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

Summary

• 50% of PS5 users prefer to shut down their console rather than use rest mode.
• The Welcome Hub was introduced to provide a unified experience despite varied user preferences.
• The reasons for not using rest mode are diverse among users.

In a recent interview with Stephen Totilo, Cory Gasaway, Sony Interactive Entertainment's vice president of game, product, and player experiences, revealed that 50% of PlayStation 5 users opt out of using the console's rest mode feature. Rest mode, a notable feature in recent console generations, allows gamers to keep their systems running with reduced energy consumption, facilitating easier downloads and maintaining game states during breaks.

Rest mode has long been a key component of the PlayStation ecosystem. Jim Ryan, prior to the PS5's launch, emphasized its role in Sony's commitment to environmental sustainability. Despite its energy-saving benefits over the PS4, a significant portion of the PS5 user base chooses not to engage with this feature.

As reported by IGN, Gasaway disclosed to Game File that there is an even split among PS5 users between those who shut down their console and those who use rest mode. This revelation came within a larger discussion by Stephen Totilo about the design philosophy behind the PS5's Welcome Hub, which was introduced in 2024.

50% of PS5 Players Don't Use Rest Mode

The Welcome Hub, conceived during a PlayStation hackathon, was developed in response to the finding that half of PS5 users do not utilize rest mode. Gasaway noted that in the United States, 50% of users who start their console are greeted by the PS5 Explore page, while users outside the U.S. see the page for their most recently played game. This hub aims to offer a more cohesive and personalized starting experience on the PS5.

The reasons behind the choice to use or avoid rest mode vary among gamers. While rest mode is designed to save energy and allow for background downloads and updates, some users report issues with internet functionality when it's active, leading them to keep their console fully powered on during downloads. Others have no issues and continue to use rest mode without problems. Cory Gasaway's insights shed light on how these user preferences influence the PS5's user interface design.

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