PlayStation is one of those brands that needs no introductions. It has planted its roots deep within the industry and is one of the reasons the gaming industry is flourishing. Therefore, any significant change or update in PlayStation means a big shift in gaming. Fortunately, they just released a new PlayStation 5 system software update, which has satisfied many’s needs, but not everyone is happy.
First, we must look at what exactly came with this new update because most of these were long-requested by fans. The update focused on the feedback of PS5 beta participants, as PlayStation stated on their website.
Thanks to the Support and feedback from our PS5 beta participants, today we’re rolling out a new system software update to PS5 players globally. The update includes several highly-requested features like 1440p HDMI video output* and game lists, as well as social features like the ability to request a Share Screen from a fellow party member, easily view new friends’ profiles, and receive a notification to help you join a friend’s game more quickly from a party chat.
All in all, here is an overview of the major features.
1440p Support
There will now be a 1440p HDMI video output to have an even better gaming experience. This was by far the most requested feature, and many fans are delighted to see it. However, people are criticising them for taking too long with this feature. Mainly due to one specific reason.
Unfortunately, VRR Does Not Support 1440p
People think this is a no-brainer, as they should have also added this feature. VRR on PS5 will support 1080p and 4k, but not 1440p. It may not sound like a big deal, but the 1440p update seems incomplete without this. Many players would have loved this, mainly because the request for 1440p included having 1440p VRR support, which this does not fulfil.
Gamelists
We also have Gamelists now, a new feature that allows you to have folders for games. These can be created in the game library, and each of these folders will be able to hold as many as 100 games. You can make 15 such gamelists. In addition, digital, disc, and streaming games can be added to the lists.
But here’s the thing that many are complaining about, the folders can only be accessed in the game library. This so-called “accessibility” feature makes you go all the way to the right side, open Game Library, press R1 to open My Collection, and then select a Gamelist. Before you ask, no, this folder can not be accessed on the home screen. So, for most people, this is barely a feature, and honestly disappointing.
Other QoL Features
Some quality-of-life changes have also been included, and they are promising.
YouTube Voice Command Search
You can now search on YouTube using the voice command, “Hey PlayStation, find (your search term) on YouTube.” This will open the YouTube app and show the relevant searches. The fun thing is that this can be used anywhere, even while playing a game. Unfortunately, this is only available in English for players with U.S. and U.K. registered accounts. It is a bummer for those who don’t meet these conditions.
Using the YouTube Command on PS5.Launch PlayStation Remote Play Session Through PlayStation App
PlayStation App users can now open the PS Remote Play session from the PS App on their mobile devices. As long as your devices are linked to the PS5 console, and the console is in the “Rest Mode.” There will be an icon in the PS App game hub that says Play Using PS Remote Play, and once you select it, the PS Remote Play app will automatically launch the game.
PS Remote Play on PS AppShare Screen
PS App users can also request another party member playing the PS5 to share their screen. It is a fun interactive feature that will allow the people playing to have fun and the party members to enjoy the gameplay.
First look at the Screen Share option on PS App.Thoughts on the Features
If you break it down, it’s not precisely the so-called “most-requested” update. Yes, we had the 1440p Support we had been waiting for, but even that feels incomplete, as the same people who wished for 1440p are now asking for VRR on PS5 to support 1440p.
On the other hand, the feature of Gamelists is also not as accessible as we thought it would be. It could be improved a lot, and having it on the home screen instead of buried within the Game Library would solve the problem entirely.
Aside from that, we have to give the credit where it is due; the YouTube Command feature is a good step, and once it is available for everyone, it can be a nice feature. For now, we understand it will take them some time to add more languages and improve the issues that will inevitably come.
The PS App QoL features are also great, and PlayStation is at least taking a step in the right direction. We can complain about how long it takes them, but we should appreciate the hard work put into some of these features, as we might get more soon.
What are your thoughts on these features? Do you think this update is as big as they are calling it? Let us know your thoughts below, and we will get back to you!
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