Sony has introduced a major update for the PS5. This is especially exciting for MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann, as this update will bring a feature for the PlayStation 5 that he has been waiting for a long time on September 7.
Sony regularly presents new functions and features for the PS5. After the big update in summer that added support for an additional SSD, there is now another significant update.
This time, there are again plenty of new features. Included is a feature that I am particularly excited about: the official support for WQHD. A resolution that is becoming increasingly popular among gamers.
Finally, I can use a WQHD monitor with the PS5
What does the new update actually bring? The new update for the PS5 brings a whole handful of improvements and new features (via blog.playstation.com). These include:
- YouTube search via voice command
- Start Remote Play directly through the PS App
- Option to send share requests to friends
- Notifications for easier joining of friends’ games through party chat
- 1440p HDMI video output on TVs and monitors
Additionally, you can now sort your game collection on the PS5 into folders. This allows you to reach your important games much faster when you have a few more games installed on your PS5.
Especially the last update with WQHD support is a crucial point for me that I have been waiting for since the console’s release. I primarily play on the PlayStation 5 with my gaming monitor, which provides me with a resolution of 1440p. But this is exactly where the problem lies.
Until now, I could only use the PS5 on my monitor at Full HD. The difference between Full HD and WQHD is immense. A colleague of mine explained why a WQHD monitor is among his most important gaming purchases and I can only agree with him.
Firmware update for the PS5 brings a feature that makes a huge difference
Is the difference really that significant? If you don’t believe me about how visible the difference between Full HD and WQHD is, then check out the following YouTube video. You can see significantly more, and especially the textures appear sharper and clearer. The pixel density increases significantly from 1920×1080 to 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, making more details recognizable and the image simply looks “better”.
Why am I not using 4K? 4K monitors have simply been too expensive for me so far. I also do not own a 4K TV, just an older Full HD TV.
Additionally, I have a Radeon RX 6700 XT installed in my computer after using a Radeon RX 570 for years. The RX 6700 XT is a graphics card from AMD that is excellent for resolutions up to and including WQHD and only moderately suitable for 4K. For me, WQHD has thus been the best compromise between performance and quality. The more I look forward to the update that Sony has now released.
However, there is still one drawback: VRR on the PS5 is supported only at Full HD and 4K video output, but not at 1440p (WQHD). VRR ensures that the frame rate is synchronized between the monitor and PC/console. This is to prevent unsightly tearing effects. But perhaps Sony will add this feature later.
The lack of WQHD support was also a long-standing reason why one should not buy a PS5. With this update, I no longer have to compromise on picture quality when gaming on the PS5:
