PlayStation Reveals How Many Gamers Turn Off Their PS5 Compared to Putting It in Rest Mode

A surprising statistic reveals that half of PlayStation 5 users bypass the console's rest mode, opting for a complete system shutdown instead. This finding, shared by Cory Gasaway, Sony Interactive Entertainment's VP of game, product, and player experiences, during an interview with Stephen Totilo, highlights a significant user preference divergence. The revelation emerged within a broader discussion about the design philosophy behind the PS5's Welcome Hub, introduced in 2024.

The Welcome Hub, born from a PlayStation hackathon, directly addresses this 50/50 split in rest mode usage. Its design aims to create a more unified user experience, regardless of individual preferences. For US users, the Hub defaults to the PS5 Explore page; internationally, it showcases the most recently played game. This customizable interface provides a consistent starting point for all players.

While no single reason explains the widespread avoidance of rest mode, anecdotal evidence suggests varied causes. Some users report internet connectivity issues when rest mode is enabled, preferring to leave the console fully powered on for downloads. Others experience no such problems and utilize the feature as intended – to conserve energy and manage downloads efficiently. Regardless of the underlying reasons, Gasaway's insights shed light on the complexities of designing intuitive user interfaces for gaming consoles. The 50% figure underscores the need for developers to cater to diverse user behaviors and preferences.