Is It Safer to Place PS5 or Xbox Series X Vertically or Horizontally?
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are large , and you’ll likely need to free up space to place one of these consoles in your home theater or desk.
Fortunately, you have options: all PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X models, as well as the smaller Xbox Series S, can be placed vertically or horizontally. But the question arises: is one way better than the other?
Does it matter if your console is vertical or horizontal?
The orientation of your console won’t affect performance or gaming, but there are pros and cons of placing your PS5 or Xbox X / S series upright or on the side of it. In some cases, placing the console vertically helps the ventilation fans more efficiently, while the vertical position reduces the footprint so it can fit in more confined spaces.
However, placing the console horizontally gives it a lower center of gravity and a larger footprint, which reduces the risk of rollover and makes it a better option if you have limited space above the console.
However, the “best” way to place consoles is a matter of preference. Whichever direction works best for your room and gives the console enough space will be the safest option. Games will play the same no matter which way the car is facing, and as long as it has proper ventilation there is no risk of overheating – just, you know, don’t accidentally turn it upside down.
With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at how to properly position your PS5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S in a vertical or horizontal setup.
Playstation 5
There are two versions of the PlayStation 5: the standard model with a floppy drive and the “digital” model without a floppy drive. Both models work horizontally or vertically, and the settings are identical for each. In any position, the PS5 mounts on the included detachable base.
For vertical use, the base fits into the widest end of the console and is secured with the included base screw. Given the PS5’s large and fickle dimensions, the upright option is useful when you’re short on desk space or in your living room. Just make sure the PS5 is properly attached to the base as the console is more prone to tip over when struck when upright.
Using the PS5 horizontally works too. However, the PS5’s asymmetrical bezel is misleading; there is no clear indication of which side should be on top, and the stand connects to both sides of the frame (for some reason), the console can be easily turned upside down, which could damage the internal mechanisms. This is such a simple mistake that even in official Sony advertisements, the car was mistakenly shown upside down.
To avoid misaligning your console, make sure the disc slot is on the underside for PS5 with floppy drives. For digital models, it is desirable that the convex side is facing down.
Xbox X series
The Xbox Series X can be placed vertically or horizontally right out of the box, making it easier to set up than its PlayStation rival. Series X is most commonly placed vertically in most official Microsoft advertisements as it is most effective for ventilation. However, the horizontal position is also safe.
If you want to place the giant black box vertically, just make sure the rubberized feet are facing down and the large exhaust fan is facing up. Seen from the front, the Xbox logo indicator should be in the upper left corner and the disc slot should be in the lower left.
For landscape orientation, make sure the side with the drive slot and the Xbox logo is facing out, with the disc slot in the upper left corner and the Xbox indicator in the upper right corner. As with an incorrectly oriented PS5, an upside down Xbox Series X can damage the electronics inside, damage the disc in the drive, and put the console at risk of overheating.
Xbox S series
The Xbox Series S is even easier to set up than its big brother, and its design makes it clear which sides should be facing up in a given orientation.
If you are placing the Series S vertically, make sure the side with the large black air vent is facing up and the engraved Xbox logo is next to the base. The circular Xbox logo-shaped power indicator on the front of the console should be in the upper left corner when looking straight ahead.
When using the console horizontally, the large air vent should be facing up and the Xbox-shaped power indicator should be in the upper right corner.
[ Windows Central ]