[Sejan]

I love video game packaging. I didn't realize how important it was to me until I recently unboxed a PS5. The Playstation 5's packaging is awful and cheapens the unboxing experience. The system is just tossed into a box with cardboard braces. That box is tossed in a sleeve. Even worse, the power cable and HDMI cables were placed in such a way that they were actually the first thing that Sony had you see. It downplayed the console as a whole while elevating the components. It was easily the worst unboxing experience I've had in a long time. It just looks and feels cheap.

Compare the PS5 packaging with the Nintendo Switch. You opened the box and the console and controls were put on display for the new owner.

Unboxing the Switch felt great as you opened the lid to reveal your shiny new game system. All the cables and plugs were stored in a second layer allowing you to experience the tablet first. With it being battery powered, you could even start setting it up before even looking at uninteresting stuff.

As an experience, the Switch reminded me of unboxing a new iPhone which was well known for its unboxing experience.

When I unbox a new, expensive piece of tech, I want that tech to be the forefront of the experience. In my opinion, Sony failed in its design for the PS5 packaging. Does well designed packaging matter to you? What are you favorite unboxing experiences?

 

[Mirabilis]

PC Gamer so everything is function over form generally with packaging, but I do agree that presentation is important. I suspect the main issue with the PS5 is the sheer size and therefore avoiding any shipping damage.

 

[Zefah]

Yeah, the PS5 did feel like a distinctly non-customized solution. Just kind of thrown in a box.

 

[Grinchy]

Didn't Sony make some kind of statement about using recyclable materials for their packaging bc they are so good and woke with everything they do?

I do like when premium products come in premium packaging. My family wasn't all that extravagant so when I got something nice, I treated it well. I opened the packages like I was defusing a bomb and I'd keep every twist tie and baggie.

 

[The Bloody Nine]

I couldn't care less how it's boxed. I want the contents. Just ensure it isn't damaged and I'm happy.

 

[Sejan]

Didn't Sony make some kind of statement about using recyclable materials for their packaging bc they are so good and woke with everything they do?

I do like when premium products come in premium packaging. My family wasn't all that extravagant so when I got something nice, I treated it well. I opened the packages like I was defusing a bomb and I'd keep every twist tie and baggie.

Yeah, most websites that have mentioned the PS5's packaging have gone at it from the recycled materials angle. Even then, it feels cheap, they could have come up with something more visually pleasing than just shoving it in a surprisingly thin box.

Here's another good example of packaging:

Even in the mid 80s they could do some pretty awesome packaging. At least if you ignore the awful foam.

 

[Ferdinand the Cowfish]

I miss the days of cloth maps and pack-ins with PC games

 

[Sejan]

I miss the days of cloth maps and pack-ins with PC game

So much this. Here's one of my favorites. Final Fantasy for the NES came with an 84 page partial walkthrough and two double sided maps. All printed in full color. I miss the days of well packaged games.

PC games often came with even more, too.

 

[Helljumper]

In regard to console packaging, I think the Series X's packaging is the one to beat:

The Series X's outer box art is also up there with the best.

 

[teezzy]

My favorite part about video game packaging is throwing it into the garbage

 

[Sejan]

In regard to console packaging, I think the Series X's packaging is the one to beat:

The Series X's outer box art is also up there with the best.

Beautiful. Some of the best.

My favorite part about video game packaging is throwing it into the garbage

What about game packaging? Any better than console packaging?

 

[regawdless]

I honestly don't care about packaging at all as long as it's being delivered in one piece without any damage.

Though I really appreciate the packaging of my 100% digital games. It's so convenient.

 

[Nobel 6]

In regard to console packaging, I think the Series X's packaging is the one to beat:

The Series X's outer box art is also up there with the best.

The Series X packaging is really impressive and by far the most elegant packaging ever for any electronics. I really felt like I'd gotten something special and truly premium when I unboxed it.

I thought the packaging on my Switch was also really nicely done and again I felt like it was something special.

 

[MildWolverine]

My favorite part about video game packaging is throwing it into the garbage

I guess I'm one of the few people that keeps all that shit and uses it for transport as it's a great solution that's provided to you with the product, hey if it lasted the journey from China it's good enough for a trip to the friend's house.

 

[teezzy]

After I beat a game, I use the disc as a coaster for my morning coffee

 

[Grinchy]

Holy shit, this thread just reminded me of that guy from GAF, X-Fighter. He was obsessed with game console packaging and nuked his account over it

 

[Sejan]

Holy shit, this thread just reminded me of that guy from GAF, X-Fighter. He was obsessed with game console packaging and nuked his account over it

I'm by no means obsessed; I'm just a fan.


Here's another pack in that was nice to have:

It wasn't anything huge, but it was nice to open The Witcher 3 to find a thank you letter from CD Projekt Red inside. It was a nice reminder that these games are often passion projects that real people put their blood, sweat, and tears to make a reality.

 

[Grinchy]

I'm by no means obsessed; I'm just a fan.

Never meant to imply you are, just was a funny memory from the GAF days.

Unless you were X-Fighter. In which case that's hilarious.

 

[Sejan]

Never meant to imply you are, just was a funny memory from the GAF days.

Unless you were X-Fighter. In which case that's hilarious.

That would be pretty great, but I am most decidedly not X-Fighter.

 

[teezzy]

That would be pretty great, but I am most decidedly not X-Fighter.

 

[Sejan]