"PlayStation: More Gamers Use Rest Mode Than Turn Off PS5"

Summary

• 50% of PS5 users prefer to shut down their console instead of using rest mode.
• The Welcome Hub was introduced to provide a unified experience for users with different preferences.
• The reasons for not using rest mode are varied among gamers.

In an interview with Stephen Totilo, Cory Gasaway, Vice President of Game, Product, and Player Experiences at Sony Interactive Entertainment, revealed that half of PlayStation 5 users opt out of the console's rest mode feature. Rest mode, a notable feature in recent console generations, allows gamers to keep their system running for downloads and game sessions without consuming excessive energy. The PS5's rest mode is designed to facilitate more convenient downloads and maintain game progress during breaks.

Rest mode has been a significant part of the PlayStation ecosystem, with Jim Ryan emphasizing its environmental benefits before the PS5's launch. Despite its energy-saving capabilities, a substantial number of users still choose not to engage with this feature.

As reported by IGN, Gasaway shared with Game File that PS5 users are evenly split between shutting down their console and utilizing rest mode. This insight was part of a larger discussion on the design 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 finding that 50% of PS5 users do not use rest mode. Gasaway noted that in the United States, half of the users would see the PS5 Explore page upon booting up, while users outside the US would see the page for their most recently played game. The Welcome Hub aims to offer a cohesive and customizable starting point for all PS5 users.

The reasons for avoiding rest mode vary among gamers. While it's primarily used to save energy and allow for background downloads and updates, some users have reported issues with internet functionality when using rest mode, leading them to keep their console fully powered on during downloads. Others find no issues and continue to use the feature. Gasaway's insights shed light on the considerations behind the PS5's user interface design.