Does Rest Mode Close Games? Understanding PlayStation’s Power-Saving Feature

The short answer is no, rest mode on a PlayStation 5 (PS5) or PlayStation 4 (PS4) generally does not close your games automatically. It’s designed to suspend them, allowing you to quickly jump back into the action right where you left off. Think of it as a sophisticated pause button for your entire gaming session. However, there are nuances and settings to be aware of to ensure your games behave as expected when utilizing rest mode. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this power-saving feature and explore what you need to know to maximize its benefits.

The Nuances of Rest Mode

Rest mode is a low-power state that allows your PlayStation console to perform background tasks while using minimal electricity. This is beneficial for several reasons, including:

• Downloading games and updates: Your console can continue downloading new games, patches, and system software updates while in rest mode.
• Charging controllers: You can charge your DualSense or DualShock 4 controllers via USB while the console is in rest mode.
• Quick Resume (PS5): The PS5’s rest mode allows you to quickly resume your games almost instantly, skipping loading screens and getting you back into the gameplay seamlessly. While not quite the same as the Xbox Series X’s Quick Resume feature, it’s still a major time-saver.
• Remote Play: Rest mode allows you to wake your console remotely using the PlayStation app or Remote Play on another device.

While the goal is to keep your games suspended, there are situations where a game might close or not resume as expected:

• Power outages or surges: If your console loses power while in rest mode, the game will likely close, and you’ll need to reload it when you turn the console back on. Using a surge protector is highly recommended to prevent this.
• Game crashes or errors: If a game crashes or encounters an error while in rest mode, it may not resume properly.
• Certain game settings: Some games might have settings that interfere with the rest mode functionality.
• System software updates: Occasionally, a system software update will require the console to restart, which will close any suspended games.

Maximizing the Benefits of Rest Mode

To ensure a smooth experience with rest mode, consider these tips:

• Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” in Rest Mode Settings: This allows your console to download updates and games while in rest mode. You can find this option in Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
• Enable “Keep Application Suspended” (PS5): This is the key setting that ensures your games remain suspended when entering rest mode. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving.
• Close Games Manually Occasionally: While not always necessary, closing games manually before entering rest mode can sometimes prevent potential issues, especially after long gaming sessions.
• Use a Surge Protector: Protecting your console from power surges is always a good idea, but it’s especially important when using rest mode.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure your console has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, especially if you plan to leave it in rest mode for extended periods.
• Keep Your System Software Updated: Regularly updating your console’s system software ensures you have the latest bug fixes and improvements, which can improve the reliability of rest mode.

Why Use Rest Mode?

The advantages of using rest mode are clear: convenience, energy efficiency, and the ability to keep your games ready to play at a moment’s notice. It’s designed to be a seamless part of the PlayStation experience, allowing you to switch between gaming sessions quickly and easily. Moreover, understanding how to optimize its settings ensures you can make the most of its capabilities.

Understanding Power Consumption

It’s important to address concerns about power consumption. While rest mode does use some electricity, it’s significantly less than when the console is fully powered on. According to Sony, the PS5 uses a minimal amount of power in passive rest mode and a slightly higher amount when downloading or charging. Compared to leaving the console on indefinitely, rest mode is a more energy-efficient option.

Safety and Longevity

Concerns about leaving a console in rest mode for extended periods are common, but generally unfounded. Both the PS4 and PS5 are designed to handle rest mode for days, weeks, or even months without issue. However, as with any electronic device, it’s wise to give your console a complete power-down occasionally to refresh the system and clear any temporary files.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about rest mode on PlayStation consoles to further clarify its functionality and benefits:

1. Is it safe to leave my PS5 in rest mode overnight?

Yes, it is generally safe. The PS5 is designed to be in rest mode for extended periods. Just ensure it’s well-ventilated.

2. Does rest mode download games faster?

The article states that download speeds are the same whether the system is in rest mode or on.

3. Will rest mode overheat my PS5?

If your PS5 has proper ventilation, it should not overheat in rest mode. Overheating is more likely to occur when the console is actively running demanding games.

4. Can I put my PS5 in rest mode while a game is running?

Yes, you can put your PS5 in rest mode while a game is running. The game will be suspended, allowing you to quickly resume it later.

5. How much electricity does the PS5 use in rest mode?

The PS5 uses a very small amount of electricity in rest mode. It’s significantly less than when the console is fully powered on and active.

6. Should I close games before putting my PS5 in rest mode?

It’s generally not necessary to close games before putting your PS5 in rest mode, as the system is designed to suspend them. However, closing them occasionally might prevent potential issues.

7. What happens if there’s a power outage while my PS5 is in rest mode?

If there’s a power outage, your PS5 will shut down abruptly, and any suspended games will likely close. Using a surge protector can help prevent this.

8. How long can a PS4 stay in rest mode?

There is no set limit. A PS4 can stay in rest mode for as long as you want without any issues.

9. Is it better to turn off my PS5 or put it in rest mode?

It depends on your usage habits. Rest mode is ideal for short periods when you want to quickly resume gaming. Turning off the console is better for longer periods to save energy.

10. Can the PS5 download games while turned off?

No, the PS5 cannot download games when fully turned off. It needs to be in rest mode to download games and updates in the background.

11. Does rest mode affect the lifespan of my PS5?

Using rest mode generally does not negatively affect the lifespan of your PS5. The console is designed to handle rest mode for extended periods.

12. Can I charge my controllers in rest mode?

Yes, you can charge your controllers via USB while the console is in rest mode, provided you have enabled the appropriate settings.

13. What settings do I need to enable for rest mode to work properly?

You need to enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Keep Application Suspended” in the power-saving settings.

14. Can I use Remote Play while my PS5 is in rest mode?

Yes, you can use Remote Play to wake your console from rest mode and play games remotely.

15. Will my PS5 automatically update games in rest mode?

Yes, if you have enabled automatic updates in the settings, your PS5 will automatically download and install game updates while in rest mode.