YouTuber took a close look at the PS5 development kit for the first time, showing off hardware features not found in the console retail version.
The development kits are intended for use by approved studios to assist in their development of PS5 games. Ale YouTuber Macho Nacho Productions (opens in a new tab) has one of the devices in hand, offering an in-depth look at its design and functions. It’s not the first time we’ve seen it, as it has leaked images from the PS5 development kits that came out in 2020.
Its case is radically different from the retail version of the PS5 and comes with a few extra ports and inputs. However, the unit depicted in the YouTuber video has not been activated, so you cannot run any software other than the kit’s home screen.
First look
The V-shaped device has an integrated LCD display on the faceplate, a pair of heavy-duty exhaust holes extending on both sides, and grooves that allow multiple sets to be stacked on top of each other.
It also has some extra ports. On the front there are four USB 3.0 inputs, one USB 2.0 and USB-C, as well as four buttons for controlling the device. On the other hand, there’s a pair of Ethernet ports, an HDMI input, and another USB 3.0 port – bringing the total USB count to seven.
The guts of the machine are different too. It comes with nearly 2.5TB of storage – much more than the 825GB SSD included with the retail PS5 – as well as extended storage capacity. Unlike the consumer console, it does not include a disc drive.
These additional hardware features are adapted to development. A large number of USB ports would allow developers to connect multiple peripherals with which they could test the machine, and the large memory capacity means the device can contain huge, uncompressed game files.
Macho Nacho speculates that one of the Ethernet cables is a faster port, useful for transferring large files related to game development. Meanwhile, the built-in display shows a few backend metrics that would be Greek for most players. As for the lack of a disk, it’s not too surprising. After all, the set is intended to be used to create games, not to play them.
Macho Nacho did not say where he got the development kit. Sony only passes them on to officially licensed publishers and developers and tries to prevent them from falling into the consumer market. As reported, an auction for the PS5 Development Kit went on eBay last year, but it was removed within hours. However, big changes could come in the future as a new PS5 model is rumored to be on the horizon.