Latest PS5 Beta Update Unlocks 8TB M.2 SSDs, Dolby Atmos, and More

For gamers always craving more room for their expanding game library, the PS5 beta update brings good news. It bolsters the console’s M.2 SSD support, allowing gamers to leverage up to 8TB of SSD storage, doubling the previous limit. However, gamers should ensure any external M.2 SSDs meet Sony’s specified requirements.

Sony’s update is music to the ears as it now includes support for Dolby Atmos. With this, your PS5’s 3D audio can now sync flawlessly with Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices, including soundbars, TVs, or home theater systems, providing an immersive auditory experience that takes gaming to a whole new level.

To make gaming more accessible, the update allows a second controller to be assigned to an account as an assist controller. It enables two people to operate two controllers simultaneously like a single controller. The console’s system UI navigation is also getting a boost with the introduction of haptic feedback effects.

Sony is stepping up its social features as well. An updated party UI lets gamers invite players into a closed party without automatically grouping them. You can now see a preview of someone’s screen sharing, directly join a friend’s game, access a tournament tile in the Game Hub, and react to messages with emojis.

Further, a much-needed search function has been added to game libraries, allowing users to locate specific games easily. The beta update also polishes the Game Help cards feature, enabling users to see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities.

Finally, users will appreciate the new feature that allows them to adjust the console’s beep sound volume during power cycles or even mute it entirely.

Sony’s new update is currently accessible to invited beta users in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Japan and should roll out globally later this year. The PS5 beta update is packed with promising features designed to bring gamers the cutting-edge tech they deserve.

New Accessibility Features

Use a Second Controller for Assistance. You can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller. This feature introduces a new way for you to enjoy games collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game.

To use an assist controller, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] > [Use Second Controller for Assistance], and then turn on [Use Assist Controller].
You can use an assist controller when your main controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller.**

System UI Haptic Feedback. You now have the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 with your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller.

When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or boot up a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs.
To turn on this feature, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers], and then turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation].

Support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices

3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games. ***

To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and then select [Dolby Atmos].

Social feature enhancements

Party UI update. You can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of only individual players.

Share Screen Preview. When someone’s sharing their screen in a party that you can join, you’ll now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before you enter the party.

Join friends’ game sessions easily. You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] tab.

The Joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game you can join.
You can join a friend’s game directly by pressing the options button and selecting [Join Game], or by selecting the ”Join” button on their profile card.

Game Hub tournaments tile. In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you’ve entered and the highest place you’ve achieved, as well as the start time for the next tournament. You can select the tile to see the full tournament list.

React to messages with emojis. You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, which makes communicating with friends quicker and easier.

Ease-of-use features

Search for games in your library. You can now search for games within your game library.

Game Help improvements. Game Help cards have been improved.****

In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities.
When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints.