Sony have dropped a new system software update for the PlayStation 5, bumping it up to version 20.02-02.30, but this is more involved than just a standard “more stability” update, as it also includes an update for the DualSense controller’s firmware. Whatever could this do?
System Software Update 20.02-02.30 is 868.1MB in size, as all PlayStation 5 updates seem to be, and if you do bother to check the update notes, you’ll find a standard nondescript single line patch note:
- This system update improves system performance
Sticking with the classics, I see.
Update: Sony have given an actually useful set of update notes on their support site:
Version 20.02-02.30.00
- This system software update improves system performance.
- Resolved an issue where data transfers and downloads were cancelled when trying to download content while a data transfer from a PS4 is in progress.
- Some issues that were causing errors during text input in some PS4 games have been resolved.
- The connection stability has been improved for some Wi-Fi routers.
What that doesn’t tell you is that the update will also target the DualSense controller. Once the console has gone through the update process, the next time you turn on a DualSense controller you will be prompted to update its software. This requires you to connect the controller via USB, though it’s not forced and you can skip the update to do it later.
The update screen reads:
A new version of the wireless controller device software is available.
Your console won’t need to restart for this update.
Connect your controller using the USB cable and then select [Update Now]
The DualSense firmware update takes roughly 15-20 seconds to process, after which your DualSense will be… more stable, or something? Sony don’t say what the update does, but they’ll surely be rounding out some rough edges with the controller’s performance as opposed to enabling some remarkable secret new feature.
While not related to the DualSense or this update, we have seen some odd connectivity issues crop up recently, most notably with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War having a connection bug that would turn off your DualShock 4 controller during the third mission of the campaign. Even with seven years experience with the PlayStation 4, new and unusual bugs are always capable of sneaking up on developers and users.
Source: My PS5
camdaz
When I first turnd on my PS5 I was surprised to see that the Duelsense’s firmware could be updated, which I thought was great and makes a lot of sense with the additional features over the DS4.
Stefan L
Yeah, I don’t remember if the DualShock 4 ever had a firmware update. I know Xbox One onwards (wirelessly) and Switch (when attached) both have controller updates.
camdaz
I’ve never had a message on screen asking to connect the DS4 (or any other PS controller) so I would say the DS is the first. Unless you could update via pc?
stormy
Yeh I was intrigued as got the PS5 yesterday so two updates and DS updates in two days. No idea what any of them do. Been playing Astrobot and Demon’s Souls no crashes yet. Although just plugged my PS4 external SSD so we shall see how that goes.
Andrewww
Sounds cool at first, but I just hope we won’t have to update every single controller separately once a week or so…
So far, I only had a crash with Bugsnax, and it was the quickest recovery from a crash I’ve ever experienced, no matter what platform. I was right back in the game and at the very same spot, so that was no problem.
However, currently I don’t dare connecting an external drive, as I hear a lot of people have problems with serious and repeated crashes then.