A Sony PlayStation 5 laying flat alongside a DualSense 5 controller

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The best answer was yes. The PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition can be seen horizontally. The PS5 may be the safest way to play due to a design flaw.

The PS5 can be either flat on its side or vertically if you want. The included stand makes it easy to lay the console flat without it wobbling.

The preferred way to use the system is to lay the PS5 on its side. A number of PS5 units seem to have a problem with the cooling system.

This defect can cause the liquid cooling metal to leak out of the seal and land on other components if it gets very hot.

Does the PS5 need a base to lie horizontally?

The base is needed to lie the PS5 horizontally. The PS5 has a curved shell. The console comes with a base in the box, so you don't need to buy it separately. If you decide to position the PS5 vertically or horizontally, you will need to use this base, as it helps keep the system stable.

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We can help if you don't know how to attach the PS5 base. No matter how you position the console, you will need to do it with a screwdriver.

I agree. The PS5 can be placed vertically if it is placed on the stand. It's too tall for some entertainment stands, so good luck trying to find a place to fit it. console repair experts don't recommend using the PS5 vertically because of a potential design flaw that could cause the PS5 to short out and have to be repaired.

How big is the PS5?

The PS5 has a lot of processing power. The Xbox Series X's official dimensions are shorter than its official dimensions.

  • PS5: Approx. 15.4x4.1x10.2 inches (widthxheightxdepth) (excludes largest projection, excludes base)
  • PS5 Digital Edition: Approx. 15.4x 3.6x10.2 inches (widthxheightxdepth) (excludes largest projection, excludes base)

It is best to play with the PS5 on its side if you want to stand it up. The design flaw that could cause vertical PS5s to fail if they get too hot is the main reason for this.

The large dimensions of the PS5 can affect whether or not you need to display it vertically or horizontally, but it is nice to know that you have options.

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