The new PS5 system update makes one crucial change that everyone will enjoy
Opinion: A little label goes a long way
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Thenew PS5 system updateadds some much-needed functionality and quality of life changes toSony’s current-gen console, like the ability to expand the PS5’s storage via the previously locked SSD bay.
But there’s one new addition in the upcomingPS5system update that’s so achingly simple, you’d wonder how you ever lived without it. And unlike opening up the PS5 to install anSSD– which frankly, not every user will do – this change will be instantly appreciated by everyone, especially those who have had a PlayStation 5 since launch.
It may have taken over eight months to implement, but the PS5 now shows what platform each game in your library is on. A little label clearly indicates whether a game is for PlayStation 5,PlayStation 4or both, and it immediately makes it obvious whether you’re selecting the right version of a game.
Case in point: I picked up a physical copy of Square Enix’s sublimeFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, with the intention of upgrading it to the PS5 version. As both versions use the same cover art, it can be difficult to know which version is the right one when displayed on the home screen. However, with the new PS5 update, I can immediately see which is the PS5 version and which is the PS4 version. Huzzah!
Adding platform labels to the PS5 UI is a move that matches whatMicrosofthas done onXbox Series XandXbox Series S. Games that are optimized for Microsoft’s new hardware are prominently marked with an X|S symbol, so there’s never any doubt as to whether you’re buying or booting up the right version. Microsoft even goes as far as to label original Xbox andXbox 360games, to avoid any confusion on the user’s part.
On PS5, that hasn’t always been the case, with many users falling into the trap of downloading the last-gen version of a game, or simply not knowing exactly which version they were about to play. Even though Sony largelyfixed this annoying issue, I’ve still fallen into this trap myself of loading up the wrong version ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2after it received a free next-gen upgrade.
Easy peasy
Having these simple little platform indicators also makes it easier to navigate the PlayStation Store. You can now tell at a glance whether you’re hovering over the PS5 or PS4 version of a game, without any second guessing required or the need to carefully read the product information.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
The move to adding distinct tags on PS5 to signify which version of a game you have installed is particularly important on Sony’s console due to the way some next-gen updates are handled.
Often, you’ll need to keep your PS4 version of the game to make sure you’ve uploaded your save data before starting the fancy new PlayStation version. On Xbox Series X and S, keeping your old version of a title isn’t required thanks toSmart Deliveryand Xbox Cloud Saves, which automatically detects the best version of the game available for your system, and your save data is always synchronized to the cloud so you needn’t worry about uploading or downloading old save data.
More to come
It might not grab the headlines quite like Sony opening up the PS5’s internal SSD bay, but there’s no doubt that Sony’s decision to add labels to PS5 andPS4 gamescertainly makes the console’s UI more intuitive overall. If both Sony and Microsoft want to continue to supportbackwards compatibilityin the future (though Sony could do a lot more in this regard), the need to show users what version of a game they’re playing will continue to be a necessity.
While system updates aren’t quite as frequent as they are on Xbox Series X|S, which will soon get anight modeand4K dashboard, Sony is clearly listening to consumer feedback and implementing some pleasing quality of life features.
Now, if we can get folders,1440p supportandVRRin the next PS5 system update, we’ll be very happy indeed.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
I reviewed the PS5 Pro and recommend these 7 enhanced games to try first
Lords of the Fallen is the latest game to get confirmed PS5 Pro enhancements and support
Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: A powerful and truly portable projector
