If you are wondering who Matt MacLaurin is, he’s the guy that currently stands as PlayStation’s VP of user experience (UX) and design. With that said, MacLaurin explains to gamers and fans why the upcoming next-gen console looks the way it does and how its size has a “helpful” side to it.

When Sony revealed to the world not too long ago how the PS5 will look come this holiday season, some people loved its design, while others conjured up router memes to mock its look.

In response to critics not pleased with the next-gen console’s look, MacLaurin took to the web to explain to curious gamers why Sony opted for the design that was flaunted on June 11th, 2020.

Thanks to website gamingbolt.com, we learn what MacLaurin told folks on LinkedIn regarding the PS5 and its design. When asked by a person about why the system was so “big and bulky,” he claims that it’s due to “thermals.” MacLaurin also described that the PS5 is basically “a little supercomputer” that needs all the space it can get since it can generate “extreme” heat.

Here’s the question aimed at MacLaurin regarding the PS5 and its design:

“I’m really impressed by this design – however, in today’s times, people seek portability and convenience. The performance in the PS4 was amazing. Why make the new product bigger and bulkier?”

MacLaurin’s response lies below:

“Thermals. This gen is little supercomputers. While the 7nm process delivers amazing heat performance for the power, the power is very extreme. This tech is still so fresh it throws a lot of heat so we need room to dissipate.”

MacLaurin continues:

“As we say in the industry, ‘this design has a strong opinion,’ so it’s okay if not everyone loves it. Customization with special editions will be beyond anything seen before. Someone mocked up a wooden one on Reddit and it look[ed] crazy good.”

With that said, the console to succeed the PS4 looks the way it does to minimize the amount of heat that it generates while attempting to stay “cool.” We’ll find out whether or not the console will have heating issues when it releases with its all-digital sibling this holiday season.