Sony Made Console Faceplates Swappable for a Reason — Here’s What’s Worth Buying
One of the smartest design decisions Sony made with the PS5 was making the console covers removable. When the PS5 launched back in November 2020, the stock white panels were polarizing. Now, over five years later, the aftermarket has caught up with a huge range of replacement faceplates for every PS5 variant — the original, the Slim that dropped in late 2023, and the Pro that arrived in November 2024.
I’ve tried faceplates across all three models, and the quality range is as wide as it is with controller shells. Here’s what I’ve found actually worth buying.
First Thing: Know Your Console Model
This is the number one mistake people make. The original PS5, the PS5 Slim, and the PS5 Pro all have different faceplate dimensions. They are not interchangeable. A faceplate for the original PS5 will not fit the Slim or Pro, and vice versa. Within each model, you also need to match disc edition versus digital edition, since the panels are slightly different shapes.
Sony’s own official covers come in a range of solid colors and cost about $55. They fit perfectly because they’re made to OEM spec, but the color options are limited and the price is steep for a piece of molded plastic. That’s where the aftermarket comes in.
Best for the Original PS5: Aftermarket Matte Panels
The original PS5 has the most mature aftermarket because it’s been around the longest. The best faceplates I’ve used for this model are matte ABS panels in the $20-35 range. They clip on using the same mechanism as the OEM panels and fit flush with no wobble.
dbrand’s Darkplates were the first major aftermarket option back in 2021, and they set the standard. They include added ventilation cutouts that slightly improve airflow compared to the stock panels. Several other brands have followed the same approach — adding functional venting while changing the aesthetics.
For the original PS5, I’d specifically recommend looking for panels with ventilation improvements. The original PS5 runs warmer than the Slim or Pro, and faceplates with extra vent cutouts can help by a few degrees. Not a dramatic improvement, but it doesn’t hurt.
Best for the PS5 Slim: Sony’s Official Covers or Premium Aftermarket
The PS5 Slim faceplates are a different design from the original. The Slim uses a top cover plate that’s easier to swap — Sony clearly iterated on the user experience here. The aftermarket for Slim faceplates has grown significantly since early 2025, and there are now solid options from multiple brands.
Sony’s own Deep Earth collection and the metallic finish covers look genuinely premium on the Slim’s more compact form factor. If you’re willing to spend $55, they’re hard to beat in terms of fit and finish.
For aftermarket Slim panels, the sweet spot is $25-40. At this price, you get panels that match OEM fit quality with a wider range of colors and finishes than Sony offers. I’ve been happy with matte options in this range — the texture and clip engagement are indistinguishable from Sony’s own panels.
Best for the PS5 Pro: Still Early Days
The PS5 Pro launched just over a year ago in November 2024, and the aftermarket is still catching up. Sony offers their official covers, but third-party options are more limited compared to the original and Slim. This is changing fast — I’ve seen several brands announce Pro-compatible panels in the first quarter of 2026, and by mid-year I expect the selection to be comparable to the Slim.
If you have a Pro and want custom faceplates now, Sony’s official options or dbrand are your safest bets. The no-name options I’ve seen for the Pro so far have had more fit issues than the equivalent products for older models, which is typical for new console accessories — manufacturers are still dialing in their molds.
Materials and Finishes Worth Considering
Matte ABS is the most practical choice. It doesn’t show fingerprints, resists minor scratches, and looks clean on a media console. Most of my console faceplates are matte.
Carbon fiber texture has become popular in the past year. These aren’t real carbon fiber — they’re ABS with a carbon-fiber-pattern texture molded in. But they look convincing from normal viewing distance and add a premium, tech-forward aesthetic that suits gaming setups.
Wood grain and fabric texture options exist for people who want their PS5 to blend into living room furniture rather than scream “gaming setup.” I’ve seen some genuinely tasteful wood-grain faceplates that look more like a high-end media device than a console.
Glossy panels have the same fingerprint problem as glossy controller shells, but it matters less on a console that you’re not touching constantly. If you want a deep, rich color on display, glossy is more acceptable here than on a controller.
What I’d Avoid
Ultra-cheap faceplates under $15. At that price, the ABS is thinner, the clips are weaker, and the fit is inconsistent. I’ve had one budget faceplate that rattled when the console’s fan spun up because the clips didn’t hold tightly enough. Spend $20-35 for aftermarket or $55 for Sony’s official covers — the gap between those tiers and the sub-$15 options is significant.
I’d also be cautious with faceplates that completely block the existing ventilation slots without adding alternative airflow paths. Some decorative plates prioritize aesthetics over function and can restrict airflow to the intake fan. A few degrees of extra heat won’t kill your console overnight, but long-term elevated temperatures affect component lifespan.
FAQ
Can I use original PS5 faceplates on the PS5 Slim or Pro?
No. Each PS5 model — original, Slim, and Pro — has different faceplate dimensions and clip positions. They are not cross-compatible. Always buy faceplates specifically designed for your console model and edition (disc vs digital).
Do aftermarket faceplates void the console warranty?
No. Sony designed the faceplates to be user-removable. Swapping them is not considered opening or modifying the console. Sony even sells their own replacement covers, so using aftermarket panels is clearly within expected use.
Do faceplates with extra ventilation holes actually help cooling?
Marginally. Independent testing has shown that vented aftermarket faceplates can reduce internal temperatures by 2-5 degrees Celsius under sustained load. It’s not transformative, but every degree helps with long-term component reliability, especially in warm environments or enclosed media cabinets.
How hard is it to swap PS5 faceplates?
Very easy. No tools required. The original PS5 panels slide and click off; the Slim and Pro panels lift at a corner and pull free. It takes about 30 seconds. Sony has official instructions, but honestly, it’s intuitive enough that you don’t need them. This is the easiest customization you can do on any gaming hardware.