Sony's Mechanical Design Department VP, Yasuhiro Ootori, has revealed that the PlayStation 5's cooling system is unaffected by how the console is positioned, whether players choose to set it up horizontally or vertically. Most of Sony's previous consoles could be positioned either horizontally or vertically, as well, but many gamers were concerned that laying the PS5 horizontally would interfere with the console's fan and lead to the hulking console overheating.

The PlayStation 5's cooling fan has played an intimate role in the console's development, in terms of both outer design and internal power. The console's distinctive white panels conceal a very large cooling fan, which is necessary to keep the console a suitable temperatures while running intensive next-generation games. While other designs were considered, such as utilizing two smaller fans rather than one large one, the final design was considered more efficient and easier to maintain. Yasuhiro Ootori recently revealed that the cooling fan's design will be tweaked in future versions of the console based on consumer feedback.

Related: PS5 Size Makes Console Much Quieter Than PS4, According To Hands-On Sessions

Translating a recent 4Gamer interview, Sirus Gaming reports that Ootori recently explained that the PlayStation 5's positioning will not affect the cooling fan. Many players have grown concerned that, given the fan's size and importance to the console's performance, laying the PS5 down horizontally would negatively affect the cooling process. However, Ootori has now confirmed that, "From the designer’s point of view, there is no difference in cooling performance between vertical and horizontal installation." The Mechanical Design Department VP then goes on to explain that the system's electric fan negates any benefit to standing the console up vertically. Ootori says he prefers placing the console vertically, but only for a purely aesthetic reason.

PlayStation 5 Teardown Cooling Fan Performance

With the launch of next-generation consoles quickly approaching, those within the industry have begun looking more closely at the PlayStation 5's hardware. The console's distinctive white panels, which cover the cooling fan, are speculated to be customizable due to their ease of removal. The PS5's SSD storage system has also been a topic of discussion, with reports that Sony's console will have nearly 100 gigabytes less storage than Microsoft's Xbox Series X. With the two in tense competition, just as their predecessors of previous generations, both consoles will be carefully studied upon their release to the public.

Fans are rightfully concerned about the PlayStation 5's cooling fan, since it is an essential part of the console's performance. However, the report that horizontal or vertical positioning does not affect the console's cooling ability bodes well for the fan's power. PlayStation 5's owners will be placing the console in a variety of different locations and positions, so it is encouraging to know that cooling will be a negligible issue upon release.

Next: PS5 Pre-Order Restocks Set For Select Retailers Now Available

The PlayStation 5 will be available on November 12, 2020 in select countries and on November 19 globally. Pre-orders are available now.

Source: 4Gamer, Sirus Gaming