PS5 Update Gives All Consoles M.2 Drive Support Tomorrow

Following a two-month-long firmware test where users could expand their PS5’s storage with an NVMe M.2 SSD, Sony is comfortable with giving extra drive support to the masses. A system update for the PS5, slated to launch tomorrow, will enable M.2 storage expansion for the console, along with 3D audio and some other quality-of-life changes.

M.2 NVMe SSDs, which can be found on the shelves at any brick-and-mortar electronics store, are the same as what users can find inside of their PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. While Microsoft’s expansion option is proprietary, Sony is giving PS5 users a bit more choice. There is still a slew of specs that M.2 SSDs have to adhere to for use in a PS5, including PCIe Gen4 support, but a number of currently available drives either meet or exceed them.

Tomorrow’s system update for the PS5 will also bring the console’s 3D audio tech from headsets to built-in TV speakers. Players will be able to measure the acoustics of their room using their DualSense controller and accurately have their two-channel built-in TV speakers output three-dimensional sound. Owners of Sony’s Pulse 3D Wireless Headset will likewise receive access to an equalizer as part of tomorrow’s update. It’s not clear if users will be given the option to tune other headsets in the future.

Some quality-of-life changes are also coming with tomorrow’s update, mostly centered around the PS5’s various UIs. After downloading tomorrow’s PS5 system update, players can customize their Control Center by rearranging or hiding certain buttons, send messages from the Game Base, and see more details at a glance about their owned games in the Game Library.

Here are the full patch notes for September’s PS5 software update:

PS5 September system software update changes

PS5 UX Enhancements

The PS5 September Update features new UX enhancements that make it easier than ever for players to view, personalize and manage their game content and console experience:

• Control Center customization. Players can now customize their Control Center more freely by rearranging or choosing which controls to hide or unhide at the bottom of the screen.
• Enhanced Game Base. Players can now easily view and write messages to friends and Parties directly from Game Base in the Control Center.
• Game Library and Home Screen updates. If you have PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game installed, they’ll now appear separately in the “Installed” tab of the Game Library and on the Home screen. Each game’s tile now also clearly indicates its platform.
• Screen Reader controls. Players can now pause or resume Screen Reader (Press “PS + Triangle buttons”) and have it repeat anything it reads (Press “PS + R1 buttons”).

New Gaming and Social Experience Customizations

• PlayStation Now resolution selector and connection test tool. PlayStation Now subscribers can choose between 720p or 1080p (depending on individual game) to accommodate their preferred video resolution for game streaming. A streaming connection test also helps them identify and troubleshoot any problems with their connection.
• New Accolade Type: “Leader.” Following an online match, players can award others with a fourth accolade type, “Leader,” which is visible on players’ profiles.

• Automatic capture of “personal best” videos. When players compete in challenges for a better time or a higher score and set a new personal best, a video clip of the action will automatically be recorded. Players can also share clips of their personal bests directly from the challenge card in the Control Center, or from their Media Gallery. Players have direct control over this functionality via their Captures and Broadcast settings.
• New Trophy tracker. We’ve added a new Trophy Tracker that lets players quickly access up to five trophies per game through the Control Center.

3D Audio Support for Built-In TV Speakers

The PS5 September Update adds support for players to experience 3D audio through their built-in TV speakers. Once enabled in the Sound menu, this feature transforms standard two-channel TV speaker audio into three-dimensional sound, heightening the sense of gameplay immersion.* Players can measure the acoustics of their room using the microphone on their DualSense wireless controller to apply the 3D audio setting that’s optimized for their room.**

3D audio via compatible headsets on PS5 has been a popular feature among fans and developers. We’re thrilled to bring this feature to life for players directly through their built-in TV speakers, in addition to the headset support that’s been available since launch.

In addition, players with a Pulse 3D Wireless Headset now have access to equalizer settings within Sound Controls, allowing them to customize the sound profile according to their preference.

M.2 SSD Storage Expansion

Starting tomorrow, PS5 players around the globe can expand their storage capacity with an M.2 SSD, a type of high-speed solid state drive that can be installed in the PS5 console or PS5 Digital Edition console.

Once installed in the PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition console, M.2 SSD storage can be used to download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games, as well as media apps. You can play PS5 and PS4 games directly from M.2 SSD storage and freely move games between storage options.

PS Remote Play App and PS App Enhancements

• PS Remote Play App over mobile networks
  • With the PS Remote Play app, players have enjoyed the ability to remotely stream and play PS4 and PS5 games, switch between games, and browse their console’s menus on any compatible device connected to their broadband network.*** Now, players using the mobile app for iOS and Android have the option of using a mobile data connection when WiFi is not available.
  • Broadband internet with at least 5Mbps is required for PS Remote Play. For the best experience, we recommend a high-speed connection with upload and download speeds of at least 15 Mbps.
  • To help manage the amount of data used through a mobile connection, players can select their preferred video quality for mobile data streaming.
  • Please note the quality and connectivity of your Remote Play experience may vary depending on your mobile carrier network and network environment.
• View Share Screen broadcasts on PS App
  • Starting next Thursday, Sept. 23, a PS App update will begin rolling out globally and give users the ability to view their friends’ Share Screen broadcasts together.
  • To start, join a party voice chat from your mobile device with a friend who’s playing on a PS5 console. Then ask your friend on PS5 to start their Share Screen broadcast. Please note, only players on PS5 can broadcast via Share Screen.
  • The Android version of the update is a phased release and may take one week until the update is available on your mobile device.

PS4 Console Enhancements

We’re also introducing some new features for PS4, including the ability for players to view their PS5 trophies on their PS4 profile and Trophy list. Players can also view other players’ PS5 trophies on PS4. On both PS4 and PS5 consoles, Party owners now also have the ability to disband a Party without having to remove players individually.

Source: Gamespot