Skip to main content

PS5’s first major system update adds USB hard drive support, new social features

The PlayStation 5‘s first major system update is coming. The update allows players to store PS5 games on an external hard drive and adds new social features to the console.

Sony launched the PS5 in November and has only released smaller system tweaks since then. The company is calling the upcoming update the console’s first “major” update. It’s set to roll out globally on Wednesday, April 14.

The update allows players to store their PS5 games onto a USB external hard drive, though there’s a catch. PS5 games can’t be played off a hard drive due to the system’s ultra-high-speed SSD. Games can’t be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store to a drive either. Games that are transferred back to the console from a drive will automatically update. Sony reaffirms that M.2 drive support is still in the works.

The update brings new social features, including cross-generation share play, to the system. That allows PS5 players to share their screen with PS4 players while in chat. PS4 and PS5 players will now be able to more easily join each other’s game sessions with an added “Request to Join” option.

The console has several new customization options, which allow players to adjust audio in game chat, enable “pre-download” for game updates, and adjust screen zoom. The console’s game base feature will be tweaked to allow players to more easily switch between their friends and party lists.

To go alongside the system update, Sony will update the PlayStation app in the coming weeks. The update will allow players to join multiplayer games, manage console storage, and more from the app.

Editors' Recommendations

Giovanni Colantonio
Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…
PlayStation reveals new features and UI for its PS5 Access Controller
Sony's Project Leonardo controller sits on a table.

Sony revealed new details about its PlayStation 5 accessibility controller, which has been renamed from Project Leonardo to the Access Controller. A new blog post details what comes with the controller and offers a glimpse at the UI interface that players will use to customize it on the PS5.

Sony surprise revealed its "Project Leonardo" at CES earlier this year (Digital Trends named it the best gaming tech of the show). The circular pad features a unique design meant to make it easier for people with disabilities to customize controls to their needs. While it still doesn't have a price or release date, Sony has opened a new website for its newly renamed Access Controller and shared new details on it.

Read more
The best PS5 exclusives
Kratos sternly looks at Atreus in God of War: Ragnarok.

The PlayStation 5 has been out for a while, bringing us next-generation visuals, faster load times, and a slew of new features that have blown our socks off. Of course, all of these features are welcome, but the real stars of the show are the PS5's games. What good is a new console if there are no games to play on it? Luckily, Sony's next-generation system has you covered with lots of exclusives, ranging from wacky family-friendly adventures to experiences of superhuman proportions and even challenging action RPGs.

Since the PS5 is still only a few years old, its list of exclusives isn't massive, but there are still several you absolutely need to check out. In this guide, we'll round up the very best exclusive games the system has to offer. The PS5's exclusive library will undoubtedly grow throughout its life cycle, and we will update this article accordingly as more games come out.

Read more
God of War Ragnarok’s new free update is bigger than expected
Kratos fights an end game boss in God of War Ragnarok.

God of War Ragnarok just got a free update, which adds a New Game+ mode to the game. The substantial update adds new gear to the game, raises Kratos' level cap, and adds more new features.

Last December, Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Ragnarok was set to receive an update in spring 2023. True to its word, the developer just delivered with its New Game+ addition, though it included a few unexpected surprises too.

Read more