So, you just unboxed a PlayStation 5. It’s massive. Honestly, it looks like a futuristic skyscraper or maybe a piece of modern art that accidentally ended up in your living room. But then you realize something kinda stressful: it doesn't just sit flat on its own like the PS4 did. It’s curvy. It wobbles. If you try to just lean it against your TV stand, you’re asking for a disaster. Learning how to stand up PS5 properly isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about making sure that $500 machine doesn't overheat or take a dive onto the hardwood floor.
Most people just toss the plastic base aside because it looks confusing. Don't do that. Whether you have the original "fat" model from 2020 or the newer "Slim" version that Sony released later, that little circular stand is actually the most important thing in the box.
The big mistake everyone makes with the vertical position
Here is the thing. The PS5 is heavy. The original Disc version weighs about 9.9 pounds, and most of that weight is unevenly distributed because of the internal power supply and the disc drive itself. If you just stand it up vertically without the base, the console is resting entirely on those thin white plastic plates (the "wings"). Those plates aren't designed to support the weight of the console. They can crack. Even worse, the intake vents at the bottom get partially blocked, which means your fans have to work twice as hard to keep the liquid metal cooling system from hitting critical temps.
Sony actually designed the base to create a small gap. That gap is vital. It lets air flow underneath the unit and keeps the whole thing stable. If you’ve got a cat that likes to rub against electronics, or you live in an area prone to minor tremors, that stand is the only thing keeping your console from a catastrophic tip-over.
Identifying which PS5 you actually own
Before you start twisting screws, you need to know which model is sitting on your floor. Sony changed the stand design significantly between the 2020 launch model and the 2023 "Slim" revision.
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The "Fat" PS5 (CFI-1000/1100/1200 series) comes with a chunky black circular base that works for both vertical and horizontal orientations. It has a hidden compartment for a screw.
The "Slim" PS5 (CFI-2000 series) actually doesn't include a vertical stand in the box anymore. It’s annoying. I know. Sony gives you two little plastic "feet" that only work if you lay it down horizontally. If you want to stand the Slim model up vertically, you technically have to buy the "Vertical Stand" accessory separately, though some third-party versions work just as well.
Step-by-step: How to stand up PS5 (Original Model)
First, grab that black circular base. If you look at it, you’ll see it has a rotating part. Rotate the base until you hear a click. This reveals a small hidden compartment on the underside. Inside, you’ll find a single silver screw. Take it out. You’ll also notice a tiny plastic plug inside that compartment—keep that in mind for later.
Now, look at the bottom of your PS5 console (the side with the power port). There is a tiny black plastic cap covering a screw hole. Pop that cap off with your fingernail.
Pro tip: Take that tiny black cap and snap it into the holder inside the circular base where the screw was. If you don't do this, you will lose it within five minutes. Trust me.
Line up the base with the bottom of the console. There’s a small hook on the base that should align with the back of the console's white plates. Once it’s lined up, drop the screw into the hole in the base and tighten it. You can use a screwdriver, but honestly, a coin works better. A quarter or a nickel fits perfectly into the slot. Tighten it until it's snug, but don't go overboard and strip the threads.
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Once that screw is in, your PS5 is officially "mated" to the stand. You can now flip it upright. It shouldn't wobble at all.
Dealing with the PS5 Slim vertical setup
If you have the Slim and you’ve spent the extra $30 on the official vertical stand, the process is slightly different but much more secure. The new stand is a sleek metal ring.
- Lay the PS5 Slim on a soft surface so you don't scratch those glossy plates.
- Pull out the plastic cap on the bottom of the console.
- Place the silver ring over the hole.
- Use the screw provided with the stand to lock it in place.
The Slim is much thinner and more prone to tipping than the original model, so I really wouldn't recommend trying to balance it vertically without the official ring. It’s top-heavy. One accidental bump while you're vacuuming and it's game over.
Why the orientation actually matters for cooling
There was a big "controversy" a while back involving liquid metal leaking inside the PS5 if it stood vertically for too long. A few repair shops, including a well-known one in France, posted photos of leaked cooling material.
However, the consensus among experts like Steve Burke from Gamers Nexus and the engineering community is that this only happens if the console has been previously opened or if the seal around the APU was defective from the factory. For 99.9% of users, standing the PS5 up is perfectly safe. Sony's lead architect, Mark Cerny, specifically designed the airflow to work in both directions.
When you stand it up, the hot air naturally rises toward the top vents. This is basic physics. The "chimney effect" helps the internal 120mm fan push heat out the back and top more efficiently than when it's tucked into a cramped TV shelf horizontally.
Finding the right spot in your room
Where you put the console is just as important as how it stands.
Don't shove it into a closed cabinet.
Seriously.
If you put a vertical PS5 inside a wooden cabinet with a glass door, you are basically creating an oven. The console will suck in its own hot exhaust air, the fans will start sounding like a jet engine, and eventually, you’ll get the "Your PS5 is too hot" warning on your screen.
Give it at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance on all sides. Especially at the back where the HDMI and power cables go—that's where the most heat is dumped. If the back is pressed against a wall, that heat just bounces back into the machine.
Is horizontal better?
Some people prefer the horizontal look. It's lower profile. If you decide to go horizontal with the original model, you have to rotate the base again to hide the screw hole and then "clip" the base onto the back of the console's white plates. There are small PlayStation symbols (Square, Triangle, Circle, Cross) embossed on the plastic; these tell you exactly where the clips should line up.
For the Slim model, you just slide those two transparent plastic "teeth" into the gap between the plates. It feels flimsy, but it works.
Maintenance and long-term care
Once you've figured out how to stand up PS5, you aren't done forever. Vertical consoles act like dust magnets. Because the intake vents are at the very top (when standing), dust settles right into the fan blades over time.
Every six months, you should pop the white plates off. They slide and lift—it takes a bit of force, but they won't break. Use a can of compressed air or a low-powered vacuum to clean the "dust catchers." Sony actually built in two specific holes where you can vacuum out dust without taking the whole machine apart. It’s a brilliant design feature that most people ignore.
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If you notice your console is vibrating or making a buzzing sound (coil whine or fan rattle), check the screw on the base. Sometimes it loosens over time due to the subtle vibrations of the disc drive. A quick half-turn with a coin usually fixes the "UFO landing" sound.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your box: Find that circular base if you haven't installed it yet.
- Locate the screw: It's hidden inside the rotating compartment of the base (for the original model).
- Clear the area: Ensure your PS5 has 5 inches of breathing room from any walls or cabinet sides.
- Secure the plug: Place the tiny black screw-hole cap inside the base storage so you don't lose it for when you eventually sell the console or move.
- Verify the model: If you have a Slim and want it vertical, go grab the official metal ring stand to avoid a tipping hazard.
Keeping your console upright and properly supported ensures that the internal cooling system operates at peak efficiency, preventing thermal throttling during intensive games like Spider-Man 2 or God of War Ragnarök. It also keeps your gaming setup looking clean and organized without the risk of a $500 tip-over.