Is it wrong to put the PS5 in a vertical position?

The first glimpse at the PlayStation 5 back in 2020 left us all surprised by its black and white colors, its curved design, as well as its detailed surface. Its design allows the console to be placed in the position you prefer, either horizontally or vertically.

A little over two years since its launch, many are still wondering which is the correct position: horizontal or vertical? Some think there is no difference, while others think there might be, so let’s take a look at it.

Horizontal or vertical, which is the right way to place the PS5?

Thanks to the console’s design, you can choose the position you prefer, while Sony considers both options correct. General Manager of Sony Product Design and Hardware Division Yasuhiro Otori, who was responsible for the construction of PS5, commented that he liked the vertical position better for aesthetic reasons.

But before deciding on how we are going to place the PS5, we must take into account a couple of important aspects:

• The cooling of the console
• The possible damage to its interior
• The disposition in our home
• The size of the console

If you want to place the PS5 vertically, consider that the dimensions are 390 mm wide x 104 mm high x 260 mm deep. Remember to add the height of the base as well.

Make sure you have calculated the space, not only for the console’s dimensions but also so it can be adequately cooled. Placing the PS5 vertically might save space, but it might not ensure proper ventilation.

The stand is indispensable in both positions; horizontally, it helps you to fix the correct position, and vertically it helps to maintain stability.

Possible problems that each position can cause

Overheating

The PS5’s ventilation system runs through two places: the hot air is expelled through the rear vents, while the front vents take the air.

Some recommendations to avoid overheating:

• Do not place the PS5 too close to other elements; the ventilation may not be correct if the space around it is insufficient.
• It is also not recommended to lean it against the wall. In this position, the air will not be expelled through the rear louvers, which will eventually cause overheating.

Spillage of liquid metal

A few weeks ago, a new problem with PS5 arose: the spillage of liquid metal. This material was one of Sony’s innovations for the console, discarding the thermal paste for system cooling.

Many users claim that their console is malfunctioning. At the same time, technical services are supposedly receiving PS5’s with spillage of the liquid metal; and this issue allegedly concerns mostly consoles that were in a vertical position.

So far, Sony has not officially commented on this problem. However, the solution that some claim to have found to prevent this from happening is to place the PS5 horizontally.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of the best position is a bit difficult, and no one really has the answer yet. However, for now, placing your PS5 horizontally seems like the more safe option, which might help you avoid the problem of liquid metal.

That said, neither the cause of the problem nor the definitive solution has been confirmed.

Header: Sony