5 Changes You Need To Know About The New PS4 Model

By Robert Zak /

4. No More Glossy Hard Drive Cover

The most controversial design change in the new PlayStation 4 is the replacement of the glossy hard drive cover with the same matte finish as the rest of the chassis. On the one hand, a matte finish makes a lot of sense for the hard drive cover - a part of the console which is most likely to have your greasy fingers smearing all over it. We're seemingly yet to invent an electronic device with a glossy finish that isn't as fingerprint magnet, so unless you have a can of Mr Muscle on standby at all times to stave off the smears,then perhaps a matte finish is a safer option. On the other hand, a bit of gloss on the chassis served to break up the matte homogeneity of the console and give it a bit of swagger that's now lacking. Maybe a glossy finish on the bottom half of the PS4 would've offset the matte dullness a bit, but then maybe this is another small cost-cutting measure on Sony's part.