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PS5 April system software update released: Here’s what’s new

By Matthew Liebl

Image taken by Matthew Liebl of App Trigger, used by permission.
Image taken by Matthew Liebl of App Trigger, used by permission. /
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Nearly five months after the PlayStation 5’s launch, Sony has released the first major system software update for the console. The April 2021 update, officially Version 21.01-03.00.00, packs new features and improvements, but there are two in particular that the PlayStation community are probably most excited about.

The highlight of this update is undoubtedly the PS5 storage expansion and management. With this new feature, you are now able to transfer your PS5 games to a USB extended storage from your console’s internal storage. With only 825GB of storage (667GB of which is actually usable due to system files), the ability to store games on a USB is definitely welcomed as it’s faster to reinstall them from the extended storage than it is to re-download them or copy them from a disc.

Unfortunately, it’s still not perfect. You still aren’t able to play PlayStation 5 games directly from the USB extended storage. That’s because the games are designed to take advantage of the PS5’s ultra-high-speed SSD. You also can’t download PS5 titles directly to the USB extended storage, so there’s a bit of wasted downtime there. On the bright side, you can select which game modes you want to install for titles that support the option.

Another major feature in today’s update is cross-generation Share Play. With this new feature, PS4 and PS5 players can participate in Share Play while in parties, allowing for you to share your screen or even let your friend play virtually. This option is incredibly awesome for those who own a PS4, as they are able to watch their friends play a PS5 game or even play themselves.

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On the fence about buying a PS5? Try Share Play! Unable to afford a PS5 but still want to enjoy games with your friends? This feature is perfect!

Game Base has also received some quality of life improvements, including “quicker access to important content and features,” the ability to hide games from view in your library, automatic game update pre-downloads (if enabled by the developer), a more details Trophy and Stats screen and more.

The PlayStation Blog has an in-depth write-up for the April PS5 update, which you can view here. It will probably be another few months before we get the next system software update, but what major updates would you like to see added next?