The recently added energy-saving mode allows PlayStation 5 owners to reduce electricity consumption during gameplay.
The arrival of a new icon on the PlayStation 5 interface has sparked a wave of questions and theories among gamers. Since its appearance in October, this symbol has drawn attention for what it reveals about the console’s technical capabilities and the platform’s potential future.
Although the icon’s official purpose is a power-saving mode for specific titles, many users interpret it as a possible hint about what’s coming with the PS6.
What is the new symbol that appears on the PS5?
The symbol in question began appearing on the PS5 interface a few weeks ago. Its purpose is to indicate which games support running in power-saving mode.
This mode was introduced as part of a global system update and aligns with Sony’s environmental policies, which aim to reduce harmful gas emissions by 2040, according to the company. The icon appears next to the names of compatible video games, serving as a visual cue for players who want to consume fewer energy resources while gaming.
The energy-saving symbol is already visible in titles such as Demon’s Souls, Days Gone Remasteredand Death Strandingalthough its use varies by developer. (SONY)
In-game, the power-saving symbol is common in games like Demon’s Souls, Days Gone Remasteredand Death Stranding. However, not all games use this mode, and for now, the decision to include it remains with each development studio. As a result, PS5 users can choose whether to enable or disable power saving based on their preferences and priorities.
How does power-saving mode work on the PS5?
The PS5’s power-saving mode limits the console’s hardware usage to reduce power consumption significantly. According to internal Sony documentation and specialized outlets such as Digital Foundry, this mode creates a virtual device within the system.
The system halves memory speed, turns off half of the CPU cores (from eight to four), and lowers the GPU frequency to the so-called “base clock,” with only 36 compute units active instead of the 60 a PS5 Pro can reach.
The result of these technical restrictions is that all games in this mode run at lower resolution and frame rate (FPS). In practice, this means that, for example, a title that usually runs at 60 FPS and 4K may be forced to run at 30 FPS and 1440p, with reduced visual effects.
Initial tests across different games show that, in demanding scenarios such as large crowds or explosions, performance can drop below the target figures. Despite this, developers have adopted various strategies: some drastically reduce visual quality, while others try to preserve certain aspects within the limits imposed by reduced hardware resources.
Why this symbol could be a clue to a future PS6
While the symbol’s official function is energy efficiency, speculation quickly arose. Various users and members of specialized forums have linked the icon’s arrival to rumors about the possible design of the next PlayStation 6.
Theories suggest that Sony is using this mode on the PS5 to experiment with adapting games to a power- and resource-limited environment — essentially simulating what a portable console, accompanying the home model in the next generation, could offer.
These rumors are supported by leaks pointing to a simultaneous launch of a new central console and a handheld device. A power-saving mode like the one introduced on the PS5 and its variants would be an ideal testing ground to verify compatibility and the gaming experience on less powerful hardware, bringing multiplatform development closer to future standards.
The discussion becomes even more relevant when considering that the energy-saving mode itself may be anticipating the kinds of cuts and technical adjustments needed to run demanding titles on a more compact body, with restrictions on battery life and cooling.
Industry analysts and attentive observers have noted that a target resolution of 1440p, or a limit to 30 FPS in some games, would be reasonable for a future handheld that must balance battery life with the essence of premium gaming.
