Sony just pushed a significant PS5 firmware update, and it’s more than bug fixes and stability tweaks. The standout features? A new power-saving mode for select games, and the long-requested ability to pair DualSense controllers with multiple devices at once.
PS5 update power-saving mode launches with select games
The new power-saving mode is now live, though it only supports a few titles at launch Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, Demon’s Souls, and Ghost of Yōtei. When enabled, this mode is intended to reduce energy consumption during gameplay, though Sony hasn’t detailed exactly how that’s achieved.
What’s clear is that PlayStation VR2 is incompatible with this mode, and some game features may be disabled while it’s active. A small icon will appear when launching a supported game, letting you know the power-saving profile is turned on. Users can enable or disable it manually per game.
Speculation around this feature suggests it could be an early testbed for Sony’s next-gen handheld plans, with optimization for lower power hardware likely in the works.
DualSense now supports fast device switching
The update also brings a quality-of-life improvement for those using their DualSense controller across multiple platforms. You can now pair it with up to four devices simultaneously and switch between them with a button combo.
Here’s how it works:
- Pairing: Hold the PS button + circle/triangle/cross/square for five seconds
- Switching: Tap the PS button + assigned shape to jump between devices
- A four-LED indicator shows which device is currently connected
This makes it easier to jump between your PS5, PC, mobile device, or even a second console, without having to re-pair the controller every time.
A quiet but important PS5 update
Sony hasn’t confirmed when all users will receive the firmware, but the rollout typically completes within a few days. While the power-saving mode has limited support right now, its presence hints at bigger hardware ambitions in the future. And with multi-device pairing, the DualSense just became a lot more useful without needing any extra accessories or apps.
It’s not flashy, but this update might age better than it looks today.
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