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Are you ready to experience the PS5 in a new way? If you are one of the lucky participants who received an email invitation, you can join the PS5 beta today and test some of the new features that PlayStation has prepared for you. The PS5 beta is a special system software update that allows you to try out new accessibility and audio options, social features, and UI enhancements before they are released to the public.
The beta is only available in select countries, so make sure to check your inbox and follow the instructions to download it. Keep in mind that some features may change or not make it to the final version, so don’t hesitate to share your feedback and suggestions with PlayStation.
What are the new accessibility features in the PS5 beta?
The PS5 beta introduces two new accessibility features that aim to make gaming more enjoyable and inclusive for everyone. The first one is the second controller assistance feature, which lets you assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller. This means that you can use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller.
This feature is perfect for players with disabilities who need some help from a friend or family member, or for players who want to collaborate or have fun with someone else. To use an assist controller, go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Use Second Controller for Assistance, and then turn on [Use Assist Controller]. You can use an assist controller when your main controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller.
The second accessibility feature is the system UI haptic feedback feature, which adds haptic feedback effects to your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller while navigating your PS5. When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or boot up a game.
This optional feature enhances immersion and is especially useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers, and then turn on Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation.
What are the new audio options in the PS5 beta?
The PS5 beta brings a new audio option that allows you to enjoy 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech on compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as sound bars, TVs, or home theater systems. 3D Audio is a technology that creates realistic and immersive soundscapes that match the visuals on screen. With Dolby Atmos support, you can experience even better 3D Audio quality on your HDMI device. Some media apps like Netflix can also be updated to support Dolby Atmos. To enable this option, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output, and then turn on Enable 3D Audio for HDMI Device.
What are the new social features in the PS5 beta?
The PS5 beta also adds some new social features that make it easier and more fun to connect with other players and join their games. The first one is the request share screen feature, which lets you ask party members to start Share Screen so you can watch their gameplay.
Share Screen is a feature that allows you to stream your gameplay to other party members without using any external services. With the request share screen feature, you can invite other party members to share their gameplay with you without interrupting them. To use this feature, go to the voice chat card, select the party member you want to send the request to, and then select Request Share Screen.
The second social feature is the joinable game notification feature, which notifies you when you join a party and a party member is playing a game you can join. This makes it easier to jump into their game without having to ask them or check their profile. You can join the game directly from the notification.
What are the new UI enhancements in the PS5 beta?
The PS5 beta also brings some UI enhancements that improve your gaming experience and make it more convenient and customizable. The first one is the support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs (up to 8TB), which allows you to expand your storage space for games on your PS5 console. M.2 SSDs are internal storage devices that you can install on your PS5 console to store and play PS5 and PS4 games.
However, not all M.2 SSDs are compatible with the PS5 console, so you need to check the requirements and limitations before buying and installing one. You can find more information about M.2 SSDs on PlayStation’s website. To install and format an M.2 SSD, follow the instructions on the screen or in the user guide.
The second UI enhancement is the gamelists feature, which lets you create gamelists to organize your game library. Gamelists are custom collections of games that you can name and edit as you like. You can have up to 15 gamelists and 100 games per gamelist. You can add any game under the “Your Collection” tab of your Game Library to a gamelist, including disc, digital and streaming titles. You can also add the same game to multiple gamelists. To create a gamelist, go to the Your Collection tab and select Create Gamelist. Choose games to add to your gamelist, then decide what to name it.
The third UI enhancement is the compare 3D audio and stereo audio feature, which lets you listen to and compare the difference between 3D and stereo audio on the same screen, and then choose your preferred setting. This feature helps you decide whether you want to use 3D audio or stereo audio for your games and apps, depending on your personal preference and audio device. To access this feature, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and then select Compare 3D Audio and Stereo Audio.
FAQs
How long will the PS5 beta last?
There is no official end date for the PS5 beta, but PlayStation says it plans to release the update globally later this year.
How can I get invited to join the PS5 beta?
You need to sign up for PlayStation’s System Software Beta Program and wait for an email invitation. The beta is only available in select countries, so check if your region is eligible before signing up.
Will I lose any data or settings if I join the PS5 beta?
No, you will not lose any data or settings if you join the PS5 beta. However, you may encounter some bugs or issues that are not present in the stable version of the system software. You can always revert back to the previous version if you encounter any problems.
Can I play online with other players who are not in the PS5 beta?
Yes, you can play online with other players who are not in the PS5 beta, as long as you are using compatible games and apps. However, some features may not work properly or may not be available for non-beta users.
Can I share my feedback and suggestions about the PS5 beta with PlayStation?
Yes, you can share your feedback and suggestions about the PS5 beta with PlayStation by using the Feedback app on your PS5 console. You can also report any bugs or issues you encounter by using the Report Problem option in your quick menu.
Conclusion
The PS5 beta is a great opportunity to try out some of the new features that PlayStation has prepared for you. Whether you want to enjoy better accessibility and audio options, social features, or UI enhancements, the PS5 beta has something for everyone. Don’t forget to share your feedback and suggestions with PlayStation by using the Feedback app on your PS5 console or the Report Problem option in your quick menu. And if you haven’t received an email invitation yet, don’t worry, you still have a chance to join the PS5 beta by signing up for PlayStation’s System Software Beta Program. The beta is only available in select countries, so check if your region is eligible before signing up.