PlayStation Discloses PS5 Usage: Off vs. Rest Mode

Summary

• Half of PS5 users prefer to shut down their console rather than use rest mode.
• The Welcome Hub was designed to provide a unified experience despite varied user preferences.
• The reasons for not using rest mode differ among users.

In a discussion with Stephen Totilo, Cory Gasaway revealed that 50% of PlayStation 5 owners opt not to utilize the console's rest mode feature. Rest mode, a notable advancement in recent console generations, allows gamers to keep their systems running for downloads and game sessions without excessive energy use. The PS5's rest mode is specifically designed to facilitate smoother downloads and maintain game states during important moments.

Rest mode has long been a significant aspect of the PlayStation ecosystem. Jim Ryan, prior to the PS5's launch, emphasized its role in aligning with Sony's environmental goals. Despite its benefits in reducing power consumption compared to the previous model, a substantial number of users still choose not to engage it.

As reported by IGN, Cory Gasaway, Vice President of Game, Product, and Player Experiences at Sony Interactive Entertainment, highlighted in an interview with Game File that PS5 users are evenly divided between shutting down their console and using rest mode. This was part of a larger piece by Stephen Totilo, which delved into the development of the PS5's Welcome Hub, introduced in 2024.

50% of PS5 Players Don't Use Rest Mode

The Welcome Hub, developed during a PlayStation hackathon, was a response to the fact that half of PS5 users do not use rest mode. Gasaway noted that in the US, 50% of users see the PS5 Explore page upon startup, while those outside the US are greeted with a page for their most recently played game. The Welcome Hub aims to offer a more cohesive and customizable starting point for all PS5 users.

There isn't a singular reason why gamers choose to bypass the PS5's rest mode. Typically, it's used for energy conservation, allowing downloads and updates to proceed while the console is not in active use. However, some players have reported on forums that rest mode can interfere with their internet connectivity, leading them to disable it and keep the console fully powered during downloads. Others find no issues with it. Cory Gasaway's insights shed light on the considerations behind the PS5's user interface design.

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