When Sony launched the PlayStation 5, it introduced an "Awards" system designed to promote camaraderie and discourage toxic behavior in multiplayer games. Unfortunately, due to lack of use, Sony recently announced it will be sunsetting this feature. Like many other great PS5 features, the problem with "Awards" wasn't that it was poorly designed, but rather that many PS5 owners didn’t know it existed.
The PS5 is packed with features that remain unnoticed by its growing user base. While many standard features like controller vibration and expandable SSD storage are widely recognized, there are plenty of smaller quality-of-life improvements buried in menus that most gamers likely never discover. For instance, did you know you can skip many of the setup prompts when launching a game for the first time? Or that your DualSense controller can function as a TV remote when needed? Here’s a list of some of the best PS5 features you probably didn’t know about.
1. Retrieve Discs from Dead PS5s
When your PS5 dies unexpectedly, you might worry about losing your game disc. Luckily, Sony has made it easy to recover any trapped discs. By following a simple step-by-step guide, you can remove the disc even if your console isn't turning on. You’ll need to power off your PS5, remove the base, and then gently slide off the cover. With a screwdriver, you can manually eject the disc. This feature comes in handy even if your PS5 isn’t dead, preventing any potential damage to your game discs.
2. Controller Shortcuts
While the PS5 controller is well-regarded for its ergonomics, navigating the console's interface can sometimes feel clunky. Fortunately, the controller offers several shortcuts that can save you time. For example, pressing R1 gives you quick access to media apps, and pressing L1 returns you to your game library. Need to check notifications? Simply double-tap the PS button. In the middle of a game but need to mute your TV? Hold down the mute button on the controller to quickly silence the game. These shortcuts may seem minor, but they can make a big difference in streamlining your experience.
3. Activity Cards and Fast Travel
PlayStation 5 introduces Activity Cards to help you track in-game achievements and progress. Some games allow you to use these cards for quick travel, bypassing lengthy loading times. For example, in Demon's Souls, you can instantly fast travel to the "Doors of Boletaria" by selecting the corresponding Activity Card. Not all games support this feature, but those that do make navigating expansive worlds much more efficient.
4. Use 3D Audio Without 3D Headphones
The PS5 boasts an impressive 3D Audio feature, which can create a spatial audio experience when using compatible headphones. However, you can also experience this 3D sound through your TV’s speakers. By adjusting the settings in the PS5’s sound menu, you can enable 3D audio for both speakers and headphones. To fine-tune the effect for your setup, the PS5 allows you to measure your room’s acoustics, ensuring that the 3D sound is optimized for your environment.
5. Global Preferences
Setting up a game often requires you to answer the same series of questions: difficulty level, subtitles, audio language, and more. Fortunately, PS5’s "Game Presets" feature allows you to customize these settings globally, saving time each time you start a new game. These preferences include difficulty, audio settings, camera controls, and more. Once configured, your selected preferences will automatically apply to new games, saving you the hassle of adjusting settings every time you launch a new title.
Conclusion
The PS5 is packed with features that can enhance your gaming experience, yet many of them remain hidden behind menus or overlooked by gamers. From recovering your game discs to customizing global settings and experiencing 3D sound without special headphones, these features can help you make the most out of your PS5. Don’t miss out on these useful features—explore your console’s settings and discover even more ways to improve your gaming life.
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