Overheating, image glitches, controller or demo-mode problems
Medium riskWhat you see
- The console gets very hot in games, or the image shows stretched textures or black squares.
- The controller asks for an update, or the console is stuck in a store demo mode.
What it means
Users report several problems that look like hardware faults on jailbroken consoles: very high temperatures in games, stretched textures or black squares, a controller that asks for an update while the console stays offline, or a console stuck in a store demo mode. Each one needs its own checks. This page is a diagnostic order, not a documented fix.
What to do
If it runs hot, stop and compare without payloads
As a check, stop the game, make sure the vents are clear and air can flow, then try the same game without extra payloads.
If several games show image glitches, check the video setup
As a check, try another HDMI cable, another port and another screen, and try an original game with no changes.
If the screen stays blank, use Change Video Output in Safe Mode
Sony says this Safe Mode option changes the resolution or HDCP mode, and can help with a blank screen.
Update the controller from a PC
Sony says you can use a PC to update the DualSense controller software with the PlayStation Accessories app.
If the console is stuck in demo mode, back up and ask a repair service
This guide has no confirmed way out of a store demo mode. As a check, back up your data and ask a repair service.
When to stop
Do not jump to conclusions
Do not decide the GPU is broken from one report, and do not set a fan curve at random. This guide found no safe way out of demo mode that works for everyone.
Sources
- Sony: Safe Mode (en-us) (Oct 29, 2026)
- Sony: pair a DualSense controller (en-us) (Oct 31, 2026)
Last reviewed: Oct 31, 2026
← Troubleshooting