Kickstarter Campaign Introduces $39 AI-Enhanced PlayStation 5 Add-On Promising Up to 9°C Exhaust Temperature Reduction

A Kickstarter initiative is making waves with its PlayStation 5 cooling accessory, claiming to tackle overheating issues and prevent the dreaded melting of the rear I/O ports. As of our last check, the campaign had raised a considerable $89,000, with hopes to reach a stretch goal of $125,000. The starting price for this cooling gadget is set at $39.

Introducing the Arctic PS5 cooler, this add-on is marketed as the world’s first AI-enhanced cooler for the PS5. It’s a clip-on vent designed to attach seamlessly to the rear exhaust of Sony’s PS5 console. Depending on the model, it comes with either four or six fans to actively manage heat. It’s conveniently powered via a single USB port, and includes a pass-through to ensure you don’t lose any USB functionality from your console.

On offer are three distinct models tailored for the different PS5 versions: the original (which SCRY humorously refers to as the “fat” model), the PS5 Slim, and the just-launched PS5 Pro. The Slim and Pro versions are similar with four fans positioned strategically—three on the top and one underneath. The original version, on the other hand, boasts six fans.

A highlight of the Kickstarter page is the “smart thermal AI” technology that powers the three versions, adjusting fan speeds based on the console’s internal temperature. This raises questions about how this differs from traditional PC fan controls used for ages. According to the campaign, at a temperature of 50°C, the fans are programmed to crank up to their maximum speed to effectively cool the console.

SCRY claims that this cooling component can reduce the temperature by 30% compared to standard operation, with a decrease from a peak of 64°C to 55°C. Thermal images provided show a 9°C drop at the hottest point, located at the back of the PS5.

The ambition behind these coolers is to stave off overheating issues associated with Sony’s latest machine. Last year, several games, such as Final Fantasy XVI, sparked concerns due to overheating. In extreme cases, some rear plugs melted from the heat.

Alongside these cooling solutions, SCRY is also pushing a Gen 4 M.2 SSD equipped with a heatsink as part of the Kickstarter endeavor.

Excitingly, if the campaign reaches the stretch goal of $125,000, backers will be gifted a complimentary “vertikal” universal PS5 stand. While there are additional targets at $75,000 and $100,000, details on those will be revealed as they are unlocked.