PS5 Update Limits Game Performance to Conserve Power
▼ Summary
– Sony is rolling out a beta firmware update for the PS5, introducing a power-saving feature that reduces performance during gameplay.
– The update also includes a feature allowing the PS5 controller to sync with multiple devices and switch between them without resyncing.
– The “Power Saver” mode, not available in the beta, will scale back performance in supported games to lower power consumption but won’t work with VR games.
– Sony hints that Power Saver may limit gameplay features like higher framerates or raytracing, though specifics aren’t fully detailed.
– The update aligns with Sony’s environmental goals, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Sony’s latest PS5 beta firmware introduces a power-saving mode that may affect game performance, offering players a trade-off between energy efficiency and optimal gameplay. The update, rolling out to select users this week, includes several new features alongside this experimental power management option.
Participants in the beta program will receive email notifications, allowing them to opt in or out of testing the new functionalities. One notable addition is enhanced controller connectivity, enabling seamless switching between multiple devices without repeated syncing, a feature already popular on Xbox controllers. This makes it easier to use the same PS5 controller across consoles and PCs effortlessly.
The more intriguing development, however, is the upcoming Power Saver mode, which won’t be active in the beta but is slated for a future public release. When enabled, this feature reduces the console’s performance during gameplay to lower energy consumption. Sony hasn’t provided specifics on how performance will be scaled back, but fine print in the announcement notes that VR games won’t support the feature, and certain gameplay elements may be restricted.
This suggests that higher frame rates and demanding graphical settings like ray tracing could be affected when Power Saver is active. Given VR’s reliance on consistent high performance, the mode’s incompatibility makes sense. Gamers may need to choose between smoother visuals and reduced power usage once the feature goes live.
Sony framed the update as part of its broader environmental sustainability efforts, aligning with the company’s “Road to Zero” initiative aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The blog post emphasized ongoing commitments to eco-friendly innovations in gaming hardware and software.
Additional details about Power Saver’s impact on specific games and performance metrics are expected closer to its official launch. For now, beta testers can explore other enhancements while awaiting further clarity on how the energy-saving mode will function in practice.
(Source: Kotaku)
