PS5 Faces Technical Backlash Again! EVO Japan 2025 Hit by Controller Failures and Overheating, Players Call for Platform Switch

At EVO Japan 2025, one of the biggest fighting game events in Japan, the PlayStation 5 has once again come under scrutiny due to frequent overheating and controller malfunctions during intense competitive matches, leading to several interruptions and drawing criticism from professional players.

According to on-site reports, repeated technical delays during the finals have raised concerns over whether the PS5 remains a suitable official platform for the tournament. This marks the second major incident involving the PS5 at EVO — the first being a USB port meltdown in 2023 — which has shaken trust in Sony's hardware among players and fans.

Technical analysis indicates that the PS5’s rear USB ports are placed near its exhaust vent, making them vulnerable to heat. Many players also use adapters to connect third-party controllers, further complicating hardware stability.

American player RedDitto experienced controller failure during his Guilty Gear -Strive- match, with only the backward movement working while all other controls failed. Spectators also noticed frame drops during key moments. Despite this, he made it to the finals but lost 1-3 to Korean player Daru_I-No.

In the Street Fighter 6 division, U.S. player Punk publicly criticized the PS5 on X, stating that the overheating caused him to lose despite spending significant time and money to train and attend the event. He declared that if PS5 remains the platform, he will boycott future tournaments.

Proposed solutions include more frequent console replacements on-site, enhanced cooling measures, or switching to Xbox or high-end PCs. However, since Sony acquired the EVO brand in 2021, changing platforms could face internal resistance.