Sony updates PS5 with new chat indicators and regional top 10
Sony deployed a new system software update for the PlayStation 5 globally on September 16, 2026. This firmware introduces visual upscaling modifications alongside voice chat management utilities.
Build 26.06-14.00.00 automatically activates the Enhance PSSR Image Quality option by default across supported configurations. The PS5 Pro technology applies to older titles that used previous iterations of PSSR “so you can enjoy a sharper and clearer visual experience,” according to Sony documentation. Console owners retain the ability to disable the setting at any time.
The interface now allows players to identify active speakers during voice sessions through the Display Names toggle. Users can also select the exact visual position where the voice indicator appears on the television monitor.
Players can access new data feeds titled Trending Now and Top 10 through the Community Activity widget inside the Welcome Hub. The Trending Now section highlights 10 multiplayer titles currently experiencing rapid player growth. The platform uses this feature to highlight recent expansions and fresh game launches.
The Top 10 view tracks the ten most played titles over the previous week within a specific country or geographic territory. Sony noted that users can “look here to see what games have a large community of players you can join” when searching for active matchmaking lobbies.
Official technical notes released for firmware version 26.06-14.00.00
When players activate this configuration on supported hardware, the enhanced upscaling algorithm applies directly to titles developed for the earlier iteration of PSSR, delivering sharper visual clarity across compatible displays without requiring manual configuration adjustments for individual games in the user library. The system software turns this visual processing on automatically upon download completion. The option remains configurable for users who prefer standard output.
Players can deactivate the feature by navigating to Settings, entering Screen and Video, opening Video Output, and toggling Enhance PSSR Image Quality.
PS5 Pro hardware exclusively supports this visual enhancement. Sony confirmed the change.
Participants in group audio can now view the identities of active talkers during live conversations.
To display the speaking indicator, players open the voice chat card inside the Control Centre, select More, enter Display Who’s Speaking, and activate Display Names. The interface updates immediately across active parties.
Users adjust the on-screen placement of the speaker marker by selecting the Position menu.
Sony integrated the Community Activity widget directly into the Welcome Hub interface. Users navigate between multiple tracking options inside this single dashboard element.
The Trending Now category presents ten multiplayer titles or game modes showing sharp spikes in community engagement.
The Top 10 breakdown compiles the ten most active games registered over the preceding seven days in a specified region. Sony recommends consulting this ranking to locate heavily populated player networks.
Certain menu adjustments apply exclusively to PS5 and PS5 Pro units operating within select regional markets.
Selecting Turn Off Bluetooth under Settings, Accessories, General, and Advanced Settings prevents the hardware from entering rest mode while disabling HDMI Device Link. The option alters basic standby operations for connected systems.
Sony created the Turn Off Bluetooth toggle specifically for competitive esports venues handling numerous wireless controllers simultaneously.
The installation package introduces general improvements to system performance and operating software stability. Engineers optimized core system processes.
The older PlayStation 4 received version 14.00 to increase general operating stability.
The release of this firmware rollout coincided with the launch of Marvel’s Wolverine on PlayStation 5. The exclusive title arrived in retail and digital stores on the same date.
