post by user FFMuz, an 'insider', as evidence this photo is part of an internal communication of some kind. We're not totally convinced either way, honestly, but it is interesting to get an idea of how hefty the console is if it's true. It'd be a weird thing to fake, but this is the internet we're talking about. 

Assuming it is the real deal, there are only so many conclusions you can draw from the size of the console, without knowing how tall the people in this photo are. But even if it's on the larger side, the size of this lad doesn't look completely out of control. 

On Reddit, user GREBO7 compared the predicted size of the console using the standardized width of the optical disc drive. It's very likely to the largest PlayStation console ever, exceeding the beefy original PS3 and Xbox One consoles. The Xbox Series X, by comparison, is wider but shorter when stood up. 

The PS5's size hasn't been officially revealed yet

Sony hasn't revealed the official dimensions of the console yet. After the console's design was first revealed, PlayStation's VP of UX Design, Matt MacLaurin, responded to a question on LinkedIn about why the new console is bigger and bulkier.

"Thermals. This gen is little supercomputers. While the 7nm process delivers amazing heat performance for the power, the power is very extreme."

Better wait for a PS5 slim if you want a smaller console under your TV, then. 

Samuel Roberts

Samuel is a PR Manager at game developer Frontier. Formerly TechRadar's Senior Entertainment Editor, he's an expert in Marvel, Star Wars, Netflix shows and general streaming stuff. Before his stint at TechRadar, he spent six years at PC Gamer. Samuel is also the co-host of the popular Back Page podcast, in which he details the trials and tribulations of being a games magazine editor – and attempts to justify his impulsive eBay games buying binges.

Read more
PS6
PS6: when can we expect the PlayStation 6 and what do we want to see?
The PS5 Slim and DualSense controller on a wooden table in front of a white brick background and next to a vase of flowers
I’ve used the PS5 Slim for months and it’s an excellent evolution of the original PS5, offering the same power and performance in a slimmer, neater package
The PS5 Pro in front of a white brick background, on a brown desk, next to a potted plant.
Despite a strong start, PS5 Pro sales are now trailing behind the PS4 Pro in the US
The PS5 disc drive and vertical stand on a blue background
Where to buy the PS5 disc drive: stock updates on the must-have PS5 Pro accessory
PlayStation 5 console deal image with TechRadar branding
The best PS5 deals for March 2025
A close-up of the PS5 Pro
PS5 Pro games will soon get something 'very similar' to FSR 4 for what Sony is calling 'the next evolution of PSSR'
Latest in PS5
Astro Bot PS5 bundle
Sony officially announces new Astro Bot PS5 bundles and they're available from PlayStation Direct right now for bargain prices we can barely believe
The artwork for The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller
Where to pre-order and buy The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller today - UK pre-orders are live but stock has sold out already
PS5 Midnight Black Collection
PS5 Midnight Black collection pre-orders are live now - stock readily available
The Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense artwork showing off the controller
Where to buy the Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense: stock is now live in the US and the UK
PS5 console deal
Hurry! UK shoppers can still get a discounted PS5 at PlayStation Direct, but there's only a few hours left of the sale
A PS5 console on a green background with black and purple cyber monday deals text.
The Cyber Monday PS5 deals are officially over, but there are a bunch of my favorite discounts still running on PS5 and PS5 Pro games and gear
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)