PS5 Will Be More Environmentally Friendly

Sony revealed more official details on the upcoming PS5 console the morning of October 8, including what it's called (you won't be surprised), when it's coming out, the new PS5 controller (don't call it the DualShock 5 yet), and who's already working on big PS5 games. Find out this info and more in our guide to everything we know about the PlayStation 5 so far.

Sony has committed to making the next PlayStation more green. In a note on the PlayStation Blog, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan committed to the UN's Playing for the Planet alliance. The UN Environment Committee initiative intends to partner with the video game industry to help make it more sustainable.

Ryan promised that the "next generation PlayStation console" will be able to suspend gameplay with a lower power consumption. One million PS5 users enabling the feature would save enough electricity to power about 1,000 homes. He said the company will also be conducting a carbon footprint assessment for its gaming services and looking into energy efficient measures at data centers.

Sony will also be working on a variety of messaging initiatives, starting with making sure to inform consumers on energy-saving features in their consoles. It will be providing reference info for developers who want to make games that revolve around sustainability. Finally, it's looking into PS VR applications that could help raise awareness about climate issues.

The company also boasts that it has already been revising its production to become more energy efficient. Revisions to the PlayStation 4 have already saved an estimated 16 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Sony estimates that the total number will rise to 29 million metric tons over the next ten years, which for comparison is equivalent to the entire nation of Denmark in 2017.

"There is an undeniable opportunity for leaders in the games industry to take a stand and support the UN Environment team by communicating the importance of preserving natural resources for generations to come," Ryan said. "At PlayStation, we believe games have the power to ignite social change through educating people, evoking emotions, and inspiring hope. We could not be more proud to be part of the Playing for the Planet Alliance and the commitments announced. We look forward to seeing what the industry can achieve together."