PS5 firmware beta: How to access, beta features & more

If you’re wondering how to access the PlayStation 5 firmware beta and the features included with it, then you have come to the right place.

The latest PS5 firmware beta for Sony's console will bring with it an assortment of new features for lucky players to test out before they are rolled out fully.

Here, we’ll be going over everything you need to know about the latest PS5 firmware beta and what you can expect from all of the features it is introducing.

If you would like to read the full PS5 beta release notes, they're also available on the PlayStation website.

• If you need some new titles for your PS5, be sure to check out our list for some of the best PS5-exclusive games you should add to your backlog

How to access the PS5 beta

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Unfortunately, to get access to the PS5 beta, you will have to wait to be invited, as the beta is limited access to a select few from specific countries. However, following the beta, PlayStation has stated their hopes to have the full release rolling out later in the year.

The countries selected to participate in the PS5 beta are:

• North America
• Canada
• Japan
• France
• Germany

If you have been selected to participate in the beta, you will receive an email invitation indicating when it is available to download.

• If you need a new controller to go with your DualSense, be sure to check out the best PS5 controllers to buy

What features are included in the PS5 beta?

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The firmware beta has several new features it is showing to players on PS5, including an assortment of accessibility, social, and interface improvements:

Accessibility features

• Second controller assistance – Assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate the PS5 console. This feature introduces a new way for you to enjoy games collaboratively with others, or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game
• Haptic Feedback - Introduces the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating the PS5

Support for Dolby Atmos-enabled devices

3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theatre systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use, allowing for even greater levels of immersion.

Social feature enhancements

• Party UI – Players can be invited into a closed party without automatically adding the other player into the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed-party invitations to groups instead of only individual players
• Share Screen Preview – When sharing a screen, a preview image of the screen will now be displayed before entering the party
• Game Hub Tournaments tile – See which tournaments you have entered and where you previously placed in them
• Emoji reactions in messages

UI improvements

• Search for games in your library
• Game Help - In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities. When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints
• Mute PS5 beep sound

Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs

You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (up from the previous 4TB limit) to expand storage space on your PS5 console.

So that’s everything you need to know about the upcoming firmware beta for PS5. If you’re lucky enough to be invited, you may get a sneak preview of some features that may be coming to your console.

Be sure to check out our hardware homepage for all of your console needs.