Sony has rolled out a new beta firmware update for select users in the United States, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany, and France, but no word has been given on how long it's expected to remain in beta. Regardless, it's a big update for PS5 users and includes various enhancements and customizations to the interface and overall experience. Perhaps most notably, though, is the inclusion of M.2 SSD support, given that the PS5's internal SSD only has 825GB total.
Sony has revealed how beta users can install one, but it should be noted that those without access to the beta should not try installing a new SSD in their PS5 yet. Per Sony, installing a M.2 SSD in a console that does not have the beta firmware would require players to remove it before updating the software. There's also quite a few requirements, including an M.2 SSD that's PCIe Gen4, has read speeds of 5,500MB/s or faster, effective heat dissipation, and more.
Because this is a beta, requirements and recommendations are likely to change, but Sony notes that it cannot guarantee performance from playing games on expandable storage. This is even if it meets the current requirements and recommendations, as it differs from the PS5's internal drive greatly regardless. Whether or not Sony only means this for the beta or for the full launch of M.2 SSD support, but it stands to reason that it means the latter. Of course, something could change between beta and full launch.
Perhaps the next biggest change in the update helps clear up PS4-PS5 game confusion. On the home screen and in the game library, each game's title will now mention whether a game is PS4 or PS5, with each version appearing separately as well. Furthermore, this beta software includes 3D audio support for built-in TV speakers, which uses the PS5 DualSense controller to measure room acoustics. In turn, this is used and applied to a 3D audio setting.
Plenty of other details, customizations, and tweaks are among this PS5 update, with this including a Trophy Tracker that'll let players focus on 5 trophies per game via the Control Center, the ability to pick between 720p and 1080p for PlayStation Now games, a new automatic video clip for high scores, and a lot more like that.
PS5 users are also getting access to some new personalization and customization options, such as the ability to rearrange controls in the Control Center, the Friends tab in Game Base is getting better management options, and the ability to see how many friends are online. Players will also be able to view and write messages to friends and parties from the Game Base in the Control Center. Overall, these seem to be just the tip of the iceberg for everything in this beta PS5 firmware update.
The PS5 is available now.