Half of PlayStation 5 users bypass rest mode, opting for a complete system shutdown instead. This surprising statistic, revealed by Sony Interactive Entertainment's Cory Gasaway, prompted the development of the PS5's Welcome Hub. The Welcome Hub aims to provide a consistent user experience despite varying player preferences.
In an interview with Stephen Totilo, Gasaway confirmed that a 50/50 split exists among PS5 users regarding rest mode usage. While rest mode is designed for energy efficiency and convenient download management, many players avoid it for various reasons. This data point, highlighted by IGN, was part of a larger discussion on the design philosophy behind the 2024-introduced Welcome Hub.
The Welcome Hub, a product of a PlayStation hackathon, directly addresses this 50% rest mode avoidance. Gasaway explained that the Hub's design, offering personalized starting pages (PS5 Explore in the US, last played game elsewhere), aims to create a more unified and customizable experience for all users.
Why the 50/50 split? There's no single definitive answer. While rest mode's energy-saving benefits are well-known, some players report internet connectivity issues when using it, preferring a fully powered-on console for downloads. Others simply find no issue with the feature. Gasaway's insights shed light on the considerations behind the PS5's user interface design, showcasing the impact of user behavior on core functionality.
