DualSense gets big upgrades in latest PS5 beta firmware update
SonyThe DualSense controller is getting several key upgrades as a part of PlayStation 5’s beta update program, including better LED control, mic performance, and tweaked speaker output.
The DualSense is far from a perfect controller, the standard issue PS5 pad has been laden with drift issues since its launch, but that’s not stopped Sony from trying to upgrade it through firmware updates. Users on the PlayStation 5 beta firmware program can download a new update, which looks to hone the DualSense’s packed feature set.
There are a handful of notable upgrades here, the first of which is the ability to control the brightness of the LED lights on the pad itself. This could have a slight impact on battery life, but has yet to be tested. The other capabilities are a buff to the pad’s speakers, to try and improve the volume output of in-game noises and any voice chat you might have running too.
Finally, Sony is also looking to improve the microphones of the DualSense, with improved noise isolation from button presses and isolation. In a statement acquired by The Verge, Hideaki Nishino, SVP of Platform Experience at Sony stated: “The mic input quality on these controllers has been improved, courtesy of a new AI machine learning model,”.
More PS5 upgrades in tow
SonyThe DualSense isn’t the only thing getting upgrades in the new beta firmware, as Sony is also going to allow friends to use pointers while sharing your screen with friends, which could be helpful if you’re ever stuck hunting for loot, and have a friend on hand to assist. You can also now send emoji reactions, but we’re not sure how useful these additions are, or how many people actually share their screen with friends while using their PS5.
Regardless, it’s nice to see that Sony is continuing to improve the performance of their flagship console years after release, particularly with the DualSense. The beta firmware is available now in multiple regions. But, if you’re not on the program, you should expect these to head to the PS5 as a full-fat firmware later this year.
