PlayStation 5 adds a way to save power when charging controllers, but only for the latest PS5 model

Sony has announced a new set of PlayStation 5 features that will be tested as part of the system’s next beta software update.

This will include “Adaptive Charging,” which is designed to save power if you plug in controllers for charging while your console is in sleep mode.

This feature can monitor the charge levels of any connected docks and adjust the power supplied to the connected USB ports appropriately.

You can also turn off power to any USB ports that are not in use completely after a set period of time, or after a set number of hours.

Sony says your PS5 consumes over 2 watts of power when charging controllers while in rest mode. With the USB ports turned off and an additional disconnect setting enabled, you can reduce that to 0.5 watts.

It’s a clever feature, and it could help you save a little on power consumption. But it’s only available on the latest PS5 model — which was officially announced last October, with the option of a removable hard drive.

Likewise, you’ll need to charge an official DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, or Access controller to take advantage of this feature.

Elsewhere in the beta, you can now customize 3D Audio profiles for headphones and earbuds, and adjust Remote Play settings for each user.

These latest features will enter beta testing tomorrow, following the public launch of Sony’s latest PS5 system software update this week that added shareable links to quickly jump into multiplayer games.