Sony's latest firmware update for PS5 is here, and it's the one that's been in a beta testing phase since the end of July. System software version 23.02-08.00.00 is available to download and install now for all users, and it's a big one, adding support for Dolby Atmos, larger capacity SSDs, and much more. The update is just over 1GB in size.

In addition to those headline new features, this update adds support for the PS5 Access controller and makes a bunch of improvements to PS5's accessibility features, such as more language support in the screen reader. There are also improvements made to Game Base and Parties, as well as Activity cards, and the PS5's signature beep when you boot it up can now be muted.

There's lots more to go through, so here are the full patch notes from Sony on this major update. Settle in for some reading, and let us know what you think of the update in the comments section below:

  • Dolby Atmos is now supported, and you can enjoy 3D audio on HDMI devices that support Dolby Atmos.
    • Enjoy an immersive audio experience with your supported HDMI device while playing PS5 games that support the Tempest 3D audio technology.
    • Media apps that support Dolby Atmos can now deliver the spatial sound experience with your supported HDMI device.
    • To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format (Priority) and then select Dolby Atmos.
  • You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8 TB to expand storage space on your PS5.
  • The screen reader now supports Turkish, Swedish and Portuguese (Portugal).
  • The Access controller is now supported.
  • You can now use an assist controller.
    • You can now assign a second controller to a user who's logged in to your PS5 as an assist controller. This allows you to use the main controller along with the assist controller to control your PS5 as if you were using one controller.
    • 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 using a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller as the main controller.
  • The following features and improvements have been added to Game Base.
    • You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the Friends tab.
      • The joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game you can join.
      • You can join a friend's game directly by pressing the Options button and selecting Join Game or by selecting Join on their profile card.
  • The following features have been added to Parties:
    • When someone's sharing their screen in a party, you'll now see a preview of their Share Screen. You can find this in the Parties tab.
    • You can now start a private party without creating a group.
    • You can now invite players who aren't group members to a private party.
    • You can now send party invitations to groups, in addition to individual players.
  • You can now react to messages with emojis.
  • It's now easier to access media shared in your groups. Select Shared Media from the options menu in the messages card.
  • The usability of cards in the control centre has been improved.
    • Activity cards have been improved. When multiple activities are in progress, the newest one will appear as a standalone card in the control centre. The consolidated activities card will also continue to be displayed.
    • Game Help cards have been improved.
      • 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.
  • The console navigation experience has been improved.
    • When moving the cursor while navigating the console, the sound effect you hear when you reach the point where you can't move any further is now more pronounced and noticeable.
    • You can now get haptic feedback through vibrations on your controller while navigating your PS5. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers and then turn on Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation.
  • In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you've entered and the highest place you've achieved.
  • On the player profile screen, you'll now see Most Played games.
  • In game library, you can now search for games just within your game library.
  • Browse useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section.
    • Go to Settings > Guide & Tips, Health and Safety, and Other Information > Guide and Tips and then select Discover Tips to view all the tips.
  • Simplified Cangjie has been added to text input methods for Chinese (Traditional).
  • You can now muste or adjust the volume of the PS5's beep sound when turning it on or off or putting it in rest mode. Go to Settings > System > Beep Sound.
    • To adjust the beep sound volume, select Volume.
    • To mute the beep sound, turn on Mute Beep Sound.
  • The video output information screen displayed in Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output has been redesigned to make it easier to view.
    • To see your current resolution, colour format and HDCP version, select Current Video Output Signal.
    • To see the support status of HDR and VRR for each of the available frequencies for your HDMI device, select Information for the Connected HDMI Device.
  • Voice Command has been improved.
    • The help content of Voice Command has been improved.
      • You can now navigate between help content pages using Voice Command.
      • Help content will be hidden after some time has passed.
  • If you say "What's new?" via Voice Command on any screen, you can now check for new PS5 features and the latest information about PS Plus.
  • Currently, Voice Command (Preview) is only available in English for players with accounts for PlayStation Network in the US and UK.
  • The PS5 QR code login screen has been redesigned. The QR codes are now much larger.
  • We've updated the device software of the DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, PlayStation VR2 and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers to improve stability.
  • We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.