Highlights
- PlayStation 5 users can now join Discord voice calls directly from their console, eliminating the need for a secondary device.
- The new feature is a response to user feedback and aims to streamline communication on the PS5 for a better user experience.
- Players can expect the ability to join voice chats from their PS5 to roll out gradually in different regions, starting with Japan/Asia.
Sony has announced that PlayStation 5 users will be able to join Discord voice calls directly from their consoles in an inbound update. The new feature has been heavily requested by Discord users on PS5 as the current implementation of joining voice chats requires either a mobile or PC device with the app, which some may see as slightly convoluted or tedious.
2024 marks three years since PlayStation first revealed its partnership with Discord to integrate the popular messaging platform with the PS5. Since then, the company has slowly but steadily added Discord features like account linking and the ability to join voice chats on the console. However, the implementation of the latter isn't as seamless as some may have hoped, as players can only join voice chats on PS5 by joining them on Discord's PC or mobile app and then transferring the call to the console.
How to Use Discord on PS5
With Discord integration coming to PlayStation 5 consoles, this guide explains how to connect accounts and start using the app on PS5.
The circuitous method has been a sticking point for many, and PlayStation has acted on the feedback. The company announced in a new PlayStation Blog post that PS5 players will soon be able to join Discord voice chats directly from the console, forgoing the requirement for a secondary device entirely. The feature has been neatly integrated into the PS5's Game Base, and will allow players to see members who are already on the call, as well as receive notifications when another Discord user calls them. The much-needed QoL improvement is handy, but some wonder when PS5 will get Discord Game Streaming like Xbox consoles.
How PS5 Users Can Join Discord Voice Chats Directly From the Console
The ability to directly join voice chats from the console will gradually roll out to players in certain regions over the coming weeks, starting with Japan/Asia, then Europe, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East, and finally the Americas. The QoL change seems to be a standalone release, rather than being included in an upcoming PS5 firmware update like prior Discord features. PlayStation also announced that starting next week, users will be able to share their PSN profiles from the PlayStation app or PS5 on any messaging or social app via a shareable link or QR code, allowing recipients to more easily add them as a friend. For Discord users on PS5 who frequently use voice chats, the process to join one from the console is quite simple:
- Navigate to the Game Base in the PS5's Control Center.
- Select a server from the Discord tab.
- Choose a voice channel and press Join to enter.
PlayStation has been making several efforts to streamline its communication and engagement features in recent memory. Last month, it introduced a new multiplayer feature on PS5 that allowed users to create shareable links for online matches or sessions which recipients can directly use to join their games. It's apparent that PlayStation is reducing as much friction as it can from these features to boost engagement per user, which seems to be a vital metric for its growth, while at the same time making it easier for users to enjoy playing games with friends.
