TL;DR
- Recent PS5 titles like Death Stranding 2 demonstrate significant system strain and overheating concerns
- GTA 6’s complex simulations and dense environments will likely push console hardware to its absolute limits
- CPU limitations rather than GPU capabilities represent the primary bottleneck for next-gen gaming performance
- Historical Rockstar titles consistently target 30 FPS on launch hardware, suggesting similar patterns for GTA 6
- Proactive cooling maintenance and performance mode selection can mitigate some system stress issues
The PlayStation 5 faces mounting performance challenges as developers push graphical boundaries with increasingly demanding titles. Many gamers question whether the 2020 hardware can sustain the ambitious visual fidelity showcased in upcoming releases, particularly given the sophisticated rendering techniques and complex simulation systems becoming standard in modern gaming.
Death Stranding 2 exemplifies these technical pressures, presenting one of this generation’s most visually spectacular experiences. The game features exceptionally detailed environmental textures, pristine world rendering, and remarkable draw distances that strain system resources. While the standard PS5 maintains respectable frame rates across different display modes, it encounters critical thermal management problems that warrant serious attention.
Multiple PS5 owners across social platforms including X and Reddit communities report concerning overheating incidents specifically tied to DS2’s interface systems. Accessing the in-game map reportedly triggers aggressive fan behavior, with consoles displaying overheating warnings despite proper maintenance. Importantly, these issues affect recently cleaned systems and even brand-new units, indicating fundamental hardware limitations rather than simple maintenance issues.
The thermal challenges extend beyond menu navigation, with numerous users experiencing similar problems during standard gameplay sequences. While less frequent than map-related incidents, these occurrences highlight systemic performance constraints that could impact future titles.
Death Stranding 2 joins other technically demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong and Final Fantasy XVI in pushing PS5 hardware to its operational boundaries. These examples collectively demonstrate the console’s performance ceiling and raise legitimate concerns about its ability to handle forthcoming blockbuster releases.

Rockstar’s forthcoming Grand Theft Auto installment represents perhaps the most significant technical challenge yet for current-generation consoles. The game’s sophisticated gameplay mechanics, dense non-player character populations, simulation-intensive world design, and cutting-edge visual presentation collectively create unprecedented processing demands that will test PS5 capabilities extensively.
While other ambitious open-world titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II demonstrate similar scope ambitions, GTA 6’s visual presentation and simulation complexity appear positioned to establish new performance benchmarks for console hardware.
Historical analysis reveals consistent patterns across Rockstar’s console releases. Grand Theft Auto IV on PlayStation 3 frequently experienced frame rate drops into the low 20s FPS range. GTA V achieved more stable performance on PS4 and Xbox One platforms but remained locked at 30 frames per second. Even Red Dead Redemption 2, with its massive open-world scope comparable to GTA titles, maintains 30 FPS targets on current-generation hardware. This established performance trajectory suggests achieving 60 FPS for GTA 6 on standard PS5 hardware remains highly unlikely.
The anticipated PS5 Pro model, despite its enhanced GPU capabilities, features only modest CPU clock improvements. According to Digital Foundry’s Technical Lead Richard Leadbetter: “Grand Theft Auto games have always run complex simulations that push the CPU hard, which is why every GTA game has initially launched on their target platforms at 30 FPS. The PS5 Pro uses the same CPU as the PS5, and it would be extremely challenging to hit 60 FPS if the base PS5 version is targeting 30 FPS. This isn’t a GPU problem, it’s a CPU problem.”
For gamers concerned about system performance, several proactive measures can help optimize gameplay experiences. Regular console maintenance including thorough dust removal from ventilation systems proves essential. Positioning the PS5 in well-ventilated areas away from enclosed spaces significantly improves thermal performance. Selecting performance mode over quality mode in game settings can reduce system strain while maintaining playable frame rates. Monitoring system temperatures during extended gaming sessions helps identify potential overheating before critical levels are reached. Considering external cooling solutions or performance-enhancing accessories may provide additional thermal management benefits for demanding titles.
Action Checklist
- Clean PS5 ventilation system thoroughly every 3-6 months using compressed air
- Ensure console placement in open, well-ventilated area with minimum 4-inch clearance on all sides
- Select Performance Mode in game graphics settings for demanding titles
- Monitor system temperatures during extended gameplay sessions
- Consider external cooling accessories if persistent overheating occurs
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Death Stranding 2’s PS5 Overheating Issue Sparks GTA 6 Performance Fears Understanding PS5 performance limitations and optimization strategies for next-gen gaming experiences
