PS5s Melting USB Ports Avoid Disaster with Tips
PS5s Melting USB Ports Avoid Disaster with Tips
PS5 Systems Melting USB Ports: A Problem at the World’s Largest Fighting Games Tournament
In a shocking turn of events, reports have emerged about PS5 systems melting USB ports during extended gameplay sessions. The issue came to light at Evolution (Evo) in Las Vegas, the world’s largest fighting games tournament. Players from all corners of the globe gathered at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to showcase their skills in games like Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, and Tekken 7, among others.
The problem stems from the fact that the PS5 only has one USB-A port in the front, causing many players to plug their fighting game controllers into one of the available ports in the back. Given that these systems were on for hours at a time and with a constant influx of competitors, it is likely that the PS5s were experiencing heat buildup. As the PS5 exhausts heat from the back, it is plausible that temperatures reached the point where the plastic inside the USB ports melted.
Some competitors even reported that their cables ended up fusing with the PS5 USB ports, resulting in the entire port being pulled out when removing the cable. This alarming issue has raised concerns about the PS5’s durability and reliability, leaving players in a difficult situation.
The tweet above from a concerned individual named SabreAZ highlights this critical problem and questions the viability of the PS5 as a gaming system. SabreAZ suggests that going for a PC or Xbox might be a better option due to the melting USB ports on the PS5. This issue caught the attention of the gaming community, igniting a debate on the superiority of gaming platforms.
Both Sony, the manufacturer of the PS5, and Evo, the company that hosts the tournament, have yet to respond to the situation. However, it is crucial to note that some competitors were using unlicensed converters for their older PS4 fight sticks on the PS5, as there is a lack of cross-system compatibility. It is possible that issues that arose were caused by using unlicensed hardware. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether the affected USB ports were a result of defective PS5s or the excessive heat build-up.
Sony’s involvement in Evo, as the primary sponsor and “default” system for Street Fighter 6, adds an interesting layer to this problem. Sony, in conjunction with RTS, a streaming and events management company owned by popular streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys, purchased Evo in 2021. This acquisition solidified Sony’s position within the fighting games community, making the PS5 the go-to platform for competitive players. While older titles were played on PS4s, the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1 will likely see competitive play exclusively on the PS5. Sony’s dominance in the gaming world, as evidenced by the staggering sales of nearly 40 million PS5 units since its launch in 2020, further strengthens its hold on the gaming zeitgeist.
Microsoft, Sony’s primary competitor in the gaming console market, has not divulged specific sales figures for its Xbox Series X and S. However, during a developers’ conference in Brazil, Microsoft stated that 21 million units had been shipped or sold. Sony’s undeniable dominance in the industry played a critical role in Microsoft’s case during a trial with the Federal Trade Commission regarding its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
As players await official responses from Sony and Evo regarding the USB port melting issue, it is essential to consider precautionary measures to ensure the longevity of your PS5. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Use the front USB-A or USB-C port instead of the rear port, which is located next to the heat exhaust. 2. If you must use the rear USB-A port, allow the console ample time to cool down before plugging in any cables. 3. Avoid using unlicensed converters until official statements are released by Sony or the third-party hardware manufacturers.
In conclusion, the PS5 system’s melting USB ports at Evo raises concerns about the console’s durability and calls into question its reliability as a gaming platform. However, it is crucial to consider factors such as the use of unlicensed hardware and potential defects before solely attributing the issue to the PS5 itself. Regardless, Sony’s dominance in the gaming industry and its association with Evo solidify its position as the go-to platform for competitive fighting games. As the situation unfolds, players eagerly await an official response from Sony and reassurance about the safety and performance of their beloved PS5 consoles.
Read more: Best Handheld Game Consoles of 2023
