Nearly five months after the PlayStation 5's release, the first major system update is now out in the wild for everyone lucky enough to get the PS5. The April update brings with it some big changes and additions, including improved external storage support and cross-generation share play that will be welcome on the console. Sony also decided to drop some surprise improvements to HDR and 120hz support as part of the April update, which will certainly be welcome additions to console owners.
The PS5's April update brings with it a massive suite of improvements for both performance and overall quality of life on the system. Along with the aforementioned storage support and cross-gen share play, other improvements include the base menu, game updates, preloading games, in-game chat control, and PlayStation App improvements.
Sony's changes to 120hz display and the HDR support were among the improvements not already outlined as part of the April update according to The Verge. The April update expands the number of 120hz monitors compatible with PS5. Monitors running 120hz at 1080p make up most of the newly compatible options, though nothing was said of 4K/120hz monitors.
As for HDR, Sony added a new automatic option for going from high-dynamic range to standard-dynamic range. This means if a PS5 owner is playing a game in HDR and switches to a streaming app to watch something that is displayed in SDR, the system will automatically switch without forcing the console owner to go through the PS5's setting menu. Needless to say, the display improvements will likely be welcomed improvements when it comes to external display support and ease of use.
While consoles are generally optimized to run on TV, high-grade computer monitors typically sport the specs and performance more ideal for gaming. Most modern and affordable TVs cap their refresh at 120hz while monitors can hit up to 144hz which, in turn, can produce some clear and smooth gameplay. Some of these monitors are often more affordable than most 120hz TVs with HDMI 2.1, as well, making them easier on the wallet.
The HDR-to-SDR automatic switching is also a welcome change because of the varying quality of content available. For all the benefits HDR provides to give content more natural lighting and brightness, it is not beneficial for anything missing HDR support. The same goes for streaming platforms as some, such as HBO Max, have yet to add HDR support..
The PlayStation 5 April 2021 update is now available to download.
Source: The Verge