Sony Doesn’t Want to Risk Using Liquid Metal in the PlayStation 6
The PlayStation 6 has come to the forefront with a patent suggesting Sony may abandon the use of liquid metal in its next-generation console. The system, reportedly being worked on by the company, aims to dissipate the heat generated in the processor by evaporating a liquid circulating in a closed loop. This is claimed to provide more consistent cooling performance regardless of whether the console is used horizontally or vertically.
PlayStation 6 May Use Next-Generation Heat Pipes
The revealed Sony patent describes new heat pipes with conical and elongated sections developed for consoles. Multiple rod-shaped pipes contain a closed liquid similar to water. The heated liquid evaporates and travels along the pipe, condensing in a cooler area and returning to the heat source, creating a continuous cooling cycle.
One of the most important aspects of the system is its ability to regulate liquid circulation depending on how the console operates. During vertical use, extended sections act as small reservoirs to prevent gravity from concentrating the liquid at a particular point. This design allows for more consistent heat transfer by preserving the surface area where the liquid can evaporate.
The liquid metal used in the first PlayStation 5 models, while offering high thermal conductivity, was sometimes a subject of debate. Claims emerged that the liquid metal did not distribute evenly or accumulated in certain areas when the console was held vertically for extended periods. Sony attempted to mitigate this risk in later PS5 Pro and Slim models by adding channels to the cooling surface.
The switch to an evaporation-based system in the PlayStation 6 could completely eliminate the possibility of liquid metal leakage. More stable temperatures could help maintain performance during long gaming sessions and extend hardware lifespan. However, it has not yet been confirmed that the patent will be used in a real product. The fact that Sony is testing different cooling solutions doesn’t necessarily mean this technology will be included in the final design of the PlayStation 6.
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