The Right and Wrong Ways to Position Your PlayStation 5
Setting up a PlayStation 5 can be done correctly or incorrectly, and it seems even some high-profile users, including a PlayStation executive, have opted for the unconventional method. Personally, I’ve had my PS5 positioned upside down since I acquired it in late October. Surprisingly, it hasn’t malfunctioned yet.
Understanding Sony’s Setup Guidelines
Sony has made its installation instructions abundantly clear through various channels—promotional materials, news articles, social media updates, the user manual, and even the packaging itself. You have two primary options for positioning your console:
- Vertical Orientation: This is achieved by placing the console upright.
- Horizontal Orientation: For this setup, you need to attach a base that comes with the console.
As you can see from my setup (refer to above), I’ve chosen neither of these methods. My decision stems from both aesthetic preferences and practicality.
Aesthetic Choices Over Instructional Norms
One side of the PS5 is relatively flat while the other is not; naturally leaning towards laying it on its flatter side seemed logical to me. Although there’s an included stand designed for proper horizontal placement—an accessory that could easily be overlooked—it’s easy to imagine someone hastily setting up their new console without using it during a festive season rush. Without this stand in place, orienting your PS5 as instructed feels akin to wearing clothing inside out; it’s just not quite right visually.
When I first shared my experience back in October, I was uncertain about any long-term repercussions of having my PS5 upside down after only a few days of use. Questions lingered about whether airflow might be compromised or if internal components would suffer damage over time due to this orientation. However, two months later and still no issues have arisen on my end—though Sony has yet to clarify why flipping a horizontally placed PS5 might pose risks.
Historical Context: Inverting Consoles
Interestingly enough, many gamers may recall instances where they flipped their original PlayStation consoles upside down as an attempt at prolonging their lifespan—a nostalgic nod that adds context here.
Potential Drawbacks of an Upside-Down Console
That said, there are some challenges associated with this unconventional setup. For instance:
- Disc Drive Usage: To utilize the disc drive effectively requires inserting discs shiny side up—a counterintuitive move after years of standard practice.
- Digital Library Management: Most games in my collection are digital; thus far I’ve managed well despite occasionally inserting physical discs incorrectly due to ingrained habits.
- USB Connectivity Issues: Charging cables for controllers can become frustratingly tricky when dealing with inverted USB ports—something everyone has experienced at one point or another!
Despite these minor inconveniences—which persist even ten weeks later—the benefits outweigh them significantly.
The Design Dilemma
The PS5’s imposing dimensions (15 inches tall by 10 inches deep) make it hard not to notice its presence within any space—it stands out dramatically compared with sleeker models like Xbox Series X or S or even previous iterations like PlayStation 4. Its design has drawn comparisons ranging from architectural marvels in Abu Dhabi to ominous structures found in fantasy realms like Mordor—not exactly subtle! Even trendy home decor pieces would struggle against such bold aesthetics.
The Stand Conundrum
Now let’s consider those who may find themselves unfamiliar with how best to set up their new device upon unboxing it after enduring long wait times amidst supply shortages:
Imagine being handed what appears as flimsy black plastic meant for support but feeling compelled instead just place your console flat because that’s how most devices functionally operate! With such confusion surrounding proper usage instructions—and given how easily one could misinterpret assembly guidelines—it’s understandable why many opt against utilizing that stand altogether!
In fact—with its curvilinear design arcing gracefully upwards—the appearance improves when flipped over rather than adhering strictly according conventional wisdom regarding orientation!
Final Thoughts on Console Positioning
While I’m sharing insights based on personal experience regarding keeping an inverted PS5 operationally sound thus far—I’m certainly not advocating others follow suit blindly! My unit may currently function flawlessly but predicting future performance remains uncertain; will complications arise unexpectedly? Only time will tell! If anything goes awry with yours (Hermen Hulst!), please keep me posted!