Death Stranding 2: Unique Use of PS5 Power Saver Mode on the Beach

Death Stranding 2: Power Saver Mode Implementation on PS5

In a significant development for gaming on the PlayStation 5, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has integrated the console’s Power Saver Mode, offering a fascinating case study in optimization and performance. Recent technical analyses suggest that this implementation stands out among games utilizing this feature.

During a recent podcast episode, the experts at Digital Foundry delved into how both titles in the Kojima Productions franchise incorporate the Power Saver Mode—an innovative setting introduced for the PS5 that significantly reduces power consumption by halving CPU resources, cutting memory bandwidth, and lowering CPU and GPU clock speeds.

Comparative Analysis: Director’s Cut vs. On the Beach

While the transition for Death Stranding: Director’s Cut was relatively straightforward due to it being an enhanced version of an existing PlayStation 4 game, the situation becomes more complex with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Digital Foundry notes that in this sequel, the game operates in Performance Mode by default while limiting the framerate to 30 frames per second.

Yet, a detailed examination uncovers intriguing specifics. Features like tessellation and geometry are comparable to those in the Quality Mode. The game maintains a resolution of 1440p, albeit with dynamic resolution scaling—an effective strategy that suggests developers are adept at balancing reduced framerates with enhanced graphical fidelity in certain scenarios, potentially due to CPU constraints.

Future Considerations for Developers

This thoughtful implementation raises important questions regarding the motivations behind such detailed support for Power Saver Mode, which may not see widespread adoption among gamers. Digital Foundry posits that this effort might be intended to equip developers with the flexibility needed to scale games for the rumored PlayStation handheld, potentially preparing them for future challenges in game design.

However, it’s essential to temper expectations. The current Power Saver Mode does not necessarily represent a precursor to what the upcoming handheld can achieve. The PS5’s 115W power target substantially exceeds the anticipated 15 to 25W range for a handheld device. Furthermore, the high resolutions typical of titles supporting Power Saver Mode—often around 1440p or higher—are not realistic for portable gaming, highlighting that these efforts are more preparatory than indicative of future capabilities.

Other Titles Supporting Power Saver Mode

Besides Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Demon’s Souls Remake by Bluepoint Games is one of the few other titles harnessing Power Saver Mode on the PlayStation 5, showcasing a commitment to optimizing the gameplay experience with reduced power usage.