New PS5 system update introduces customizable Welcome hub, Party Share, and more

A new system update for the PS5 was released on September 12, 2024, introducing a whole set of new features that are expected to enhance the console gaming experience. Some of these features, such as "Welcome hub," are new, whereas others were in the PlayStation 5 beta test firmware for a while.

This announcement comes just two days after the announcement of the new PS5 Pro console. Let's explore these new features in detail and find out how they could elevate the user experience.

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Everything the new PS5 System update brings to the table

Here are all the features coming with this PS5 System update:

Welcome hub

The new "Welcome hub" feature (Image via Sony)

Many players complained about the lack of a deeper home screen customization feature, which is now delivered via this update (sort of). This feature creates a new space for you to use and customize.

It is essentially a remixed version of the Explorer tab, which is not only customizable now but also allows you to add widgets. These widgets can display battery levels, storage info, and a lot more.

You can even change the background of the "Welcome hub" with a range of different pre-existing choices or select one from the Media Gallery. However, this doesn't customize the main home screen. This update will be rolled out to users in a phased manner, so not everyone will receive the feature on the first day.

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Party Share

The Party Share feature (Image via Sony)

Inviting friends to your party chat was a bit clunky up until now, thanks to the new Party Share feature. You can now send an invitation link to anyone via messaging and social media apps.

Users who receive this link will be able to join your voice chat even if they are not on your friends list. Soon, an update will be provided for the mobile PlayStation app, which will allow you to do the same thing but through a mobile phone.

Like the other feature, this update will be rolled out to users in a phased manner. Therefore, you may not receive this feature on day one.

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Personalized 3D audio profiles for headphones/earbuds

Creating a personalized 3D audio profile (Image via Sony)

The PS5 allows you to create a 3D audio profile that is personally designed for your ears. However, what works for you may not work for others. The feature allows you to create personalized 3D profiles for each individual who plays games on your PlayStation 5 console.

This has been in the beta test firmware for a while but is finally live for everyone.

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Enable/disable Remote Play for individual users

Enabling Remote Play for individual users (Image via Sony)

This feature allows you to enable/disable Remote Play for every individual account on your console. For example, you can disable it for a child while keeping it enabled for everybody else.

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Adaptive controller charging system

You can now enable adaptive charging for your controller (Image via Sony)

This adaptive charging feature conserves energy by cutting off power to the controller when it enters sleep mode. This will not only save cost on your next power bill but also extend your controller's battery life.

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These are all the features introduced to the PS5 with this update. However, some features like the "Welcome hub" may currently not be available to everyone since it is delivered in a phased manner.