Half of PlayStation 5 users shun rest mode, opting for a complete system shutdown instead. This surprising statistic, revealed by Sony's Cory Gasaway, prompted the development of the PS5's Welcome Hub, a feature designed to unify user experiences despite varying preferences.
In a recent interview with Stephen Totilo, Gasaway disclosed that a full 50% of PS5 owners bypass the rest mode functionality. Rest mode, a staple feature in modern consoles, allows for background downloads and game resumption while minimizing power consumption. Sony, emphasizing environmental responsibility, promoted this feature heavily. However, its widespread adoption hasn't materialized.
As reported by IGN, Gasaway, Sony Interactive Entertainment's VP of game, product, and player experiences, confirmed the 50/50 split in usage between complete shutdown and rest mode. This data informed the design of the 2024-introduced Welcome Hub, detailed in Totilo's article. The Welcome Hub, born from a PlayStation hackathon, aimed to create a more consistent starting experience for all users. In the US, this means the PS5 Explore page is displayed for half of users, while others outside the US see their most recently played game. The customizable interface provides a unified entry point for all players.
The reasons behind rest mode avoidance remain varied and anecdotal. While energy saving is a primary benefit, some users report internet connectivity issues when using rest mode, preferring a fully powered-on console for downloads. Others simply prefer the complete shutdown approach. Regardless of the reasons, Gasaway's revelation sheds light on the design considerations behind the PS5's user interface.
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