This morning, Sony announced that it will release a beta version to test a collection of new fan-requested features for the PlayStation 5. These features include editable game lists, the ability to play games in 1440p output, and low quality life features for those who enjoy playing games with their friends. Although this version of the PlayStation 5 software is still in development, Sony has given the community a preview of what to expect. The biggest upgrade would be the arrival of 1440p output, which will bring PS5 games closer to what they look like on PC. This is only available for games and monitors that support 1440p mode, but will allow gamers to downscale from 4K to improve details like anti-aliasing. Once the new version is released, you can check for display compatibility directly from the system menu. The PS5 also features game folders, which Sony calls “gamelists.” In previous years, there simply weren’t enough games on the console to warrant folders. Now, beta testers will be able to create up to 15 game lists with up to 100 titles each. You can add physical, digital and streaming games and they can be added to multiple lists. The update also adds other interface features, such as the ability to compare 3D audio with stereo sound and the ability to select your preferred setting. And helpfully, if you’ve walked away from a massive AAA game in the middle of your campaign, the PS5’s hub will tell you what mission or activity you last stopped at. New social features are also coming in the update. You’ll be able to ask friends to share their screens, receive in-game notifications when someone in your party starts an eligible game, see new friend profiles more easily, and send stickers and voice messages. While these multiplayer features aren’t groundbreaking for anyone playing PC games, they do show that Sony is taking more serious steps into the world of live gaming. Its efforts haven’t been without hiccups, but the company is spending a lot of money to make the console a better ecosystem for games other than the big budget single-player blockbusters the publisher is known for. During an earnings call in May, Sony told investors that the Bungie acquisition would help the platform boost its live streaming capabilities. Only default players will be able to try out these features before the global release “later this year.” If you’ve been selected for the beta, then sometime today you’ll find an email in your inbox.
