Is it Okay to Put Your PS5 Sideways?

Putting your PS5 sideways is not recommended by Sony, as it may cause overheating and potentially lead to permanent damage to the system’s hardware. However, if you plan to position your PS5 sideways, ensure it has enough airflow and follow all other operational guidelines to minimize the risk of damage.

Understanding PS5 Positioning and Airflow

The PS5 is designed to be positioned either vertically or horizontally, and both orientations can be safe as long as the console receives adequate airflow. To prevent overheating, it’s essential to keep the air vents on the sides and back of the console unobstructed and maintain at least 10 cm of free space around each side.

FAQs About PS5 Positioning and Maintenance

General Questions

1. Can I lay my PS5 on its side without a stand?: While Sony doesn’t recommend laying the PS5 flat without attaching the stand, some users have reported using their PS5 in the horizontal position without a stand without experiencing any issues.
2. Does the PS5 overheat when vertical?: The PS5 positioning should have no effect on console airflow, but strategically, the vertical position may be better due to more space for heat and dust to escape from the ventilation system.
3. How far should the PS5 be from the wall?: To maintain good ventilation, place the console at least 10 cm away from a wall surface and avoid placing it on a carpet or rug with long fibers.
4. Does the PS5 need ventilation?: Yes, the PS5 requires ventilation to prevent overheating; ensure the air vents are not blocked or obstructed.

Maintenance and Upkeep

5. How often should I clean my PS5?: Clean your PS5 every couple of months to prevent dust buildup, which can affect the fan’s ability to cool the system and cause overheating.
6. What can damage my PS5?: Overheating, physical damage, and power surges can harm your PS5; handle the console with care and follow Sony’s guidelines.
7. Can you use a PS4 controller on PS5?: Yes, you can connect a PS4 controller to your PS5 without compatibility issues, but you won’t be able to play PS5 titles with it.

PS5 Hardware and Performance

8. What is the cooling flaw on PS5?: A design flaw reportedly occurs when the APU seal is damaged, and the liquid metal becomes uneven or spills over time when the console is stored vertically.
9. Does liquid metal dry out PS5?: Liquid metal can oxidize and cause dry spots on the APU/heat sink chips, leading to overheating issues.
10. How long is the PS5 warranty?: The PS5 hardware is covered by a one-year warranty from the original date of purchase.

Gaming and Compatibility

11. Do PS4 games work on PS5?: Yes, the PS5 is backwards compatible with PS4 games, allowing you to download and play PS4 titles on your PS5.
12. Can I play PS5 games with a PS4 controller?: No, PS5 owners will not be able to play PS5 titles with a PS4 controller.

Troubleshooting and Repair

13. What is the failure rate of the PS5?: The estimated failure rate of the PS5 is roughly 1/1200 units, with overheating being the main cause.
14. How do I keep my PS5 cool?: To keep your PS5 cool, improve airflow, play in a cool environment, stop playing for a while, keep the console clean, and consider buying a cooling stand.
15. Should I have my PS5 vertical or horizontal?: Both vertical and horizontal positions are safe as long as the console receives adequate airflow; however, if you’re concerned, keeping it horizontal may help prevent orientation-based performance issues.