Sony had claimed from the very first day that the PlayStation 5 console could be used vertically and horizontally. But the repair experts said that only horizontal installation would be correct. A blogger nicknamed 68Logic, who owned a hardware repair shop in France in 2010, claims that vertical docking can be deadly for a console.

As it turns out, the problem may be caused by liquid metal (PM) in the cooling system. Theoretically, the processor and radiator of the cooling system are pressed together very tightly so that the PM does not flow. However, practice has shown this to happen.

There is no consequence if the console is mounted horizontally, as the liquid metal will stay in place and retain its properties even when heated. However, when placed vertically, it can flow and pass to other components of the system. Heat output from the processor will also deteriorate.

This is why overheating of the chip, increased power consumption, etc. In addition, PM falling on the board can cause a short circuit. Experts said that this is a shortcoming in the console’s own design. There has been at least one instance of the PS5 standing upright in the box. It was also not unpacked, but once opened it could not be opened. It is not yet clear whether this is an issue with all console revisions or just some. The company has yet to comment on the situation.