When you finish playing games or streaming movies on your PlayStation 5 for the evening, deciding how to power down the system requires weighing convenience against peace of mind. While shutting the console off completely remains a reliable default, the system's rest mode offers a handy middle ground for daily users. Which option you choose will likely depend on how frequently you fire up the console for gaming sessions or entertainment.
Key takeaways
- Rest mode draws as little as 0.3W, compared to 217W during ultra high-definition gameplay.
- Rest mode allows you to suspend games, charge controllers, and download updates.
- Shutting down completely protects the system against potential data corruption during power outages.
- A full shutdown clears the system cache and can help resolve minor software issues.
The advantages of using rest mode
There are several distinct advantages to keeping your PlayStation 5 in rest mode rather than shutting it down entirely when you are not actively using it. For one thing, you can suspend whatever game you were playing, allowing you to pick up right where you left off the next day. You can also charge your DualSense controller while the console is in rest mode. There is even an option to stop the controller from drawing power after three hours, which is plenty of time to fully charge the gamepad.
To adjust the length of time that the PS5 delivers power to its USB ports while in rest mode, navigate to Settings, then System, Power Saving, and finally Features Available in Rest Mode. From this menu, you can also enable or disable features such as the ability to switch on the system remotely. This remote functionality lets you install games when you are away from home or use remote play with devices like a PlayStation Portal. Furthermore, the console can download and install game and system updates in rest mode, and PlayStation Plus subscribers can automatically upload save data to the cloud.
Another major reason to utilize rest mode instead of leaving the console fully powered on is reduced energy consumption. While playing games in ultra high-definition, a PS5 can draw around 217W of power, and even on menu screens it draws between 43W and 47W. In rest mode, the system draws as little as 0.3W, rising only to about 4.65W when delivering power to its USB ports.
When a full shutdown is the wiser choice
Despite the conveniences of rest mode, switching your PlayStation 5 off completely can be the better move in certain situations. The primary reason for a full shutdown is system protection. If your PS5 is in rest mode when a power outage strikes, there is a small chance it could be harmed. An unexpected blackout could corrupt data, particularly if the console happens to be installing updates or caching files when the power cuts out. Therefore, if you live in an area prone to power outages, shutting the system down entirely is the safer approach.
Even if you use your console daily, occasional full shutdowns are beneficial. Shutting down clears the system cache, which acts as the classic method of fixing device issues by turning it off and on again. If you plan to take an extended break from gaming or leave home for a while, shutting down your PS5 protects its components over time and potentially extends its shelf life, an important consideration given rising hardware costs.
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