For several months, Sony has been discreetly enriching the PlayStation 5 with new innovations via system updates. Among the most recent, a small icon spotted by users on Reddit attracted attention: it indicates that a game is capable of running in power saving mode. An option which, at first glance, could go unnoticed – but which deserves attention, as its impact can be twofold: reduce the power consumption of the console And potentially reduce electricity bill — at the cost of a compromise on performance and visual quality.
This feature, added in October 2025, recently discovered by part of the PS5 community, represents an interesting novelty in the way Sony approaches the energy impact of its consoles. It is part of a broader movement around the “Road to Zero” initiative led by Sony, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
How power saving mode works on PS5
The principle is relatively simple: when a game supports this option, a specific icon appears in the interface, indicating that energy saving mode is available. By activating it, the PS5 will act on several technical parameters of the game:
- Frame rate limitation — for example, a title that was running at 60 FPS can be downgraded to 30 FPS.
- Resolution drop — higher native resolution can be scaled down to lower levels.
- Reduced graphic effects — certain volumetric effects or visual details may be cut or lightened.
The goal of this approach is to reduce the load on the hardware, which decreases the overall power consumption of the console — and therefore potentially your electricity bill if you play for a long time.
Concrete impact: an example with Demon’s Souls
Technical analyses, notably that carried out by Digital Foundrymade it possible to measure the real impact of this functionality on certain games. In the case of Demon’s Soulsone of the emblematic titles that supports this mode:
- The game drops support for 60 FPSlimiting itself to 30 FPS.
- There resolution is reduceddropping to 1440p with more modest visual settings.
- Some advanced graphic effects are reduced or disabled.
According to Digital Foundry, “the performance impact is significant”, resulting in a less fluid and less detailed visual experience. That said, this reduced load also results in a PS5 that consumes less, which may be relevant in the long term for users concerned about energy or bills.
A relevant option… but not for all players
Although power saving mode can help reduce your console’s environmental footprint and reduce costs, it poses a real dilemma for gamers:
- For long, non-competitive sessionsthe option may be interesting.
- For those who value visual quality or performanceactivating this mode may be perceived as too great a sacrifice.
Sony has not yet announced whether this option will be expanded to more titles in the future, nor whether it could be automatically configured according to usage profiles. However, for energy-conscious consumers or those who game often, it may be worth checking if your favorite games support this feature.