The Right Way to Position Your Sony PS5

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Fact-checking claims about the vertical PS5 orientation
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According to Sony’s Quick Start Guide, the PlayStation5 can be safely mounted horizontally or vertically. Recently, however, many players were concerned after hearing that a vertical PS5 placement could cause long-term console damage. While these issues were never addressed by Sony, the rumors are still concerning—and we’re here to take a closer look at them so you can make an informed decision for your own PS5. We’ll also review the two different ways to mount a PS5 on its official base so you can comfortably store your console however you please.

How do you put the PS5 horizontally?

Twist the circular section of the PS5 clockwise so the raised, rectangular portion is perpendicular to the hinges. Hook the hinges over the back edge of the PS5, directly over the square icon engravings. Check that the hinges are secure before setting the PS5 base-side-down on a flat surface.

Section 1 of 3:

Should your PS5 be vertical or horizontal?

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  1. According to Sony’s official PS5 Quick Start Guide , the official PS5 base can be used to secure the console in either a vertical or horizontal position. [1] In an interview conducted with Yasuhiro Otori (PlayStation’s Manager of the Mechanical Design Department) before the PS5’s release, Otori explains that the console can be safely placed in a vertical or horizontal orientation without damaging the cooling system. [2]
    • The cooling system in question is a liquid cooling system that’s attached to the PS5’s Accelerated Process Unit (APU). The liquid metal is corralled in place by a secure, spongey seal that prevents the metal from touching the APU.
    • The APU is an important console part that allows the PS5 to process graphics and video. [3]
  2. In recent years (notably in August 2022 and January 2023), people have claimed (like French repair gurus Ben Montana and 68 Logic) that keeping the PS5 upright allowed for liquid metal in the cooling system to leak out and damage internal parts of the PS5. [4]
    • The Verdict: All the evidence that condemns the vertical PS5 orientation is anecdotal and not backed or confirmed by Sony. Ultimately, it’s up to you how you choose to set up your PS5 . Plenty of gamers have perfectly intact PS5 consoles that are stored vertically, but it never hurts to be careful.
    • Keep in mind: While Sony offers PS5 warranties, these warranties are voided if you open up and/or alter your PS5 without the help of official repair channels . [5] If you suspect your PS5 could be damaged, always get a Sony-certified professional to inspect it.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Put a PS5 Horizontally

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  1. Make sure that the raised, rectangular portion is twisted to the right of the hinges so the base can easily attach to the console. [6]
  2. Along the back edge of your console, feel for a series of etched squares, Xs, circles, and triangles. Align the hinges along the squares on either end of the engraving. [7]
  3. Apply enough pressure to the hinges so they firmly clasp onto the back of the console. Set the console base-side-down when you’re confident that the base is firmly attached. [8]
    • To remove a horizontally-mounted base, give it a firm tug.
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Put a PS5 Vertically

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  1. This plastic cap covers the screw hole that allows the PS5 to be mounted to the base. [9]
  2. Flip the base over and locate the screw compartment. In this area is a circular opening—this is where the screw cap needs to go. Pull out the screw with your fingers and set it aside. [10]
  3. Flip the console so it’s sitting on its narrow, more tapered edge. The exposed screw hole should be aligned vertically and facing you. Then, line up the central screw hole on the base with the exposed screw hole on the console—the base’s hinges should naturally tuck into the wider end of the PS5. [11]
  4. Slip the screw through the base and into the opening along the console. Using a coin or a flathead screwdriver, carefully tighten the screw in place to secure your PS5. It’s now ready to be placed base-side-down in your gaming area! [12]
    • To detach the mounted base, simply undo the screw and tuck it back into the bottom of the base. Put the screw cover back in its original position.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.4gamer.net/games/990/G999027/20201016035/
      3. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/amd-fusion
      4. ↑ https://www.pcguide.com/console/ps5-orientation-vertical-horizontal/
      5. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/warranties/ps5/
      6. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/ps5-docs/1000a/MEA_EN_PS5_Disc_Web_Quick_Start_Guide_ENGMEA_7033912.pdf

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