It’s been five months since the PlayStation 5 officially launched in select countries, and now Sony’s newest console is getting its first major software system update. The update, which arrives on April 14, 2021, will include a number of improvements and new features. Here’s everything PS5 users need to know about what’s new in the April update.
Since launch, internal storage space has been an issue for both Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. Now, thanks to the new update, PS5 games can be stored on external hard drives. With this new feature, users can transfer PS5 game data to USB external drives to clear up storage space. However, games cannot be played on those drives, so data will have to be transferred back to internal storage before actually booting up the save file to play a game again. Users can also customize the amount of video and photos taken when Trophies are achieved, which can also help cut down on large portions of PS5 storage space.
A number of new social features are also being added in the April update, meaning PS5 and PS4 users can play together more easily. This includes cross-generational Share Play, meaning PS5 users can let friends with PS4s view their game screens and even try out PS5 titles. Share Play options also include passing controllers virtually to a friend, or passing a second controller virtually so that friends can play co-op games together.
PS5’s New Pre-Download & Personalization Options Explained
In addition to new storage and social features, the April 2021 update for the PS5 also includes a number of personalization options. The Game Base menu has been improved to make navigation easier, as well as allowing quicker access for Parties and Friends features. Additionally, users can now disable Game Chat and adjust other players’ volumes. Customizing game libraries and screen zoom adjustments are also a part of the new update.
Users will also be able to pre-download select PS5 titles after the new update. With a lot of PS5 exclusive titles coming out this year, this will allow updates to start downloading immediately once the feature has been enabled by developers and activated by users through the “Automatic Updates” setting. The PlayStation App is getting some noticeable changes as well, including the ability to access PS5 storage and join a multiplayer session on PS5 from the app.
Overall, the first major software systems update for the PlayStation 5 looks pretty promising. Many of these features should make using the PS5 smoother and make playing games with friends even easier.
