Sony rarely rolls out an update that offers a major upgrade for the PlayStation 5, which is why the gaming community is buzzing with excitement over the latest update. The Japanese conglomerate is currently testing a new PS5 software beta update, available today for select participants worldwide.
This update brings significant improvements, including a massive upgrade to the current 4TB storage capacity limit, Dolby Atmos support, and various accessibility features, which we’ll break down in detail.
Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs
PS5 consoles currently support a M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 4TB, but now, with the new update, users can double their storage to 8TB. PS5 owners who wish to make this upgrade will need to invest in an M.2 SSD that adheres to Sony’s strict minimum requirements, meaning a compatible heatsink and a minimum read speed of 5500 MB/s, among other specified criteria.
Currently, 4TB provides ample storage for the majority of PlayStation users, and the costs of compatible M.2 SSDs are nothing to scoff at (a 4TB SSD costs at least $300). Nevertheless game sizes are ballooning, leading to a growing demand for increased storage capacity on PlayStation consoles. One can only hope that SSD prices will drop substantially in the near future.
Support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices
Owners of compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices, including soundbars, TVs, and home theater systems, can now enjoy 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech. For a vast number of gamers, investing in top-tier audio equipment alongside a high-quality TV screen is a commonplace thing.
Sony’s decision to support Atmos represents a significant leap forward, not only for the company but also for developers, as it encourages them to consider Atmos while creating upcoming game titles and developing immersive soundscapes.
Ease-of-use features
Now here’s where the real excitement is. If you’re someone with an extensive collection of games, you’ve probably experienced the sheer frustration of sifting through numerous titles just to locate that one specific game. Thankfully, the latest addition of the search feature allows you to effortlessly find any game within your library.
Game help cards have also been improved to make it easier to view in-progress, available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities. A Discover Tips section has also been added to allow you to browse useful tips that enable you to get the most out of your console.
For all those nocturnal gamers who dread turning on their consoles at night lest they invoke the wrath of their partners, you’re going to love this next feature. Introducing the ‘Mute PS5 beep sound’: you no longer have to hold your breath when turning on your console as you can now adjust the volume of the beep sound.
New Accessibility Features
- You can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller and use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller. This feature introduces a new way for you to enjoy games collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game.
- You now have the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 with your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller. This will allow you to get haptic feedback for things like reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, receiving a notification, or booting up a game.
Social feature enhancements
- Party UI update: You can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player to the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of only individual players.
- Share Screen Preview: When someone’s sharing their screen in a party that you can join, you’ll now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before you enter the party.
- Join friends’ game sessions easily: You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] tab.
- Game Hub tournaments tile: In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you’ve entered and the highest place you’ve achieved, as well as the start time for the next tournament. You can select the tile to see the full tournament list.
- React to messages with emojis: You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, which makes communicating with friends quicker and easier.
Players can now sign up for the beta program or receive invitations via email to be part of the testing phase. If you happen to miss this opportunity, there’s no need to worry, as Sony intends to release the update globally before the year comes to a close.
