Sony confirms details of PS4 firmware 2.50 update

The PS4 has been in need of a major update for a while, and this week brought around a wealth of new rumours regarding the big 2.50 update that should be out in a few weeks. Considering they were all rumours, it’s tough to try a separate the real from the fictional features, although the majority of them from the beta notes at least sounded rather plausible. And it’s those that Sony has just confirmed will be arriving with the update.

After numerous leaks at the beginning of the week, Sony has confirmed that the 2.50 Update will feature suspend/resume functionality, a host of new accessibility options and the addition of 60FPS support for both Remote Play and Share Play. PS4 users can now simply put the console into Rest mode and resume from a paused title straight after waking it up – in a similar fashion to the Xbox One’s own play and resume feature. It’s one that has been missing from the PS4 since launch, after Sony promised it at the PS4’s initial reveal event.

Other updates include a much needed kick in the rear to Remote Play and Share Play. Both features were capped at 30FPS while streaming, either to another console on the other side of the world over the internet or to a PS Vita in your own home. That diminished the experience of the other side quite drastically, but thankfully it should be a thing of the past.

The rest of the confirmation list essentially mimics the leaked one from earlier this week, which you can check out here or via the detailed list below:

• Sub-account to Master account Upgrade: Users with a sub-account will now be able to upgrade to a master account directly from their PS4 when they turn 18, removing restrictions for chat, enabling users to fund their own wallet, make purchases and more. Currently, users can upgrade their sub-accounts online at https://account.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/.
• Facebook Friend Search: Gamers globally have jumped into PS4 as a redefined social gaming experience and connecting with friends over the network is a huge part of what makes the PS4 community so special. PlayStation now lets you go even bigger by connecting with your Facebook friends on PS4 using your linked account. Search for Facebook friends who are PlayStation Network members and build on the foundation of Friends you already have in your list.
• Remote Play & Share Play at 60 fps: For games that support 60 fps, the ability to customize the frame rate of Remote Play and Share Play will be added with “Yukimura.” Play to your bandwidth strengths and use this option to stream gameplay at 60 or 30 fps when using Remote Play or Share Play on supported devices.
• Accessibility Options: “Yukimura” introduces a wide variety of options to make their PS4 entertainment experience even more accessible. Options include text to speech, enlarged text, bolder fonts, higher contrast UI, zoom for displayed pictures, invert colors on screen and more. Users will also be able to reassign buttons for DualShock 4, making it easier for users with limited manual dexterity or limited reach and strength to play.
• Trophy Improvements: We have received a ton of feedback to improve Trophies. In “Yukimura,” a screenshot will automatically be captured at the moment a Trophy is earned, making it easier than ever for you to share your greatest gaming moments with your friends. We’re also adding more sorting options along with the new ability to remove games from the Trophy list that have 0% completion.
• Share Video Clips to Dailymotion: When sharing standout PS4 moments via the Share button on DualShock 4, “Yukimura” will allow players to upload directly to Dailymotion.

Sony failed to mention when the 2.50 Update will be out, but it is expected to arrive sometime next month.

Last Updated: March 12, 2015