PlayStation 5 gamers will have more reasons to play with their gaming console.
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) recently announced via Twitter/X it is beta testing a new update that could double the storage space of PS5 gaming consoles, allowing gamers to play more games with it.
Storage space has been a persistent constraint to console gamers as they can't upgrade their storage space once they've purchased one.
A new and lighter PlayStation 5 model, the CFI-1200A/B digital/disc, is currently available.
More Chances Of Gaming
SIE mentioned in its official PlayStation Twitter account that it is beta testing a PS5 update that doubles the gaming console's storage space and adds new accessibility features. Let's focus on the storage space expansion for now.
A quick look at the PlayStation Blog page the post links to reveals that the update allows PS5 gamers to use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB to expand storage space on their consoles. This expansion is double the previous limit of 4TB that SIE initially allowed for the PS5.
However, PS5 gamers can't use any M.2 SSD to expand their PS5's storage space. According to the support page the blog linked, the M.2 SSD must meet the following specifications:
- Interface - PCI-Express Gen4x4 supported M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M)
- Storage - 250 GB-4 TB (8GB with the update)
- Supported sizes - 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
- Sequential read speed - 5500 MB/s or faster is recommended
- Socket type - Socket 3 (Key M)
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In addition to these specifications, the M.2 SSD must also have the correct size, which also considers the SSD's heat-dissipation mechanism. Here is the required size for the M.2 SSD:
- Width: up to 25 mm
- Length: 30/40/60/80/110 mm
- Thickness: up to 11.25 mm (up to 8.0 mm from above the board, up to 2.45 mm from below the board)
It is unknown when SIE will release this PS5 update to the public, but its storage expansion will make the wait much more worth the pain PS5 gamers need to endure.
Other PS5 Improvements
Aside from the expanded storage space, the PS5 update SIE's beta testing will also come with two new accessibility features to help PS5 gamers maximize how they game with their gaming console.
The PlayStation Blog revealed that these new accessibility features include the ability to use a second DualSense controller for assistance to operate the PS5 with two controllers as if gamers are using only one. Another new accessibility feature is the option to switch on haptic feedback effects while PS5 gamers navigate the gaming console with their DualSense controller or PSVR 2 Sense controller.
The update also comes with new social feature enhancements that improve how PS5 gamers play with friends online. These enhancements include a new party UI update which lets them invite players into a closed party without automatically adding the player to the group or creating a new group.
Aside from that, the update also adds the ability for PS5 gamers to join their friends' game sessions early, along with a new Game Hub tournaments tile. This tile allows PS5 gamers to see how many tournaments they've entered and the highest place they've achieved.
It even tells PS5 gamers the next tournament's start time and lets them see the full tournament list.
Last but not least, the update will also bring support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices. PS5 gamers that own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs, or home theater systems can enjoy 3D audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech.
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