Sony’s New PS5 Power Saver Mode Cuts Performance to Help Save the Planet
Sony Introduces Power Saver Mode to Cut PS5 Energy Use
Sony is taking a new step towards fighting climate change by introducing a Power Saver mode for the PlayStation 5. This upcoming feature aims to reduce the console’s power consumption by scaling back game performance, offering players an eco-friendlier way to game.
- Power Saver mode reduces PS5’s energy use by lowering performance in supported games
- VR mode and some gameplay features will be limited when enabled
- New DualSense controller update allows pairing with multiple devices simultaneously
- Feature currently in beta, global release planned in the coming months
What Power Saver Mode Means for Your PS5
According to Shuzo Kikuchi, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s VP of product management, the new Power Saver option will let “supported PS5 games scale back performance and allow your PS5 to reduce its power consumption.” If the mode isn’t turned on or if a game doesn’t support it, your console will run as usual with no performance changes.
In practice, this means that VR mode won’t be available and some gameplay features might be limited, although specifics may vary depending on the game. It’s a trade-off Sony is willing to make as part of its Road to Zero environmental initiative, which aims to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Could This Hint at a Handheld PS5?
This new power-saving approach also sparks speculation about Sony’s rumored handheld PS5. Such a feature would be especially useful for a portable device designed for gaming on the go, where battery life and heat management are crucial.
DualSense Controllers Get a Multi-Device Upgrade
Besides the Power Saver mode, the latest PS5 system update beta includes a neat upgrade for DualSense controllers. Players will soon be able to connect their controllers to up to four devices at once — think PC, Mac, and mobile phones — and switch between them without needing to re-pair every time. This change makes gaming across multiple devices more seamless than ever.
Beta Access and Global Release Plans
The new system update beta is currently available only to invited participants in select countries. Sony plans to roll out the update globally in the coming months. If you’re lucky enough to be part of the beta, expect an email from Sony on Thursday, July 24, with instructions on how to get started.
