There have been reports suggesting that PlayStation 5 (PS5) users are encountering problems, with USB ports melting when playing for certain periods of time.
This issue has raised concerns especially after it was observed during the Evolution (Evo) tournament held in Las Vegas, which is one of the biggest fighting game events worldwide. Players from parts of the globe came together at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to compete in titles like Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, and Tekken 7, among others.
The issue concerns the USB A port of the PlayStation 5, which is situated in the front of the console. Many participants in tournaments will connect their fighting game controllers by USB, and tend to utilize the ports at the back of the console.
Considering the gaming sessions and multiple players using the systems one after another, it’s conceivable the PlayStation 5’s were constantly running, which might have caused temperatures inside the console to increase.
The PS5 releases heat from the rear of the console, which could have led to increased temperatures and even caused the plastic inside the USB ports to melt. Several competitors mentioned their cables got stuck in the PS5’s USB ports resulting in the port being pulled out when they removed the cable.
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Consideration of Contributing Factors
Despite these reports it’s crucial to take into account the factors that may have played a role in causing this problem. It seems some players in the tournament were using converters to connect their older PS4 fight sticks to the PS5, due to compatibility challenges. The utilization of third party hardware might have introduced some complications. Moreover, it is still uncertain whether the affected USB ports were a result of PS5 units.
Neither Sony nor Evo has issued any statements or responses regarding this matter yet.
EVO is proving that PS5 is NOT the answer. Usb ports are melting like craY. @Kyoku236HS usb on his controller melted. This is not isolated. We need to go PC or xbox atleast
— SabreAZ (@Sabre_AZ) August 5, 2023
Sony’s Strong Hold in the Gaming Industry With the PlayStation 5
This issue goes beyond the Evo tournament. In 2021, Sony teamed up with RTS, a streaming and events management company owned by streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys, to acquire Evo.
As a result of this acquisition, the Street Fighter 6 competition at Evo will primarily use the PS5 as the primary gaming system, while older titles will be played on PS4’s. Sonys involvement emphasizes its dedication to the fighting games community.
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Although there will be games, such as Mortal Kombat 1, that will be accessible on various platforms, it’s expected that the competitive gaming community will lean towards favoring the PS5 versions due to Evo’s affiliation with Sony.
Sony has been able to maintain a position in the gaming industry with competition from Microsoft and Nintendo. Since its release in 2020, the PS5 has sold a 40 million units solidifying Sony’s leading presence in the market.
While Microsoft hasn’t provided sales figures for the Xbox Series X and S, they have indicated that around 21 million units have been shipped or sold. Sony’s dominant position played a role in Microsoft’s arguments during its trial with the Federal Trade Commission, regarding their acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Preventive Measures for PlayStation 5 Users
For PlayStation 5 users concerned about this issue, several tips may help prevent the USB port melting:
Use Front USB Ports: Whenever possible, utilize the front USB-A or USB-C port, which is not positioned near the heat exhaust of the console.
Allow Cooling Time: If forced to use the rear USB-A port, ensure the console has had ample time to cool down before plugging it in again.
Avoid Unlicensed Converters: Until official statements are issued by Sony or third-party hardware manufacturers, it is advisable to refrain from using unlicensed converters, especially in a competitive or extended gameplay setting.
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