By Jacob Miller | Sep 17, 2026
Console makers routinely release firmware updates to keep systems running smoothly and securely, and this one follows a similar update from late July that focused mainly on improving menu usability and on-screen messaging, though specific details of those changes were never fully explained. This latest release, however, brings more noticeable additions after going through a testing phase back in August.
Community Activity Widget Highlights Popular Titles
The biggest new feature in this update is the new Community Activity widget that is now available on the Welcome Hub. It offers two different views – one showing games trending in a player's local area and the other listing the ten most popular titles being played that week. At the time of this update, popular titles like Fortnite, Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto 5 topped the weekly charts in the US, while newer releases like NHL 27 and Teardown skyrocketed in popularity.
The update also adds a voice chat feature showing the name of whoever is talking with the option to change where that shows up on screen along with the widget. Players will need an internet connection and will need to download system update 26.06-14.00.00 to access these new features.
Additional Changes for PS5 Pro Owners
Owners of the more powerful console model will notice one extra change. The system now automatically enables an enhanced image quality setting by default, and this improvement extends even to older games that only support the previous version of the upscaling technology. Players who prefer the original settings can turn this off manually through the video output menu. A new option to fully disable Bluetooth has also been added, though it comes with a side effect of disabling HDMI device linking and rest mode. Console makers noted this feature is mainly intended for managing controller connections at esports events rather than everyday use.
This comes during a busy week for console owners, as a major new action title featuring a beloved comic book antihero has also launched. It's a big game for the studio, but initial reactions have been mixed, with players complaining about combat mechanics and how to navigate through levels. The studio says it is still open to feedback, but no concrete plans for post-launch changes have been announced yet.
