[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the Xbox Series X|S can be used normally whether installed vertically or horizontally. An analysis said what matters when placing a console is not the orientation itself, but ventilation space, installation stability and dust management.

On Sept. 26 local time, IT outlet Engadget reported that all PS5 models from Sony and Microsoft's Xbox Series X|S were designed with both vertical and horizontal placement in mind. Users can choose the orientation that suits them depending on their TV cabinet or desk layout and the placement of surrounding devices.

Regardless of orientation, it is important to maintain airflow around the console. If intake and exhaust vents are blocked by furniture walls or shelves, it is better to change the orientation or location. Users should also avoid putting the console inside an enclosed cabinet or placing other devices on top of it.

The pros and cons of vertical and horizontal placement vary depending on the installation space. Standing the console vertically can reduce the footprint on the floor or shelf, which helps in tight spaces. But the greater height can increase the chance of tipping over due to external impact or contact.

If there are young children or pets in the home, stability needs to be considered first. The PS5 and Xbox Series X come with stands for vertical installation, but they do not prevent impact or contact depending on the environment.

Horizontal placement has a relatively lower center of gravity, which can help with stable installation. It is also easier to place it alongside other devices under a TV or in a TV cabinet. But it requires more space than vertical placement. In locations with frequent external contact, such as the edge of a desk or under a TV, horizontal placement may be more suitable.

Claims that a console with a disc drive must be placed horizontally are also less important than in the past. Recent consoles are designed to use discs in both vertical and horizontal orientations. Still, horizontal placement can be slightly more intuitive for remembering the direction in which to insert a disc.

For the PS5, there have also been claims that vertical placement is worse for heat, but no evidence has been confirmed to suggest that installing it vertically reduces cooling performance. Sony also emphasizes securing space around the unit rather than the installation direction. The PS5 is recommended to keep a gap of at least about 10 cm from a wall or other obstacles for ventilation.

If a console overheats, it should be a priority to check whether vents are blocked rather than changing the orientation first. Users should also check whether there are heat-generating devices nearby, whether dust has accumulated around the unit, and whether other objects are blocking vents.

Dust management is also important. If dust builds up around vents and the unit, it can obstruct airflow and affect heat. When cleaning, if the product allows the side panels to be removed, it is recommended to remove them within the range guided by the manufacturer and use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and foreign matter.

Users should be cautious about disassembling internal components themselves. If users unfamiliar with the device force disassembly, they could damage parts, and it could also affect repairs or warranties.

Ultimately, there is no single correct answer for the installation direction of the PS5 and Xbox. In tight spaces, vertical placement can be better for making use of space, while in environments where stability is important or external contact is frequent, horizontal placement may be suitable.

Most important is to secure enough ventilation space around the console, install it on a stable surface, and manage it so dust does not accumulate on vents and the unit. More than vertical versus horizontal, securing breathing room for the console is key to stable long-term use.