The PlayStation 5 remake of Demon’s Souls has received a significant update, introducing support for the system’s Power Saver Mode. This new feature, which reduces the console’s power consumption, offers a unique opportunity to examine how PlayStation games could perform on a future handheld console, particularly the rumored PlayStation handheld device. 
This update, developed by Bluepoint Games and originally launched alongside the PlayStation 5 in November 2020, has now been optimized for the Power Saver Mode, which can be seen in the form of a small leaf icon in the system’s main menu.
Power Saver Mode is a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s long-term environmental initiative, known as the “Road to Zero” program. Launched in 2010, this program aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and the introduction of Power Saver Mode on the PS5 is one of the steps in that direction. While this mode primarily aims to lower the system’s power usage, it has also sparked speculation that it might be a testing ground for the rumored PlayStation handheld. This handheld is said to support PS5 games, and the tweaks and adjustments seen in Demon’s Souls under Power Saver Mode could give us a sneak peek into what to expect from such a device.
The update to Demon’s Souls introduces notable changes in both performance and resolution when running in Power Saver Mode. As seen in screenshots captured on the PS5, the resolution in this mode is noticeably lower than the higher modes – Performance and Cinematic. In addition, the frame rate target has been reduced from the 60 FPS in Performance Mode to 30 FPS in Power Saver Mode. While these adjustments may not be ideal for a home console setup, they could actually be more suited for a portable handheld device where lower resolution and frame rate would make a more comfortable gaming experience. A YouTube video accurately highlights this altered gameplay experience, offering a glimpse into the potential of the PlayStation handheld for running demanding PS5 games.
One of the most impressive features of Power Saver Mode is its significant reduction in energy consumption. A test conducted by ResetERA forum member ‘vicegold’ demonstrated that power consumption dropped from approximately 224 W in regular mode to around 98 W in Power Saver Mode – a striking difference. Although this power consumption figure is still too high for a handheld gaming device, it shows that with the right optimizations and software tweaks, games can still run without drastic visual downgrades. This bodes well for the rumored PlayStation handheld, which would likely rely on similar optimizations to ensure smooth performance while conserving battery life.
The Demon’s Souls remake is just one of many PlayStation 5 titles that will benefit from the addition of Power Saver Mode. Other high-profile games, such as Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, are expected to receive similar updates. With Death Stranding 2 offering solid 60 FPS performance and stunning visuals, it will be an interesting title to test the limits of Power Saver Mode further and evaluate how well it translates to a handheld experience.
In conclusion, the updates to Demon’s Souls in Power Saver Mode not only improve the energy efficiency of the PS5, but also provide valuable insights into what could be expected from a PlayStation handheld. By carefully tweaking performance and resolution, Sony seems to be laying the groundwork for a future where full PS5 games can be played on a portable device, balancing power efficiency and gaming experience. With more games set to support Power Saver Mode, we may soon see a future where PlayStation games can seamlessly transition between consoles and handheld systems without sacrificing performance.
1 comment
This is definitely a step in the right direction for handhelds. Fingers crossed for a smooth experience on the go! 🤞