PS5's Fan Is Why the Console Is So Big, Says Sony Engineer

A Sony engineer has revealed that the size of the PS5's cooling fan is responsible for the console's large stature.

The explanation comes via an article from Japan's Nikkei Xtech, which features an interview with PS5 Mechanical and Thermal Design Engineer, Yasuhiro Ootori. PlayStation fans will know Ootori from the recent PS5 disassembly video.

The article notes that the size of this cooling fan determined the size - especially the thickness - of the PS5. The 45mm fan ensures air is sucked in from both sides of the console to cool both mainboard, known as the "A side" and "B side". According to Ootori, even though the "B side" does not have the main System on a Chip installed on it, it will still generate heat similar to that generated by the PS4's System on a Chip, and so needs airflow to stay cool.

The PS5 is equipped with a 120mm diameter, 45mm thick double-sided intake fan, which makes the console thicker than the both PS4 and PS4 Pro.

The article also notes that Ootori considered using two separate, smaller cooling fans to make the PS5 smaller, with one fan for each side of the mainboard. Ultimately though, Sony found that it was more costly and that controlling two cooling fans is more difficult than focusing on one.

PS5 teardown

When Sony first published its PS5 teardown video, it was clear that Sony is focusing on keeping the PS5 cool and quiet. However, this information for Ootori clarifies that the airflow needed for both sides of the mainboard is the key factor in that thick fan and thicker console design.

In other PS5 news, Burger King has teamed up with PlayStation to give fans a chance of winning the next-gen console via a Scratch to Win promotion.

Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.