A recently published patent filed by Sony indicates that the PlayStation 6 will address a design flaw in the original PlayStation 5 by incorporating a revised cooling system. The patent, spotted by Tech4Gamers and filed in early 2026, describes an electronic device that can improve cooling capacity for heating elements regardless of the device's posture.
Patent Details and Implications
The patent states: 'An electronic device is provided that can improve cooling capacity of a heating element built into an electronic device disposed in a plurality of postures.' While the patent images depict a PlayStation 5 console, patent illustrations are often intentionally imprecise, and the technology is widely believed to be intended for the PlayStation 6. Early PS5 models were reported to suffer from overheating and liquid metal leakage, particularly when placed vertically. These issues were partially addressed in the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro models, which added grooves to the heat sink.
Vaporisation-Based Cooling System
According to a follow-up report by Tech4Gamers, the patent suggests Sony's next console will use a vaporisation-based cooling system instead of the liquid metal system used in the PS5. This new system is claimed to allow the PlayStation 6 to 'run more efficiently and stay cool' while eliminating the risk of liquid metal spills. This change could significantly improve the console's reliability and performance.
Other Expected Features
While Sony has not officially confirmed any details about the PlayStation 6, rumours and recent company decisions point to several likely features. A handheld device, either separate or hybrid, has been hinted at multiple times. Additionally, Sony announced it will stop releasing physical games on discs after 2028, leading to the assumption that the PlayStation 6 will launch without a disc drive. Analysts predict the console could release after January 2028, following the no-disc announcement.
