'No stability fixes? Is this even an update?' — New PS5 software update is a big one, adding... more emoji message reactions?

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How about a crumb of stability?

PS5 console and DualSense controller closeup
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Rokas Tenys)
  • A new PS5 software update has been released
  • The features include more emoji message reactions and improved usability
  • Players were hoping for more console stability fixes instead

Sony has released a new PlayStation 5 software update, and it's pretty underwhelming to say the least.

According to the patch notes for version 26.03-13.20.00, the PS5 messages now have additional emoji reactions and have received some improvements. That's it, folks.

"We’ve added more emojis that you can use for message reactions. We've improved the messages and usability on some screens," the full extent of the patch notes read.

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It's not what most players were hoping for, with some wondering whether the console will receive a new stability and performance update soon.

"Where is Stability? Is it safe? Is it alright?" one user said on Reddit.

"Wonder when we’re all getting the updated home UI," another said, as one user replied, "After you submit your government issued ID."

The person is referring to the new PlayStation age verification system, which has now begun rolling out in the UK and Ireland.

The process, which began as part of the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), is currently optional, but will be mandatory starting June 2026.

Those who don't complete age verification will lose access to many PlayStation communication features like text and voice chat, messaging, Discord voice chat, streaming features, broadcasting to YouTube and Twitch, joining parties or group sessions, and other in-game user-generated content (UGC).

To use the new emoji message reactions, players will soon be required to complete the age verification process.

Players should now begin receiving emails, asking them to complete the age verification steps. If you haven't received yours yet, you can check out the official FAQ to get started.

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Demi Williams
Demi Williams
Contributor

Demi is a freelance games journalist who helps cover gaming news at TechRadar. She's been a games writer for five years and has written for outlets such as GameSpot, NME, and GamesRadar, covering news, features, and reviews. Outside of writing, she plays a lot of RPGs and talks far too much about Star Wars on X.

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