Anytime the PS5 (or any system for that matter) receives a new system update, it means the device is getting better somehow, whether its through new features or internal improvements. Sony has dropped a surprise PS5 firmware update today that players can download now
The PS5 has been out officially for over a year now, and in that time, the console has changed quite a bit. Improvements have been made in a variety areas from available options on the Control Center, updates to the PlayStation Store, and perhaps most significantly, the ability to expand the PS5's internal storage through M.2 drives. Not all updates are obviously as substantial, many of which just being enhancements to the console's performance and other behind-the-scenes operations. In recent months, Sony has commented on fan desires for the console, and how it is working hard on bringing them and its own wishes to the PS5.
A new PS5 firmware update is live, falling into the behind-the-scenes category of improvements. On the official hardware support page for the PS5, Sony details the update, Version: 21.02-04.50.00, writing simply, "This system software update improves system performance." Users can download and install the update file by navigating to their PS5's settings and performing a System Software Update there, or by downloading the file to a USB drive and manually installing it on the console. This makes the third straight PS5 software update that has solely improved system performance.
The most recent PS5 update to offer new features was the massive September update, that brought the system up to Version: 21.02-04. This update saw the introduction of the M.2 drive compatability with the PS5, but it was not the only thing to be implemented. For starters, users could now enjoy a similar 3D audio experience to that found in the PlayStation Pulse headset straight through their TV's speakers. A variety of UI/UX improvements were made in this update as well, from new icons to help differentiate PS4 and PS5 versions of games, and the Trophy screen finally listing items vertically instead of horizontally.
Some fans will likely be disappointed by yet another firmware update when there are still so many things they wish for the console to have. What perhaps makes matters worse is that many of these features are already available on the PS4 like folders for storing multiple games, and themes to customize the Home Screen. At the same time though, these firmware updates help maintain general cohesion within the PS5, making sure everything continues to run smoothly. Without the PS5's firmware updates, fans don't get the larger scale, feature-intensive ones.
Source: PlayStation