As Jim Ryan prepares to step down as CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) next spring after a long and influential tenure, the video game industry icon received a rather unique retirement gift from his PlayStation colleagues — a custom PS1-styled PS5.
Revealed in a tweet by PlayStation employee Yuichi Haga, who attended a farewell party for Ryan, the specially-made PS5 features the classic PlayStation gray color scheme and boxy design cues. Even the included DualSense controller has been styled as an original PS1 controller, complete with a gray finish and the classic rainbow face button colors.
The thoughtful gift is a symbolic passing of the torch, honoring Ryan’s leadership in shepherding the PlayStation brand over the past quarter century. But pictures of the rare console posted online have also stirred up strong demand from gaming fans and PlayStation enthusiasts.
The PS1-inspired PS5 also draws comparisons to the classic PlayStation 4 20th Anniversary Edition console launched in 2014. Much like Ryan’s gift, that special edition PS4 replicated the look of the original PlayStation to celebrate the brand’s legacy. It was produced in extremely limited quantities, making it highly coveted among collectors.
With the 30th anniversary of PlayStation coming up next year, rumors are already circulating that Sony may launch an official throwback PS5 model to commemorate the milestone. But even if that transpires, Ryan’s homage PS5 will remain a rare 1-of-1 creation that perhaps deservedly belongs in the Sony archives one day documenting PlayStation history.
For a generation of gamers who grew up with PlayStation, the custom console is a nostalgic artifact symbolizing Ryan’s storied run. And for others, it’s an envy-inducing glimpse at a retro PS5 that may never be available for purchase, no matter how large a check they are willing to write.
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