Sony’s custom PS4 consoles were pretty dope. They didn’t come with performance enhancements (save for the 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro that had a 2TB HDD over the standard 1TB HDD). Still, the designs added a collectible element to the eighth-generation console.
For some reason, Sony skipped this with the PS5. Most likely, the COVID-19 pandemic had something to do with it. But, now, three years after hitting the store shelves, Sony finally released its first-ever custom-themed PS5 consoles, and it’s doesn’t look good.
No offense to Lebron James, who many consider the best basketball player of all time. James recently passed Kareem Abdul Jabar for the #1 record on the NBA’s scoring list, nudging him past the “default” GOAT, Michael Jordan, in many circles. So, you can’t really blame Sony for wanting to collaborate with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar in some way. However, you’d expect it to come in a different form – not in a custom-themed PS5 console tied to Lebron James.
What’s worse is that Sony’s first custom PS5 console doesn’t look as awesome as you’d expect. It’s a wonder how James signed off on it.
Here’s what James had to say about the custom PS5:
It’s still crazy to think a kid from Akron who grew up playing games is getting to create something like this. Designing a console cover and controller with PlayStation that gives a nod to my I Promise students and where we come from is a pretty cool thing. I hope it’s something that continues to inspire everyone who touches it, and that they have a little fun finding meaning in every detail.
The worst part arguably is that Sony says “this is just the beginning for PlayStation Playmakers.” If we’re understanding the text at the bottom of its announcement correctly, Sony is planning similar stuff down the line as part of their “journey to inspire gaming fans and prove the power of play.”
After seeing the DualSense controllers themed after Hogwarts Legacy and God of War: Ragnarok, you’d expect something more from Sony, especially when we’re talking about Lebron James. He’s the “Chosen One”, after all, and aptly nicknamed the “King”.
Would it have hurt to have interchangeable faceplates resembling patterns from the three teams he’d played with in the NBA? Namely, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
If you’re interested, Sony is releasing the Lebron-themed PS5 unit later this year and it will be available to order directly on their website.
