PlayStation 5 Receives First Major System Software Update Of 2026

The first major system update of 2026 has been released for the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation 5 January System Update adds the ability for players to turn on read receipts, showing other users when their messages have been read. This feature is being rolled out gradually, so it may not be available to all users immediately following the update. To enable the option, users must navigate through the console’s settings. The update also allows players to jump directly into games their friends are playing from the Friends Activity widget in the Welcome Hub. Other notes for the update mention improvements to system software performance and stability, along with enhanced usability on some screens.

To turn on read receipts, a user goes to Settings, then Users and Accounts, and then to Privacy. From there, they select View and Customise Your Privacy Settings. Within the Communication and multiplayer section, the setting for "Show read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App" can be set to "Allow". This will display the read status of messages across both the console and the associated mobile application. The console maker confirmed that system software performance and stability have been improved as part of this update package. The release also includes unspecified improvements to the messages and general usability on some screens, aiming to refine the user experience.

While this software change applies to the standard console, separate reports indicate a new PlayStation 5 Pro update may be released in the coming weeks. Insider information suggests a rollout between January and March 2026, which constitutes the first quarter of the year. This prospective update is expected to bring PSSR2 to the console, a technology intended to enable frame rates up to 120 FPS and provide higher resolution for low-resolution games. The upgrade is also reported to include a reduction in visual glitches that some users experienced with the original PSSR upscaler. The PS5 Pro console launched in November 2024.

The potential PS5 Pro update could make the higher-priced console a more compelling purchase for users. The PSSR2 upgrade is said to be implementing features that are similar to AMD's FSR4, which is an AI-powered upscaling and frame-generation technology. An increase to 120 FPS could be a significant enhancement for upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Marvel's Wolverine. The current price for the PlayStation 5 Pro is around $750. Reports suggest that console prices may see an increase throughout 2026, which could influence the decision for those considering an investment in the Pro model.

Recent reports also suggest that the release window for the next-generation PlayStation 6 has been delayed. This gives the PlayStation 5 more time in the current market to establish its library of exclusive games. Many players feel the console has not yet reached its full potential. The extended timeline could mean that anticipated titles like potential sequels to The Last of Us Part 3 and Marvel's Spider-Man 3 might still be released on the PlayStation 5. The development cycle for modern games is long, which makes the timing of their release in relation to console generations a significant factor for both developers and players.

Read also, although Sony hasn’t confirmed the release window of their new generation console, PlayStation 6, according to a recent report, it’s getting more and more unlikely the newest device will come next year, as some may expect.