Eligible PlayStation 5 users may now sign up for a chance to participate in the platform’s first-ever system software beta program, but details on the beta are currently unavailable. Following months of more modest modifications to the system, this announcement implies that a big overhaul is underway.
Sony has released a number of firmware upgrades for the PS5 since its introduction, the majority of which addressed overall stability. The option to store PlayStation 5 games on external hard drives was introduced in April, which was the first major update.
In addition, the April firmware updates brought additional social and UI features to the table. Of course, the arrival of expanded SSD storage is at the top of most PS5 users’ wishlists, a need the platform-holder hasn’t addressed in some months. Rumors from earlier in 2021 claimed that such a storage option would be included in a summer update, but nothing has happened thus yet.
According to a PlayStation Blog article by Hideaki Nishino, Sony plans to host the first PS5 system software beta program, SVP of Platform Experience. PS5 owners who are above the age of 18 and have a valid PSN account and live in one of the following territories: the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, or the United Kingdom can register today on the official PlayStation website.
Those chosen for the beta will be among the first to try out and offer feedback on brand-new features that will be available in the “next major system upgrade later this year.” Participants will get an email with instructions for downloading the beta version of the next system software update if selected for the program.
The PlayStation Blog post doesn’t go into detail on what the upgrade will feature. It’s also unclear when Sony plans to start and stop the test. And, as is often the case, there’s no assurance that everything in the trial build will be included in the final release. Simply put, there are many uncertainties regarding what the platform-holder has planned.
Sign Up for the First PS5 System Software Beta Program https://t.co/Wyk9dNqXK1
more info: https://t.co/LtQPu6PSFF pic.twitter.com/qkEtoC6X4O
— Wario64 (@Wario64) June 17, 2021
While expanded SSD storage is perhaps the most desired feature, PS5 owners are hoping for a few more enhancements in the near future. For example, some PlayStation fans continue to bemoan the loss of PS4 personalization features like Dynamic Themes and folders.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support is another feature that PlayStation 5 fans are anxious to see implemented. Some are still hoping that Sony would reconsider its stance on a working browser.
