Get the Most Out of Your New PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 has been out now for a few years. While the console is already amazing, there are a few things gamers can do to enhance their experience. Learn tips, tricks and hidden features to get the most out of your new PS5.

1. Play Astro’s Playroom First

If there is one PlayStation 5 game you should play before anything else, it is Astro’s Playroom. Every PS5 has the title installed by default. This game was specifically designed to showcase what the PS5 and the new dual-sense controller can do.

This makes it an absolute must-play. In addition, Astro’s Playroom has many nostalgic references that Sony fans will enjoy. It is an excellent 3D platformer you should definitely experience.

However, after playing the game, you should consider uninstalling it. The reason for this is that the PS5 comes out with only 825GB of storage. While this can sound like a lot, many new games can easily take over 100GB.

Also, from the 825GB, only 667.2GB is usable due to the operating system using the rest. Therefore, it makes sense to delete the game afterward and use it for another title.

2. Customize Your Game Presets

Many modern titles available allow players to choose what difficulty they want to play on. If you like to always play on the same difficulty, you can set it out of the get-go with game presets. To do this, navigate to your console’s settings and select “Saved Data and Game/App Settings.”

From here, you can choose “Game Presets” and change your difficulty options to fit your gaming needs. You can also decide whether you want to use performance or resolution mode.

If you prefer higher frame rates than having the best-looking graphics, you should choose performance mode. If it is the other way around, resolution mode is your best bet.

3. Enable Automatic Downloads and Rest Mode

If you don’t like waiting for updates, consider enabling the automatic download feature if not already — usually turned on by default. You will need to do this both for game and firmware updates. To check if these settings are on, you can do the following:

For firmware updates: Navigate to “Settings”, then “System” and select “System Software Update and Settings”.

For games: Go to “Settings” then “Saved Data and Game/App Settings” and select “Automatic Updates”.

Also, consider customizing the features available in rest mode. From the settings screen, you can go to “System” and “Power Saving”. From here you can determine how long the USB ports should have power in rest mode and whether you want to turn on the device over the internet.

4. Use Your DualShock 4 to Play PS4 Titles

One nifty feature the PlayStation 5 has is that you can use your DualShock 4 controller to play games. However, this only works with PS4 backward-compatible titles — which is most of the PlayStation 4 library. This feature can come as a lifesaver if you don’t yet own a second DualSense controller but still want to play couch co-op games with your friends and family.

5. Upgrade the Storage

As previously stated, the PS5 storage can fill up quickly with modern games easily taking above 100GB to install. Luckily, you can upgrade the console’s hard drive. In addition to the solid-state drive (SSD) that comes installed with the console, the PS5 has an extra internal SSD slot.

This makes it perfect if you want to upgrade your storage. There is another option gamers can take, but it is less recommended. That is using an external hard drive to play and store games.

However, only PlayStation 4 titles will work with the external memory option. Thus, it is better to rather invest in another solid-state drive. Not every drive will work with the PS5 and requires a specific one.

To take this route, you will need a PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD with a heatsink. While this does sound a little on the technical side, finding such a hard drive is not that challenging.

6. Deactivate the DualSense Mic

With the new DualSense controller comes a built-in mic that is always on by default when you power up the console. However, while this is a cool feature, compared to what a headset can offer, the microphone is not the best.

Also, it is quite easy to forget the mic is on when you launch a game. To turn this off, you can press the small button below the PS button. That said, when you power on the console, it will be enabled again.

To deactivate this permanently, you will need to go to the settings – sound – microphone. From there you can choose to keep the mic turned off when you log in.

7. Download the PlayStation App

To get the most out of your PlayStation 5, consider downloading the PlayStation mobile app. The app allows you to browse games on the PlayStation store and see what is new in gaming in the Explore section.

Also, the app can notify you when PS5 titles go on sale — which happens a lot. In addition to all this, you can also control your console to a certain extent. For example, you can purchase a game and start the downloading process from your phone.

8. Change the Look of Your PlayStation 5

If you like the PS5 but are less thrilled with the color, you could purchase additional side panels. The side panels the console has are easily detachable which makes it perfect for cleaning, installing a new SSD and changing the color.

While Sony does sell a few color options, the most freedom comes from third-party sellers. Remember to always do research before buying from just any third-party vendor.

9. Deactivate Trophy Videos

One cool ability the PS5 has is that it automatically records a few seconds of gameplay when you earn a trophy. However, these small videos can stack up and take a lot of memory. If you are concerned about storage space, consider deactivating the feature.

To do this, go to your settings, select “Captures and Broadcasts” and then choose “Trophies”. From here you can turn the feature off or even extend the recording duration if you prefer.

Everything The PlayStation 5 Has to Offer

The PlayStation 5 was a considerable upgrade over the last generation of consoles. In addition to the stronger hardware, it has a few features that make the lives of gamers easier.

Players can experience everything the DualSense controller has to offer with Astro’s Playroom, they can upgrade the storage, use an old PS4 controller and make custom game presets. With these tips and tricks, gamers are sure to get the most out of their new PS5.