Highlights

  • Sony releases firmware update 23.02-08.40.00 for PS5, focusing on security fixes, system performance, and stability.
  • Previous updates added VRR functionality, support for 1440p displays, and increased storage via M.2 SSD.
  • Sony has yet to add themes to PS5, a highly requested feature, but it remains unclear if it will ever be added.

Sony has released a brand-new firmware update for the PlayStation 5, further improving system software performance in addition to some security fixes. The PS5 was originally released in November 2020, and it has received several system software updates since its launch.

Some of these patches add major new features to the console, as previous updates have added VRR functionality as well as support for 1440p displays. The ability to increase available PS5 storage via an M.2 SSD was also added to the console post its release. However, some others only make minor adjustments, as they are primarily aimed at improving system performance and stability. The PS5 has already received a number of updates this year, and Sony has now released version 23.02-08.40.00 for the month of December.

ps5-slim
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Software update version 23.02-08.40.00 is now live on PS5. For starters, the new update makes some security fixes to the console’s system software, along with improvements to the messages functionality. Like many updates in the past, version 23.02-08.40.00 also improves system software performance and stability. Overall, it doesn’t look like this update adds any major features or other enhancements to the PS5.

PS5 System Software Update Patch Notes

ps5 console and controller
  • We've made some security fixes to the system software.
  • We've improved system software performance and stability.
  • We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.

Sony has already released several PS5 updates that improve system software performance in 2023, with the patch for November 2023 also making note of this change. Similar updates have been released in March and July, making December’s patch another addition to this long list. However, these previous updates don’t mention any security fixes, so it’ll be interesting to see exactly what is improved with this firmware version.

The PS5 system update for September 2023 came with more notable changes, as it added support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs to the console. It increased maximum capacity from 4 TB to 8 TB, allowing gamers to install even more games on their PS5s. However, these feature-rich updates are not that common, as most seem to be focused on performance and stability.

Even though Sony has released several updates for the PS5, one key feature is still missing from the console. Sony is yet to add themes to the PS5 system, and it's probably near the top of user-requested features. Themes were highly prominent during the PS4 generation, with some games offering unique themes as pre-order bonuses. However, it remains to be seen if this feature will ever make its way to the PS5.

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PS5

Sony's PlayStation 5 ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon's Souls and Astro's Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.

Brand
Sony
Original Release Date
November 12, 2020
Hardware Versions
PS5
Original MSRP (USD)
Disc Edition: $499.99; Digital Edition: $399.99
Weight
Disc Edition: 9.9 LBS; Digital Edition: 8.6 LBS