In the latest PlayStation 5 system beta, Sony has teased a new mode it calls Power Saver. It is part of Sony's long-term 'Road to Zero' goal to completely cut all greenhouse gas emmissions to a net-zero by 2040.

What is Power Saver mode?

Sony's Power Saver mode for the PlayStation 5 aims to reduce power usage by scaling back performance in supported games. While this feature is optional, enabling it will result in lower power consumption during gameplay. However, it's worth noting that PlayStation VR2 will not function while Power Saver is active.

SIE’s VP of Product Management explained the update, saying:

"With this update, you may notice a new option in your settings menu called Power Saver. While this feature won’t be available during the beta phase, once it officially launches, supported PS5 games will scale back performance and will allow your PS5 to reduce its power consumption when the feature is enabled optionally by gamers."

How do I use Power Saver?

As of writing, Power Saver mode for the PlayStation 5 has not been officially released. Users who have installed the latest beta update may notice the option listed in the settings menu, but it’s currently just a placeholder. The feature is not yet functional and will become available once the full update rolls out.

Why Power Saver mode could hint at a new PlayStation handheld

Speculation continues to build around a potential new handheld gaming device from Sony, rumored to launch alongside the PlayStation 6. According to reports, the device may support a curated selection of PS5 and PS4 titles, offering portable access to many PlayStation titles.

Interestingly, the upcoming Power Saver mode on PS5 could play a key role in making this vision more practical. By enabling games to run at reduced performance levels on the base console, developers might find it easier to adapt PS5 titles for the handheld’s lower, more restricted specs, therefore bridging the gap between console and portable play.