Sony has released a new system software update for PlayStation 5, which adds support for 1440p resolution, new social features, and folder-style Gamelists for organizing your collection.
Although PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have always been extremely close in their tech specs, features, and performance, one area where the Microsoft console established an early lead was in its compatibility with a range of modern displays and display technologies. That gap is finally now closed. After PS5 was updated with support for variable refresh rates in April, Sony has now rolled out an update allowing the system to output at 1440p resolution.
Although most modern TV sets have 1080p or 4K resolutions, compatibility with 1440p (also known as QHD) matters because it’s a very popular resolution for gaming PC monitors. There are a lot of these displays around, many with features like VRR, that PS5 owners will be happy to finally use to their full ability.
Games which support 1440p will display at native resolution, while games that display at 4K will supersample down to 1440p for a smoother image.
Gamelists are probably the most significant addition in the update for all users, no matter the equipment they have. These allow you to organize your game collection into up to 15 lists, with up to 100 games per list. Disc, digital, and streaming titles can all be added to Gamelists.
Other features in the update include the ability to compare stereo and 3D audio on the same screen; easier access to in-progress Activities; the ability to request another player in your party shares their screen; joinable game notifications, and other social features.
Additionally, Sony announced that a preview version of voice search for YouTube is now available in English for users in the U.S. and U.K. Also, Sony said it would add some new features to the PS App “later this month,” including the ability to launch remote play sessions and request share screen from within the app.
Update (Sep. 7): The features included in the beta test that was the original basis of this article are now live for all users. We’ve edited the article to reflect this.