First PS5 beta includes access to M.2 SSD slot and 3D audio support for TV speakers

The first PS5 system software update for the beta program has gone live for testers.

One inclusion in the PS5 software beta is the ability to access the M.2 SSD slot. In order to test this, you will need an M.2 SSD that’s PCIe Gen4 with speeds of 5,500MB/s or faster.

According to Sony, using an M.2 SSD with the PS5 will require a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. You can attach this to the M.2 SSD "either in a single-sided format or double-sided format," as reported by The Verge.

The firm states that it cannot provide a guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices that meet specifications will work, and it's possible that playing games using expandable storage may not have the exact same performance as what is provided by the internal drive.

Also as part of the first update included in the PS5 beta program, testers are also trying out 3D audio support for built-in TV speakers. According to The Verge, 3D audio support is available via the sound menu in system settings. This feature uses  DualSense to measure a room's acoustics to apply the 3D audio setting.

Beta testers are now also able to see PS4 and PS5 versions of a game separately on the Home screen and Game Library. Testers can also personalize the Control Center by changing control settings, and there is also a Trophy Tracker allowing you to access five awards per game.

There's also a PlayStation Now selector which allows you to pick between 720p and 1080p; the ability to view the number of friends who are busy, offline, or online; and you can also manage multiple friend requests at once.

Back in June, Sony announced the PS5 beta program which allows you the opportunity to test new console features before the next major system update comes later this year. You can register for the opportunity to join the first-ever PS5 system software beta program here.

Registration is open to all players over the age of 18 in the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany, and France.