Sony reduces PS5 power usage to combat climate change
▼ Summary
– Sony is testing a Power Saver mode for the PS5, which will reduce power consumption by scaling back performance in supported games.
– The Power Saver mode will disable VR and may limit some gameplay features, but it won’t be available during the beta phase.
– This feature aligns with Sony’s Road to Zero environmental initiative but trades off gaming performance for energy efficiency.
– The PS5 system update beta also introduces the ability to connect DualSense controllers to up to four devices simultaneously, simplifying multi-device gaming.
– The beta is limited to invited participants in select countries, with a global release planned in the coming months.
Sony is rolling out a new Power Saver mode for the PS5, aiming to cut energy consumption while gaming. This upcoming feature, revealed in a recent PlayStation Blog update, allows supported games to adjust performance to lower power usage. Though currently in beta testing, the final version will give players the option to enable Power Saver directly from their console settings.
According to Shuzo Kikuchi, VP of product management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, activating this mode means “supported PS5 games will scale back performance, reducing power consumption.” However, games without compatibility will continue running at standard settings. The trade-off involves certain limitations, VR mode won’t function, and some gameplay elements may be affected. While specifics remain unclear, the feature aligns with Sony’s broader Road to Zero environmental initiative, launched in 2010 to minimize the company’s carbon footprint.
The move also sparks speculation about Sony’s rumored handheld PS5 device. A power-saving feature could prove invaluable for portable gaming, extending battery life without compromising playability. Beyond energy efficiency, the latest system update beta introduces enhanced DualSense controller connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with up to four devices. Gamers can now seamlessly switch between PCs, Macs, and mobile phones without repeatedly reconnecting.
Access to the beta remains exclusive to invited participants in select regions, with a global rollout expected in the coming months. Those selected will receive an email with instructions on joining the test phase. While Power Saver mode prioritizes sustainability, its impact on gameplay will likely determine how widely it’s adopted once live.
Image: Sony
(Source: POLYGON)