Sony released PS5 firmware version 26.06-14.00.00 with enhanced PSSR image quality as default for PS5 Pro, a voice chat speaker indicator, and new Community Activity widgets showing trending and top games. The update also includes Bluetooth management changes and general performance improvements.
Sony announced seven games will be removed from PS Plus Extra and Premium on October 20, 2026, including Silent Hill 2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Jurassic World Evolution 2. Unlike PS Plus Essential, Extra tier subscribers lose access to these titles after the date and must purchase them individually to continue playing.
Sony announced two new PS5 Pulse headset models featuring improved sound quality with planar magnetic drivers, enhanced noise rejection for chat, and improved comfort. The standard Pulse Wireless Headset launches by year-end 2026, while the premium Pulse Edge model with active noise cancellation and detachable mic arrives in early 2027.
A PS5 blackout protest against Sony's decision to stop manufacturing physical game discs had no significant impact on player counts or engagement in the US, according to data from analyst Mat Piscatella at Circana. The campaign, which ran from August 23-30 and was later extended indefinitely, failed to meaningfully reduce console usage despite generating substantial social media attention.
Sony sent a cease-and-desist letter to PC modder Speclizer, halting the release of a The Last of Us 2 multiplayer mod that had been in development for nine months and was set to launch this month. The mod, which was partially funded through Patreon, recreated Factions-style multiplayer gameplay; Sony likely targeted it due to the modder's monetization of the fan project.
Sony halted development of Physint, a Kojima Productions game, due to missed deadlines, budget overruns, lack of permanent exclusivity, and disappointing sales performance of the previous Death Stranding titles, which failed to meet PlayStation's revenue expectations.