New PS5 system update lets users store PS5 games on external storage, and more

PlayStation has just announced the April PS5 system update for the PS5, and it will be rolled out to all PS5 consoles starting tomorrow.

While the update brings over a load of new features, the highlight is no doubt the ability to store PS5 games on compatible external USB drives. With this feature, users can transfer PS5 games to an external storage device in case they need more space on their console’s onboard storage. This is a nice feature as it’s faster to reinstall games from an external storage drive compared to re-downloading the game or copying from a disc.

Unlike with the PS4 though where you can play games off an external drive, PS5 users won’t be able to play games off of their external storage device. This is because the console uses its high-speed SSD for games. Plus, not all external storage devices will be supported, so make sure to check HERE to see if your drive is compatible.

Aside from copying game files to an external drive, the new PS5 update also brings a bevy of social features. One such feature is the cross-generation share play where PS4 and PS5 players can now Share Play together while chatting in parties.

Other features coming to the update include:

• Improved Game Base. The Game Base menu has been improved for quicker access to important content and features.

• Disable Game Chat or Adjust Players’ Volume. You can now quickly disable in-game chat, which turns off your mic audio and the voice audio of other players.
• Game Update Pre-download. Once it’s enabled by developers, title updates for games will pre-download to your console if the “automatic updates” setting is enabled and your console is on or in rest mode.
• Customize Game Library. Brings the ability to search your library or hide games from view.
• Screen Zoom. Magnification of the screen is now from the Settings menu.
• New Trophy Settings and Stats Screen. The level of trophies that results in automatic capture of a screenshot or video clip can now be customized — so you can now choose to only capture and save images/videos of moments when you earn higher-grade trophies, like Gold or Platinum.

Finally, the system update will bring new features to the PlayStation App for Android and iOS. For the full info on the new PS5 and PS5 system software update, visit the PlayStation blog.

In related PlayStation news, Sony recently unveiled the new controllers for the next-generation of PS VR.