New PS5 system update improves system performance

Sony has released the latest system update for the PlayStation 5.

However, according to Sony’s patch notes, Version 21.02-04.50.00 makes improvements to system performance, and nothing else.

This makes it the third system update in a row that has “improves system performance” as its sole patch note.

The last major system update for the PS5 was version 21.02-04.00.00, which was released in September and enabled SSD storage expansion.

The September update added the ability to expand the console’s storage with an off-the-shelf M.2 SSD, as well as introducing 3D audio support through TV speakers. Sony said it had also improved the game audio quality of some titles when 3D audio for headphones was enabled.

After the update was released, players also noticed that it had added the much-requested option to remove the notification icon after taking a screenshot.

Before the update, any time players took a screenshot a small icon would appear in the corner to notify players that the screenshot had been captured.

However, because the console doesn’t separate its OS user interface from the game while taking screenshots, if players took another screenshot while the icon was displayed, that icon would appear in the new screenshot (and create a new icon of its own).

further reading

PS5’s new update finally lets users remove the screenshot confirmation icon

Much-requested feature arrives with today's new console firmware

The September PS5 system update fixed this with a new option in its Capture settings that let players turn the icons off.

Sony claimed in July that PS5 had become its fastest selling console ever after topping 10 million sales globally just under a month faster than the PS4 managed. However, it has since fallen behind the sales pace of its predecessor due to continued stock shortages.