Gaming has come a long way in recent decades. From pixelated screens to photorealistic graphics, every element of the gaming experience has evolved to enhance player immersion. Among these innovations is the suspend-and-resume feature, a game-changing convenience that allows players to pause their session and pick up exactly where they left off. Yet, despite its potential to simplify gaming, a surprising number of PlayStation 5 users are choosing to skip this feature altogether.
A Revolutionary Feature: Why Suspend-and-Resume Should Shine
Imagine this: you’re in the middle of a high-stakes boss fight, but life interrupts. A phone call, a knock at the door, or simply needing to step away happens to all of us. Instead of losing progress or navigating through save points, the PS5’s suspend mode allows you to return instantly, avoiding the hassle of loading screens or starting over.
This feature works by saving the game’s state in the console’s memory, so your session is effectively frozen in time. No need to dig through menus or wait for the game to reload. It’s a huge benefit, especially for busy gamers juggling work, family, and short windows of free time.
However, according to a recent Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) study, only 50% of PS5 players utilize this capability. For the other half, the process of fully turning off the console after each session remains their go-to.
Why Are Gamers Ignoring Suspend Mode?
It’s baffling at first glance—why wouldn’t you take advantage of such a convenient tool? But upon closer inspection, a few reasons come to light:
1. Old Habits Die Hard
For many gamers, shutting down the console after a session is a long-ingrained habit. It’s a reflex born from years of traditional gaming systems where leaving your device running for hours felt risky, or even wasteful. Many simply feel it’s “safer” or more responsible to turn the console off completely.
2. Concerns About Energy Consumption
Even though modern consoles like the PS5 are designed to be energy-efficient, the idea of leaving a device in standby mode can still make some users uncomfortable. Environmental consciousness and a desire to keep electricity bills low often lead players to opt for a full shutdown, despite the minimal energy used in suspend mode.
3. A Lack of Awareness
Let’s face it: not everyone reads their console manual. The PS5 is packed with features, and unless you’re actively exploring its settings, it’s easy to overlook suspend mode. Many players may not even realize how simple it is to use or what it offers.
What Sony’s Data Tells Us
Sony’s study also highlighted how player preferences vary globally. For instance, gamers in the United States are more likely to explore the “Explore” page when turning on their console, while players outside the U.S. typically jump straight back into their last played game. This behavior suggests that while some embrace streamlined access, others still prefer traditional patterns of gameplay navigation.
The Case for Embracing Suspend Mode
As someone who’s been interrupted mid-session far too many times (thanks, life), I can vouch for how much easier suspend mode makes gaming. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about keeping the experience seamless. Whether you’re battling demons in Elden Ring or exploring the open world of Horizon Forbidden West, the ability to instantly return to where you left off can transform how you enjoy games.
But it’s also about peace of mind. Suspend mode eliminates the fear of lost progress, especially in games that don’t have frequent auto-save points. Additionally, the energy impact is minimal, and for many households, the time saved outweighs any small power usage.
Encouraging Gamers to Adapt
As gaming evolves, so must our habits. Whether you’re a die-hard PS5 fan or a casual gamer, understanding and leveraging features like suspend mode can only enhance your experience. Sony may not have expected a split user base, but with a little education and awareness, more players could discover the joys of picking up right where they left off—without the wait.
So next time you’re about to hit that power button, give suspend mode a try. You might wonder how you ever lived without it.
