With each playstation 5 With the launch of system software, we’ve introduced new features designed to enhance the many ways you can access your favorite content, navigate your console, or create new gaming memories with friends. Today, we’re excited to release a new beta version of the PS5 system software that introduces new accessibility features as well as audio options that let you enjoy 3D audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech on Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices, such as bars. sound systems, televisions or home theater systems. The beta version also includes more options for quickly finding games and console tips, new ways to connect with other gamers and customize your multiplayer sessions, and support for larger capacity M.2 SSDs (up to 8TB).
While access to the beta will be limited to invited participants in select countries*, we plan to release the update globally later this year. If you are selected to participate in the beta, you will receive an email invitation today when it is available to download. Some features available during the beta phase may not make it to the final version or may undergo significant changes.
Without further ado, here are some of the highlights of the beta:
New accessibility features
Use a second driver for support. You can now assign a second controller to an 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 to enjoy gaming collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game.
- To use an assistive controller, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] > [Use Second Controller for Assistance]and then turn on [Use Assist Controller].
- You can use an assist controller when your primary controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a third-party controller compatible with PS5.**
Haptic feedback from the system user interface. You now have the option to activate haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 with your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller.
- When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be physically reflected through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or start a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for gamers with some level of visual or hearing impairment, who appreciate additional feedback on their inputs.
- To activate this feature, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers]and then turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation].
Compatibility with Dolby Atmos compatible audio devices
3D audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own Dolby Atmos compatible HDMI devices such as sound bars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech plays specifically on Dolby Atmos audio devices in use, including upper channels, allowing for even greater levels of immersion in PS5 game audio landscapes. ***
- To activate Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)]and then select [Dolby Atmos].
Social Feature Improvements
Party UI update. You can now invite a player to a closed party without automatically adding the player to the party or creating a new party. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invites to groups instead of just individual players.
Share screen preview. When someone shares their screen in a group that you can join, you will now see a preview image of your shared screen, even before joining the group.
Easily join your friends’ gaming sessions. Now you can easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] eyelash.
- The Unible icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game that you can join.
- You can join a friend’s game directly by pressing the options button and selecting [Join Game]or by selecting the “Join” button on your profile card.
Game Hub Tournament Mosaic. In the game center you can now see how many tournaments you have entered and the highest place you have achieved, as well as the start time of the next tournament. You can select the tile to see the full list of tournaments.
React to messages with emojis. You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, making it quicker and easier to communicate with friends.
easy to use features
Browse games in your library. You can now search for games within your game library.
Improvements in the game Help. The game aid cards have been improved.****
- In addition to ongoing activities, you can now view available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities.
- When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints.
Discover new features. Explore helpful tips to get the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section.
- Gonna [Settings] > [Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information] > [Guide and Tips]and then select [Discover Tips] to see all the tips.
Mute PS5 beep. You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5 beep when powering it on/off, or putting it to sleep.
- Gonna [Settings] > [System] > [Beep Sound].
- To adjust the beep volume, select [Volume].
- To silence the beep, turn on [Mute Beep Sound].
Support for higher capacity M.2 SSDs
You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (up from the previous limit of 4TB) to expand the storage space on your PS5 console.
Important: M.2 SSDs must meet the requirements outlined in this page. Please read the page linked above carefully before purchasing any M.2 SSD to use with your PS5.
We always appreciate hearing your feedback as we continue our journey to improve the PS5 user experience. Please let us know what you think in the comments section below!
*Access to the PS5 beta will be available to select participants in the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany, and France (the same countries as our latest system software beta).
**A DualSense Edge wireless controller cannot be used as an assistive controller. Some of the DualSense features, such as the motion sensor, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers, will be automatically disabled when the controller is used as an assistive controller.
***Media app providers can update their apps on PS5 to support Dolby Atmos audio, giving users another way to experience immersive audio in movies, TV shows and more in the future (these App updates are not currently compatible with the PS5 beta). )
****A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to use Game Help.
