➡️ The Shortcut Skinny: New PS5 update

• 🆕 A new PS5 update is rolling out globally that adds several highly-requested features

• 🥳 The biggest of which is 1440p support, which means the PS5 will no longer output at 1080p when using a 1440p display

• 🎧 More features have also been added, including new social features and a 3D audio and stereo comparison tool

• 🗣️ PS5’s YouTube app will let you search for content using your voice in the US and UK

• 📱 The PS App will also receive some new updates in the coming months

A new PS5 update is available today that finally adds 1440p support, along with several highly-requested features.

The new systems software has been available to beta participants since July but is now available globally. The headline feature is 1440p support, which fans have asked for since the PS5 was first released. Previously, if you used a display that wasn’t capable of outputting 4K resolution, like a 1440p monitor, the PS5 would default to a 1080p output. That means those with a 1440p display were getting 78% fewer pixels than they should be, but thankfully that’s no longer the case.

Another new addition to PS5 is Gamelists, which are essentially folders. You can create groups in ‘Your Collection,’ letting you organize your games however you see fit. You can create up to 15 Gamelists and have 100 games in each list.

Fans of Sony’s 3D audio have a new tool to compare and contrast the difference spatial audio brings to a game. A new ‘listen and compare option’ lets you switch back and forth to see how a game sounds in stereo or using 3D audio.

Activity Cards get a much-needed tweak with this new PS5 update, too. In-progress activities will be displayed more prominently in a game hub, making it easier to jump back where you left off.

PS5’s social features have also been improved. You can request a party member to start a Share Screen, which lets you watch their gameplay. You’ll also be able to join a party member’s game once you join.

If you’re a fan of voice controls, the PS5 YouTube app will let you search for content using your voice. From anywhere on PS5, including during gameplay, you can say, “Hey PlayStation, find [keyword] on YouTube.” If you want to look up a Trophy guide on YouTube if a PS5 game doesn’t support Game Help, I can see this being useful.

Lastly, the PS App will gradually receive some new updates later this month on iOS and Android. You’ll be able to launch a PS Remote Play session using the app and request to Share Screen similar to the PS5.

A mixed few months for PS5

While it’s great to see a new PS5 update rolling out, especially one that includes such a highly-requested feature, it’s fair to say PlayStation 5 has had a topsy turvy couple of months.

Sony announced a PS5 price increase on August 25 for almost everywhere apart from the US, and the company was accused of paying developers “blocking rights” to keep games off Xbox Game Pass.

Nevertheless, new PS5 hardware is on the way, as Sony announced the PS5 DualSense Edge Controller at Gamescom 2022 and a new Gray Camouflage Collection color design. A new PS5 model revision has also been spotted in Australia, and it’s significantly lighter.