PS5 Drops New System Update, Adds Feature No One Asked For

If it hasn’t already downloaded, loading up your PlayStation 5 should now prompt the installation of the console’s latest system update.

This time around, it isn’t just the usual - and arguably boring - updates to stability. In fact, there are no mentions of stability in sight.

Instead, the PlayStation 5’s latest system update introduces a feature precisely no one asked for, more emojis for messaging.

Martin Katler via Unsplash

It’s software update 26.03-13.20.00 that you’ll want to download. Restarting your console should prompt this.

You can read the full patch notes below.

PlayStation 5 Software Update 26.03-13.20.00 Patch Notes

• We’ve added more emojis that you can use for message reactions.
• We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.

There must be emoji users out there on PlayStation with some using the console’s in-built messaging system to stay in touch with online friends.

Admittedly though, they’re not an aspect of the console that is highly valued by the average user, so this update has certainly proven to be a little lacklustre and disappointing.

In fact, it’s being ribbed by the community online, but all in the name of fun.

“What about stability?” joked Reddit user stevenomes.

“Where is stability? Is it safe? Is it alright?” added Yuuiski.

“No stability update this time around,” replied unhappy-meat-4641. “Please remain tethered to a solid surface when playing games now. Head and eye protection strongly encouraged.”

It’s been a rather eventful week for PlayStation 5 users.

Age verification has started to roll out in the UK which means that users have been warned that they must prove they are over the age of 18 or risk losing access to online features.

The advice is to prove your age now although for the time being, online features remain available if you don’t.

The hard ban will come into effect at an unspecified date later in 2026 and we expect to see this implemented in other territories soon.

To prove your age, PS5 users can either take a photo of themselves, provide a valid ID, or match their information with their mobile phone provider.

Just a few days ago, PS5 users were also logged out of their accounts due to the introduction of new terms and conditions which had to be accepted before signing back in.

It’s a vastly different picture on Xbox with new CEO Asha Sharma implementing quick fixes that have already proven a hit with the community, all of which are based on user feedback.

Achievements have been overhauled, console navigation has been improved, with the price of Xbox Game Pass having also been lowered.

What Sony fans will likely be hoping is that this rapid action might finally inspire the addition of themes on PlayStation consoles.

This beloved PS4 feature has been totally absent from the PlayStation 5 era and with each new system update, it’s hoped by many that it’ll return.

For now though, we’ll have to settle for new emojis. Crying face.

READ MORE: PS5 Could Become Unusable If You Don't Follow Sony's Latest Instructions