BoxPlates Transform Your PS5 Into a Sleek Xbox-Style Console for $90

If you've spent the last six years staring at your PlayStation 5 thinking it looks like a "robotic clam" (as The Verge aptly described it), relief has finally arrived. Small form factor PC enthusiast and YouTuber Devyn Johnston has channeled his design frustrations into BoxPlates — $89.99 snap-on console covers that completely transform the PS5's aesthetic from Sony's polarizing curves to clean, Xbox-inspired flat lines.

A Design Revolution Worth the Premium

The BoxPlates aren't just another colored shell. These covers fundamentally reimagine the PS5's visual identity, borrowing heavily from the sleek Xbox One S/X design language that many consider superior. About 60% of each plate features a sophisticated matte black finish (with gray as an alternative), while the remaining surface uses semi-transparent material with strategic slats — including crucial ventilation over the fan section.

What makes these covers genuinely impressive is their thoughtful engineering. Unlike cheaper alternatives, the BoxPlates maintain full access to all front and rear ports while preserving visibility of the power indicator LED. The build quality matches Sony's official offerings, though without the tiny etched symbols. There's even enough clearance for small magnets if you want to add accessories.

Installation and Compatibility

Anyone who's wrestled with installing an M.2 SSD in their PS5 will appreciate that BoxPlates use the same familiar removal process — no special tools or permanent modifications required. Johnston includes YouTube tutorial links with each kit, though installation is straightforward enough for most users.

Currently, BoxPlates are available for both the PlayStation 5 Slim (disc and digital editions) and the PS5 Pro. This timing is particularly smart, as the PS5 Pro's launch has renewed conversations about Sony's design choices.

The Premium Question

At $90, BoxPlates cost significantly more than Sony's official colored covers, which typically retail for $55-65. But this isn't just a color swap — it's a complete aesthetic overhaul that addresses fundamental design complaints many users have harbored since 2020.

For context, custom PC case modifications often cost $100+ for similar visual transformations, making BoxPlates relatively reasonable for what they deliver. The year-long development timeline also suggests serious attention to fit, finish, and thermal considerations.

Who Should Buy BoxPlates?

These covers target a specific but passionate audience: PS5 owners who genuinely dislike Sony's design language and have the disposable income to fix it. If you've always preferred Xbox's cleaner aesthetic but want PlayStation's exclusives, BoxPlates offer the best of both worlds.

They're also perfect for anyone building a minimalist entertainment center where the PS5's dramatic curves clash with other components. The matte black finish and geometric lines integrate much better with modern AV equipment and furniture.

The Bigger Picture

BoxPlates represent something larger than just console accessories — they're proof that passionate creators can identify and solve real consumer pain points that major corporations miss or ignore. Johnston turned personal frustration into a genuinely compelling product that serves an underserved market.

While $90 isn't impulse-buy territory, BoxPlates deliver exactly what they promise: a complete visual transformation that makes your PS5 look like the console Sony maybe should have designed in the first place.

Sources

• The Verge: BoxPlates are for people who will pay $90 to make their PS5 less ugly