Choosing between putting your PlayStation 5 into rest mode or turning it off completely at the end of the day depends heavily on your gaming habits and frequency of use. While rest mode offers notable convenience, shutting the console down provides extra peace of mind and protection.
The Benefits of Rest Mode
Keeping your PS5 in rest mode provides several advantages, notably the ability to suspend whatever game you were playing so you can resume right where you left off the next day. Users can also charge their DualSense controller while the console is in rest mode. To configure how long the console delivers power to its USB ports in this state, navigate to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
Additional features available through the power saving menu include turning the system on remotely to install games while away from home or for remote play. The console can also download and install system and game updates during rest mode, while PlayStation Plus subscribers can upload their save data to the cloud.
Rest mode also significantly reduces power consumption compared to leaving the console turned on. While ultra high-definition gaming can draw about 217W and menu screens can draw 43W to 47W, rest mode consumes a mere 0.3W, rising to approximately 4.65W only when actively supplying power to USB ports.
When to Completely Shut Down Your PS5
Completely switching off your PlayStation 5 can be the superior choice in specific scenarios, primarily to protect the hardware. If a power outage occurs while the console is in rest mode, there is a minor risk of data corruption or system damage, especially if updates are installing or files are being cached. Residents of areas prone to power outages may benefit from shutting the system down entirely.
Regular shutdowns also clear the system cache, which effectively resolves minor technical issues. Furthermore, shutting down the PS5 when taking extended breaks from gaming or traveling can protect internal components over time and extend the system’s overall lifespan.
