Reports of hardware failures linked to Sony’s PlayStation 5 liquid metal cooling solution have resurfaced, reviving concerns among gamers as the console nears its fifth anniversary.

According to multiple repair technicians and posts on gaming forums this week, a fresh wave of PS5 breakdowns appears tied to the liquid metal thermal interface material leaking from its intended containment area. The liquid metal, designed to efficiently transfer heat away from the console’s AMD system-on-chip, can reportedly shift during transport or prolonged vertical storage, potentially damaging other components.

First identified in the PS5’s early production runs, the liquid metal issue had largely quieted after Sony made internal design changes in 2022. However, new cases suggest some units may still be vulnerable.

“Liquid metal is very efficient for heat dissipation but much harder to control,” said Alex Donaldson, a hardware analyst at VG247, in an interview published Thursday. “A small leak can fry critical circuits.”

Sony has not publicly acknowledged the latest reports but continues to recommend storing consoles on a stable, horizontal surface and avoiding impacts during shipping.

The renewed concerns come as the PlayStation 5 heads into a busy holiday season, with major titles including Astro Bot Galaxy and Silent Hill: Requiem expected to drive heavy usage. Repair shops are urging users experiencing random shutdowns or blue-screen errors to have their systems inspected by certified technicians.

The PS5 has sold more than 58 million units globally since its launch in 2020, making it one of Sony’s best-performing platforms despite sporadic hardware challenges.