PS5: SSD update for beta users, finally information on compatibility

PS5

PS5 users can upgrade the memory of their console with an M.2 SSD. Meanwhile, Sony has revealed more details about the memory expansion that the PlayStation 5 receives with a software upgrade. In the support area of ​​the PlayStation website, the publisher announced that the function "currently only beta users" is available. In mid-June, the company announced a beta program for the PS5, to which interested users can register. "M.2 SSD devices are high-speed solid state drive media that PS5 Beta users can install to expand the storage capacity of their PS5 console or PS5 Digital Edition console," said Sony.

Once installed in the PS5, the M.2 SSD storage can be used to download, copy and launch PS5 and PS4</a> games as well as media apps. This allows the storage space of your console to be expanded. In the support area, Sony announces that it is "important" to only install M.2 SSDs that are actually supported. Sony has already formulated a list of the requirements, but points out that it is currently a beta version and the specifications may change before the official release of the PS5 firmware.

Supports PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSDs with a storage capacity between 250 GB and 4 TB. A sequential read speed of 5500 MB / s or faster is recommended. Note that your SSD has a module width of 22 mm - 25 mm is not supported. Therefore, pay attention to the M.2 types 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110. In addition, the total height of the M.2 SSD must be less than 11.25 mm so that it can be installed in the PlayStation 5 (buy now) can. The PS5 does not swallow M.2 SATA SSDs. Sony strongly recommends checking the values ​​of your M2-SSD before buying. You can find the specific requirements on playstation.com.

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Buy PS5: You should keep an eye on a few specific retailers if you want to get a copy of the PS5. var lstExcludedArticleTicker = '1376832,1376851,1376773,1376657'; "Most M.2 SSD devices with the type numbers mentioned above (M key type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110) and without an integrated cooling structure fit into the SSD slot of the PS5 console. The sizes for cooling structures ( such as heat sinks) vary greatly, "adds the company. Sony has also published instructions for installing the SSD. Before installing, you should make sure that the current beta system software is installed. The step-by-step instructions are available on the PlayStation website. At what point Sony will roll out the necessary firmware for all PS5 owners is not yet known.

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Sony's new PS5 software beta allows SSD installation, 3D audio on TVs

Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The first software beta for the PlayStation 5 has arrived, with a few useful tricks: you can expand the internal SSD storage, and use the PS5's 3D audio effects on external speakers. Sony invited PS5 owners to register for the beta in June, but the update's arrived now.

The PS5 beta previews features that will come in final form to the PS5 later this year. If you're concerned about putting a beta on your $500 game console, hold off till then (we haven't tested it yet). It does have some notable upgrades: mainly, the chance to update your PS5 storage.

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The ability to replace the internal fast SSD means that people could, finally, add more storage for your PS5 game downloads. The PS5 already enables plugging in USB-C SSD drives, but those can't be used to store PS5 games.

But, Sony has very specific guidance for what M.2 SSD drives are required, and how they need to be installed. According to Sony, the beta can be rolled back to the normal PS5 OS, but if that's done, the user-replaced SSD won't work. So be careful and keep that in mind.

Also of note: the immersive 3D audio that works via headphones on the PS5 also works with TV speakers using the beta software. The effect is calibrating using the DualSense microphone, according to Sony.

Other features in the beta, per Sony:

Players can personalize the Control Center more freely by rearranging or choosing which controls to hide or unhide.

Players can easily view and write messages to friends and Parties directly from Game Base in the Control Center.

Players can also see how many of their friends are online, busy, or offline under the Friends tab in Game Base, as well as accept, decline or cancel multiple friend requests at once.

Different platform versions of the same game will now appear separately on the Home screen and in the 'Installed' tab of the Game Library. Each game's tile now also clearly indicates its platform.

Players can use the resolution selector for PlayStation Now to choose between 720p or 1080p, or use a streaming connection test to identify and fix connection issues.

When players compete in challenges for a better time or a higher score and set a new personal best, a video clip of the action will automatically be recorded.

Following an online match, players can award others with a fourth accolade type, 'Leader.'

A new Trophy Tracker lets players quickly access up to five trophies per game through the Control Center.