Master Your PS5 Setup: Vertical vs. Horizontal Configuration Explained

This article explains how to set up a PS5 both horizontally and vertically.

How to Prepare Your PS5 to Change the Orientation

If you aren’t performing a first-time setup, you need to start by shutting off your PS5 and disconnecting all of the connected cables.

Here’s how to prepare your PS5 to change the orientation:

1. If your PS5 is still on, press the physical power button until you hear two beeps.

   If your TV is still on, you can press the PS button on your controller, navigate to the power icon, and select Turn Off PS5 to switch it off.

2. Unplug the power cable, HDMI cable, and any USB or Ethernet cables.

3. You’re now ready to change the orientation of your PS5.

How to Set Up a PS5 Horizontally

The long sides of the PS5 are not flat, so the base is used to keep the unit steady when in the horizontal position.

Here’s how to set up a PS5 horizontally:

1. If your PS5 is already set up in the vertical configuration, lay it on its side and locate the base screw.

2. Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the base screw.

3. Store the base screw in the storage compartment.

4. Remove the stopper from the storage compartment.

5. Place the stopper in the screw hole on the PS5.

6. Place the base on a flat surface, and carefully rotate the outer piece counterclockwise until you feel it click.

7. Compare the base to this picture to ensure that it is in the right position.

   If this is a first-time installation, the base may already be in this position, so don’t force it.

8. Set the PS5 on a flat surface with the back facing up, and use the PlayStation button marks (circle, x, square, triangle) to line up the stand and clip it in place.

   If you do this right, you’ll feel the stand click in place, but it won’t be securely locked.

9. Carefully flip the PS5 down while holding the base to prevent it from slipping off.

10. Your PS5 is ready to use in horizontal mode, so you can plug it back in and get back to gaming.
    

How to Set Up a PS5 in Vertical Mode

When configured in the vertical orientation, the PS5 base is screwed in place and helps prevent the console from tipping over.

Here’s how to set up a PS5 in vertical mode:

1. If your PS5 is already in horizontal mode, lift the thin side and gently slide the base free.

2. Place the base on a flat surface, and rotate the outer arm clockwise until it clicks.

3. When the base is in the correct orientation, it will match this picture.
   

4. Place the PS5 on a flat surface and orient it so that you can access the bottom, then remove the rubber stopper.

   If you can’t get it out using your fingers, gently pry it with a small screwdriver or another tool.

5. Flip over the base, and place the rubber stopper in the storage hole.

6. Remove the screw from the storage space in the base.

7. Place the PS5 on a flat surface with the back facing up so that you can see the screw hole.

8. Slide the base onto the bottom of the PS5.

   Line up the screw hole on the bottom of the base with the screw hole in the bottom of the PS5, and slide the clips on the arm of the base onto the console next to the power connector.

9. Insert the screw and tighten it using a screwdriver.

10. Carefully flip the console into a vertical orientation and verify that the base is seated correctly.

11. The PS5 is now ready to use in the vertical orientation, so you can plug it back in and start playing games again.

Should You Set Up a PS5 in Horizontal or Vertical Mode?

The PS5 is designed to work horizontally or vertically, so you can use whichever one you prefer. The most important consideration is ensuring the console has enough room for air to flow around it to prevent overheating. The horizontal orientation is sturdier and less likely to be knocked over, while the vertical orientation takes up less space, so they both have benefits.

In most cases, the best orientation will depend on the setup and configuration of your entertainment center. Since the PS5 is so large and takes up so much space, you’ll want to use it in vertical mode if shelf space is at a premium and in horizontal mode if there isn’t enough vertical space to accommodate the console in that orientation.

If you have the version of the PS5 that includes a physical disc drive, then using it in the horizontal mode simplifies things a bit since discs are inserted with the label facing up as you would with any Blu-ray or DVD player. If you use the vertical orientation, you’ll have to remember that the label must face your left.

Using a PS5 vertically does carry some risk of disc damage, but only if the console is knocked over or shaken vigorously while the drive is reading a disc. You shouldn’t worry about scratching your discs if that doesn't happen.

Rumors of overheating issues associated with the vertical orientation also seem to have been overblown, as there has been no evidence of excessive overheating as long as the console has enough room for air to flow through the vents.