Sony has just released PS4 Firmware Update 8.50 on April 14, which includes a bunch of new features for the console. The update is released in conjunction with the PS5 update, which arguably has a lot more content. However, the PS4’s firmware is already quite refined due to its age and thus does not require a lot of content updates at this particular time.
The new firmware update 8.50 adds Cross Generation Share Play for both the PS4 and PS5 and the ability to instantly join a friend’s game session if they are playing a compatible game. Some UI elements have also been altered, you can take a look at the complete patch notes down below.
PS4 Firmware Update 8.50 Patch Notes
We’ve already covered the new features for the PS4 and PS5 in these firmware updates here. PS4 Firmware Update 8.50 is already available for download on all regional variants of the console, and it is about 481 MB. Here are the complete patch notes:
Main Features (System Software Beta)
- In messages, you can now turn notifications on/off for each of the groups you are in. On the group screen, open the options menu and select “Turn Notifications Off”.
Other Update Features
- On the game session screen, you can now use the “Request to Join” button to ask the session leader to join their game. The session leader can then send you an invite to join the game session.
- When playing a game you’ve hidden, other players will no longer see you play it.
- Communities are no longer available.
- Cross-generation Share Play: PS4 and PS5 players can now Share Play together while chatting in parties. This means PS5 console users can let their friends on PS4 consoles view their game screen, or even try out the PS5 games through Share Play, and vice versa. Options include the ability to share your screen with a friend, pass your controller virtually to a friend, or pass a second controller virtually to play co-op games together.
- Request to Join Game Session: A selection of your friends’ joinable game sessions will now appear on both PS5 and PS4 consoles, allowing for more gameplay opportunities together. The “Request to Join” option also serves as a shortcut to sending a game invite, reducing the time it takes for you to get into games with friends. Through the Privacy Settings menu, you can modify who can interact with you through parties, games and messages.
Note: If the update does not download automatically, you can flash the entire update from a USB. For that, you can find the official firmware here.
Cross-generation Share Play now bridges the gap between PS4 and PS5 players. Are you keen on using the new feature with your friends? Let us know in the comments section down below! If you’d like to read more game updates and news, check out our Patch Notes section.
[via Sony]
