The era of the PlayStation 5 has arrived for Sony. The latest PlayStation console continues to sell out across the world as PlayStation 4 users and new gamers upgrade to the new device. That doesn't mean that Sony has abandoned the PS4, however. Major exclusives, like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarok, continue to be released for both PS4 and PS5. It's only appropriate that Sony also continues to release firmware updates for the PS4, as well.
PlayStation 4 users should be aware that a new update will be waiting to be downloaded the next time they use the console. System update 9.60 is a required download for those who have their PS4s connected to the internet. The system update won't be adding any new features to the console, nor will users likely notice any specific changes. The only patch note for the PS4 9.60 update is "This system software update improves system performance." What's changing is happening behind the scenes.
That doesn't mean that PlayStation users won't want to hear the news about update 9.60. It may not change the PS4 in any recognizable ways, but it could still put a hitch in players' plans. The 9.60 update is a healthy 490MB download, small compared to the downloads required for video games these days but large enough to be an inconvenience for those with slow Internet. PS4 users should set aside the time necessary to update so that it doesn't interrupt their gaming time.
By no means has Sony slowed down updates for the PlayStation 4 even with the release of the PlayStation 5. Updates both small and large roll out month to month, addressing various issues and bolstering the console's security. Update 9.51 arrived a month ago with the same patch note as today's 9.60 update. Update 9.00, the most recent significant update for the PS4, arrived this past September. Support for the PS4 will certainly fade with time, but it hasn't happened yet.
The PlayStation 5 is receiving frequent updates, too, of course. A PS5 update went out just recently with the same patch note as today's PS4 update, even. Perhaps both updates even address the same issue across generations. It's simply common for Sony to issue frequent updates for its platforms.
The 9.60 update for the PlayStation 4 is out now. It may not add any new functionality to the console, but PS4 owners shouldn't necessarily expect that going forward. It's the autumn days for the PS4, yet support continues for the time being -- if only to maintain those PlayStation Plus subscriptions.