Last Updated on August 24, 2021 by Asif Iqbal Shaik
In June 2021, Sony had announced a beta program for the system software of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) through which beta firmware could be rolled out to test new features, bug fixes, and optimisations. Well, the beta firmware program for the PS5 finally kicked off on Thursday with the rollout of the first beta firmware. While it brings a bunch of new features to the table, it offers PS5 users something that they have been demanding for a long time. The new beta firmware of the PS5 enables the second M.2 SSD slot of the gaming console.
Also read: Sony PS5 Supply Shortage to Continue Until 2022
Sony PS5 Now Allows Storage Expansion Via Second M.2 SSD Slot
For those of you who don’t know, the PS5 features two M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD slots for storage. While the primary M.2 SSD slot comes installed with a 1TB M.2 SSD from the company, the second SSD slot has been left empty by the brand. The extra M.2 SSD slot was implemented to allow users to expand the storage. However, it was disabled by software until now. The new beta firmware of the PS5 unlocks the second M.2 SSD slot for you to install an M.2 SSD and expand the storage of your PS5 quickly. This is big news for people who find the internal storage of the PS5 inadequate.
Sony instructs people to use a PCIe Gen4 SSD that has a read speed of above 5,500MB/s for optimal performance of the gaming console. The brand points out that the M.2 SSD will require an effective heat dissipation system and it suggests people install a single-sided or a dual-sided heat sink to keep the SSD cool. The company, however, says it “cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console. Playing games from this expandable storage may not have the “exact same performance” that is provided by the internal drive of the PS5.
New Beta Firmware For Sony PS5 Brings Plenty Of Other Features For Ease Of Use
Along with enabling the second M.2 SSD slot, the new firmware offers 3D audio for a TV’s inbuilt speakers. This feature uses the microphones in the controller of the PS5 to adjust the sound parameters depending upon the acoustics of the room and offer a 3D audio experience. Sony has also updated the Control Center with more personalisation options and a Friends tab in Game Base with better management options. Moreover, the beta firmware will now show PS4 and PS5 games separately on the home screen as well as in the game library of the PS5 so that you know which version of the game you are playing.
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