The PlayStation 6 Could Feature a Low Power Mode

Summary

Sony is developing an efficiency system for consoles that includes a “low power mode.”
The patent hints at potential features for the PlayStation 6, including automatic adjustments for performance optimization.
Mark Cerny, known for past PlayStation work, is listed as the inventor, but no guarantee this patent will be utilized.

A recent patent publication reveals a new Sony hardware system that would make console performance adjustments to selectively implement various power modes, including a “low power mode” that would help to maximize operating efficiency. This filing joins a growing number of recent Sony technology patents that have targeted hardware and software improvements that could potentially be implemented in future console updates and launches.

One of the biggest names in gaming, Sony is perhaps best known for its series of PlayStation consoles that have evolved with numerous innovations over the years. While players are rarely given a peek behind the curtain, new Sony patent registrations do help to give fans an idea of what the company is focusing on with its research and development efforts.

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According to a patent first filed in October 2024 and published on May 15, 2025, Sony is working on a power mode hardware system that would automatically adjust video game framerates and resolutions to optimize console performance. One of the key listed functionalities would be a “low power mode” that drops certain performance metrics in order to keep a console operating at peak efficiency. Current PlayStation video game consoles lack this functionality, so this patent may be a potential look at what Sony is preparing for the PlayStation 6. Of particular note is the listed inventor on the patent, Mark Cerny, who served as lead architect for the PlayStation Vita, PS4, PS5, and PS5 Pro. It would come as no surprise for Cerny to be contributing work on the PS6, though there is no guarantee at this time that this patent will be fully developed or utilized.

Sony Console Power Modes Patent Details

Taking a closer look at the Sony console power modes patent, audiences can see the various settings that could be adjusted to achieve the optimized efficiency. Figures 5 through 10 show how brightness, framerate, and power usage could be changed on a sliding scale. For example, if a player selects low power mode, they would be given the option to prioritize fidelity or performance while in that operating mode. Additionally, Figure 16 shows how the console itself would utilize a detection system to determine if power usage is exceeding a fixed metric and subsequently prompt the user to select an altered power strategy. While the console power mode system and other Sony gaming patents may be promising, players should await any official announcements from Sony before expecting to see a low power mode included with the PlayStation 6 design.

Sony continues to file a variety of video game technology patents, ranging from new controller innovations to improved performance modes for consoles. Whether any of these hardware and software developments will ever be made available to consumers remains to be seen, so interested fans may want to stay tuned for any official updates from Sony.