Perhaps the biggest disappointment that can be levelled at the PlayStation 4 is that, three years after its original release, it still feels a bit like a launch console. Don't get us wrong: we absolutely adore the device – but there are some really obvious features that have been absent since launch, and we're not entirely sure why. Sony's updated the console, adding cool new functions like Share Play and Communities – but these have come at the expense of simple additions, like folders and external HDD support.

We're praying that the impending PS4 firmware update v4.00 – which is set to enter open beta later this month – goes back to basics, then, and finally incorporates the features that we've been yearning for since day one. To put it another way, here are six additions that we reckon the impending update simply must include.

Folders PS4 Firmware Update 4.00 Features PlayStation 4

Don't fold on folders

The most frustrating thing about this one is that the PS4 already has folders – they're just infuriatingly reserved for the TV section. It's easy to see how this would work, and we can't imagine that it's a difficult thing to implement. Just let us categorise our games, Sony – it really shouldn't have taken this long.

PSone PS4 Firmware Update 4.00 Features PlayStation 4

32-bit heaven

We've been loving the PS2 re-releases that have started hitting the PlayStation Store with a little more frequency lately, but we'd like to go back further in time, too. PSone Classics with full Trophy compatibility and upscaled 1080p presentation would be beyond amazing – who doesn't want to earn a Platinum in Metal Gear Solid or Crash Bandicoot, after all?

Library Filtering PS4 Firmware Update 4.00 Features PlayStation 4

A tidier Library

There needs to be a way to see absolutely every PS4 item that you've ever downloaded – but it shouldn't be the default view. More filtering options would be massively appreciated, so that you could "hide" demos and betas that have long passed their sell-by date. At the moment, the Library is sluggish and needlessly messy, but Sony only needs to provide a few extra options to help clean it up.

Friend Favourites PS4 Firmware Update 4.00 Features PlayStation 4

BFFs

If you've only got a couple of friends attached to your PSN account, then you're unlikely to have issues navigating it. Unfortunately, this author has almost 400 contacts, which makes it a bit of a mess. A simple option to "star" or "favourite" certain companions could push their profiles straight to the top of the list, which would make things much more efficient for sociable types.

Custom Wallpapers Backgrounds PS4 Firmware Update 4.00 Features PlayStation 4

A fresh lick of paint

There are some awesome dynamic themes available on the PlayStation Store – and many of them are free. But what if you want a screenshot that you've taken from your favourite game as your background? Currently there's no way to use a basic JPG or PNG image as a custom wallpaper, and this seems like another super simple thing that Sony could fix.

External HDD Support PS4 Firmware Update 4.00 Features PlayStation 4

External HDD happiness

Sure you can crack open your PS4 and whack a new hard drive inside, but not everyone wants to do that. External HDD support would solve this issue in an instant, allowing you to plug in a new drive by USB, and use it to dramatically increase the storage space of your system – without ever needing to touch a screwdriver.

Six simple picks, then, which would make the PS4 dramatically better overnight! Are you hoping all of these make their way into firmware update v4.00? Is there anything that we've missed? Download the latest system software in the comments section below.

[source bit.ly]