PlayStation Hardware Woes and Christmas Nostalgia: Fixing the PS5 Shutdown Glitch and the Return of an Arcade Legend

For console owners, few things are quite as frustrating as a system that cuts out mid-game. Whilst a console failing completely is the nightmare scenario, a PlayStation 5 that randomly shuts itself down comes a close second. If you have found your sessions abruptly curtailed by a black screen, you are not alone, and there are several potential culprits—from thermal issues to software gremlins—that require a spot of detective work to investigate.

Diagnosing the Heat Issue

Like most high-performance electronics, the PS5 is engineered with a failsafe to power down if internal temperatures reach critical levels. This is often the most straightforward issue to identify. After around 15 to 30 minutes of gameplay, simply place your hand near the console’s vents. If the heat radiating from the machine feels excessive, immediate action is required.

Ensure the console is situated in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or enclosed cabinets that trap heat. Over time, the internal fan can become a magnet for dust; if you suspect a blockage, a can of compressed air is essential. For a more thorough clean, you may need a Torx T8 screwdriver to access the fan assembly. Establishing a regular cleaning routine is the best preventative measure to keep the airflow unobstructed.

Power Supply and Connections

It is worth noting that a PS5 can draw between 200 and 350W when running demanding titles. Whilst this does not rival a high-end gaming PC, it is significantly more demanding than many household appliances. If your console shares an extension lead or multi-socket adapter with other power-hungry devices—such as heaters, air conditioning units, or large televisions—it may simply be starved of the necessary current.

On a more basic level, inspect the power cable itself. A loose connection at the mains or the console end can cause intermittent power failure. If the cable appears frayed or discoloured, cease using it immediately as this poses a fire risk; a replacement cable is the only safe solution.

Software Settings and Firmware

Paradoxically, the console’s ‘Rest Mode’—designed to save energy whilst allowing for background downloads and charging—can occasionally be the source of stability issues. Although efficient, disabling this feature is a sound troubleshooting step if random shutdowns persist. This can be adjusted via the Power Saving menu in the system settings.

Furthermore, keeping the system software current is vital. Sony frequently deploys firmware updates to address bugs and introduce features, such as the support for Dolby Atmos and larger M.2 drives seen in last autumn’s update. Checking the System Software Update menu ensures you aren’t missing a critical patch that could resolve power stability issues. Finally, investigate the HDMI Device Link (HDMI-CEC) setting. Whilst convenient for turning on your TV automatically, this feature has been known to inadvertently force the console into Rest Mode or shut it down entirely.

A Festive Blast from the Past

Once you have successfully stabilised your machine, there is a fresh—or rather, decidedly vintage—reason to put it through its paces. Whilst most gamers spent Christmas Day digesting festive meals, PlayStation quietly released a surprise title that strikes a chord with veteran players. Although absent from the official release calendar, the original Space Invaders has arrived on the PlayStation Store.

We are not talking about a modern remake or the Space Invaders Forever collection that was already available. This is the seminal 1978 arcade original, brought to modern hardware via the Arcade Archives series. It is a faithful port that includes both the original black-and-white version and the later colour iteration, with audio reproduction meticulously tuned to match the arcade cabinets of the late seventies.

The release has clearly resonated with the community. The title currently boasts an impressive rating of 4.86 stars on the store, suggesting that the gameplay loop remains as compelling today as it was over four decades ago. For those wishing to close out the year with a dose of nostalgia, the title is available now for €8.99 on PS5 and €6.99 on PS4. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, amidst the pursuit of 4K graphics and complex narratives, there is still plenty of room for the simple joy of defending Earth from a pixelated descent.