Here’s Why the PS4 is Slanted

The PlayStation 4 is finally hitting retailers this Friday, which means we can finally stop calling everything “next gen” and just accept the fact that these consoles are “current.” However, before we fully adopt the PS4, there’s one important issue we need to tackle: Why the hell is the box slanted? Sure, you can just say that it’s for style points, but that’s just not good enough when the hardware is going to be sitting under your TV for the next decade or so. There’s more to the shape of the box than meets the eye, and Sony Computer Entertainment manager of product planning Toshimasa Aoki gave GamesBeat a few reasons for the new look.

The segmented design makes it easier to press the power button, Aoki explains, as well as remove whatever disc is currently inserted. The eject button also rests in front of the power button, to reduce the chances of accidentally turning off the console during long gaming sessions. The many cables connected to the back of the PS4, such as the power cable and USB ports, can also be hidden when the console is sitting flat. It’s like some sort of plastic, game-related awning, built to keep the console looking clean and neat.

This makes the PlayStation 4 not only the most powerful console on the market, but one of the most stylish. It’s an interesting look for Sony, and one that plenty of people will be able to further examine when the hardware launches Friday.