PS5 is finally getting 1440p support, along with some fancy new features
A new PS5 system software beta is available today to invited participants
➡️ The Shortcut Skinny
🆕A new PS5 system software beta is now rolling out to invited participants
🥳 The update adds 1440p support, which has been one of the most-requested features
❌ Unfortunately VRR does not work when using 1440p
📁 Gamelists are also new and let you organize games in the ‘Your Collection’ tab of your Game Library
🎧 A new listen and compare setting for stereo and 3D audio has been added
👋 It’ll be easier to access in-progress Activities and interact with your friends
A new PS5 update beta is rolling out to invited participants today, bringing one of the most community-requested features to PlayStation 5 – 1440p support.
PlayStation fans have been asking for 1440p support since the PS5 was released in November 2020. Currently, if you use a display that isn’t capable of outputting 4K resolution, like a 1440p monitor, the PS5 defaults to a 1080p output. That means those with a 1440p display are getting 78% fewer pixels than they should be.
Thanks to 1440p support, games that output at 4K will use supersampling when played on a 1440p display. You’ll see improved anti-aliasing (fewer jaggies), and games that run natively at 1440p won’t be forcefully upscaled to 4K.
As outlined on the PlayStation Blog, you can see if your display is compatible with 1440p by selecting ‘Test 1440p Output’ under the ‘Screen and Video’ options within the PS5’s system settings.
The lack of 1440p support on PS5 has been particularly egregious as Xbox consoles have been able to output at 1440p resolution since 2018, so it’s a relief to see Sony finally bring this option to PS5, especially if you use a monitor.
One disappointment about the PS5’s 1440p support update is that variable refresh rate (VRR) won’t work. VRR on PS5 only supports 1080p and 4K video output, but not 1440p, which is a shame.
📁 Organize your library with Gamelists
Another pleasing addition in the new PS5 update is Gamelists. Gamelists let you create groups in ‘Your Collection,’ allowing you to easily organize your favorite titles. You can have up to 15 Gamelists and 100 games per game list.
Gamelists are Sony’s new take on folders, so you can make a dedicated group for the best PS5 games, all the PS5 120fps games, or one for PS Plus free games, for example.
👂Hear the difference with 3D audio
You’ll soon be able to compare and contrast the difference between stereo and 3D audio on PS5. A new ‘listen and compare’ option will let you switch back and forth to see how a game sounds using Sony’s proprietary spatial technology.
⌛ Get back to your Activities
Activity Cards could use some attention on PS5, so it’s encouraging to see Sony is making some tweaks to how they work. In-progress activities will soon be shown more prominently at the top of the game hub, so it’s easier and faster to pick up where you left off.
🗣️ More social features
Finally, the PS5 update will bring some more social-focused features for gamers to enjoy. You’ll be able to request a party member to start a Share Screen, which lets you watch their gameplay. To request a party member to start Share Screen, go to the voice chat card, select the party member you want to send the request to, and then select ‘Request Share Screen.’
When you join a party, you’ll receive a notification that lets you jump straight into the game they’re playing if it’s one you can join. You’ll also be able to view your new friends’ profiles when you receive a friend request and send stickers and voice messages in Game Base.
🙏 A welcome PS5 update
Sony is doing a stellar job of addressing some of the community’s biggest concerns and implementing their most-requested features. From VRR support to 1440p, the PS5 is now on par with Xbox Series X|S in terms of modern-day display features (although Xbox still has the edge with Dolby Vision gaming and VRR support when played at 1440p).
It’s unclear when this new PS5 update will roll out to all users, but we’ll be going hands-on to see if there are any hidden additions that Sony hasn’t mentioned.
Check out our PS5 vs PS5 Digital comparison if you can’t decide which PlayStation 5 to buy. Having trouble finding the console in stock? Our PS5 restock page will help you get a PlayStation 5.
Ha, double take on that Library screenshot. Not quite identical to mine -- 7/10, three of those platinum. Have yet to play Sackboy, Ratchet, or Returnal.