The custom retailer CMP Shells previously offered alternative, colorful side plates for the PS5, but had to give up after trouble with Sony. Now the provider is back with a new offer and promises that this time there will be no problems.
What is the restart about? Currently, the new PS5 is only available in white. However, it seems that the white side covers of the console, the so-called faceplates or sideplates, are quite easy to replace.
Some custom providers wanted to take advantage of this and offered alternative side covers for the PlayStation 5. This included the third-party retailer “Customize my Plates,” who attracted customers with a colorful offer of custom plates.
But Sony took action against such shops and providers, basically forcing everyone to give up and cancel already placed orders – including Customize my Plates. Many believe it is likely that Sony itself or through licensing partners might offer alternative side plates, which is why there was trouble.
But now Customize my Plates is back under the slightly modified name CMP Shells and offers new side covers for the PS5. The provider promises that this time everything will go smoothly and there will be no more trouble.
Retailer with custom side plates for the PS5 is back – but caution
This is currently offered by CMP Shells: At the moment, CMP Shell is running two different offers:
- 2 matte black side plates for the PS5 – $55.00
- A bundle of 2 matte black side plates, a matte black central part (vinyl), and a black vinyl set for the PS5 DualSense controller – $75.00
This hits the nerve of many PS5 owners, as some wish to have the PlayStation 5 completely in black. According to the shop, 1,000 pieces are initially to be sold, with only about 100 still available at the current time (January 20, 2021, 12:00 PM German time). Delivery is to be expected by the end of February 2021 – and worldwide.
That’s why everything is supposed to go smoothly this time: Apparently, the patent for the side plates has already been applied for, but is still pending, so the approval has not yet occurred. And before this happens, sales are apparently unassailable according to CMP.
The provider stated that they did not know this before and know it now, in an additional explanation with each product description. Furthermore, they claim to have copied no design. The side plates offered by CMP Shells reportedly differ from the original, as they should improve the air circulation of the console according to the description. Therefore, they should also be able to continue to be sold even after the patent has been approved by Sony.
Will it work this time? This is currently at least questionable. There has been no reaction from Sony so far, and the provider’s shop is still online. However, there have already been some changes there.
On January 20, there were still 3 offers available. In addition to the two listed above, there was also the Kratos bundle, where the black side plates and the controller set featured a design from “God of War: Ragnarok”.
This is no longer carried in the shop. Instead, there is now a Ragnarok sticker added at no additional cost with the lowest offer. The prices have also changed. The products were originally listed at $49.00 and $69.00. There are currently no proper photos of the final products available, and you can only cancel an order after the goods have been shipped and received.
In general, Sony has so far been consistent in opposing such offers – successfully. It is currently unclear whether a legal loophole has indeed been found or if someone might be trying to make quick money off unsuspecting interested parties. However, we still advise caution and rather recommend avoiding such offers – at least until there is really official clarity from Sony or sufficient reliable reports of experience are available.
What do you think? Will the shop be able to sustain itself this time with its offer? Does it seem serious to you? Or does someone just want to make quick money off trusting interested parties? Have you already had your own experiences with such custom providers for the PS5?
