A PS5 Firmware Beta Is Rolling Out Now With New Features Including Larger SSD Support

PlayStation has just revealed that it’s rolling out a brand-new PS5 beta firmware update right now that adds a number of improvements and new features, including improved accessibility features like being able to use a second controller for assisted control of the system and games, Tempest 3D Audio through Dolby Atmos devices, better library features like search and improved game help, system UI haptic feedback and even support for even larger internal M.2 SSD drives up to 8TB.

Also, in what is sure to be an appreciated move for many, the beep sound that occurs when your PS5 turns on or comes out of rest mode can be turned off.

PlayStation is sending out invites to select users in certain regions now, and plans to release the update globally later this year. Aussies are unfortunately not part of the beta-eligible group but will obviously get the update when it rolls out in full.

Check out everything new as per the PlayStation Blog:

New Accessibility Features

Use a Second Controller for Assistance. 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.

• To use an assist 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 main controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller.

System UI Haptic Feedback. 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.

• When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or boot up a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs.
• To turn on this feature, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers], and then turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation].

Support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices

3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games.

• To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and then select [Dolby Atmos].

Social feature enhancements

Party UI update. You can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into 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.

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.

React to messages with emojis. You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, which makes communicating with friends quicker and easier.

Ease-of-use features

Search for games in your library. You can now search for games within your game library.

Game Help improvements. Game Help cards have been improved.

• In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see 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. Browse useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section.

• Go to [Settings] > [Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information] > [Guide and Tips], and then select [Discover Tips] to view all the tips.

Mute PS5 beep sound. You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode.

• Go to [Settings] > [System] > [Beep Sound].
• To adjust the beep sound volume, select [Volume].
• To mute the beep sound, turn on [Mute Beep Sound].

Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs

You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (up from the previous 4TB limit) to expand storage space on your PS5 console.

Important: M.2 SSDs must meet the requirements outlined on this page. Please read the page linked above carefully before purchasing any M.2 SSDs for use with your PS5.