When Sony glides out the monthly PS5 firmware update—as they did with the latest 25.05‑11.60.00, dropping just over 1 GB—it usually walks a fine line: deliver bulletproof stability, avoid feature bloat, and dream of under-the-hood wins.
This July’s patch wears that playbook like a second skin. The official note reads: “We’ve improved system software performance and stability” (PlayStation LifeStyle). Boring? Maybe. Vital? Absolutely. But what lies beneath the surface, beyond the snappy tagline?
Here’s the unfiltered breakdown: gamers are detecting frame rate boosts in PS5 Pro’s high-end “Fidelity Pro” settings, while those waiting for UI overhauls still find themselves staring at the same home screen. Through Reddit banter, nuanced testing, and technical context, I’m here to show you what this firmware actually means for your machine.
🛠️ The Mechanics
- Installer size: ~1.0–1.3 GB
- How to get it: Settings → System → System Software → “Update System Software,” or wait for the automatic rollout (Tom’s Guide).
- Official patch note: Exactly one sentence—“Improved system software performance and stability” (PlayStation LifeStyle).
- Timing: Mid-July release (patch logs begin hitting Reddit around July 15–17).
🔧 Under the Hood: Performance & Refinements
1. PS5 Pro Gains Noticeable Frame-Smoothing
A storm of anecdotal reports from PS5 Pro users indicates appreciable differences in Fidelity Pro mode:
- One player said “I noticed the game feels smoother on Fidelity Pro with 120 Hz on… even when VRR is off”(Reddit, PlayStation LifeStyle).
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart also made the cut—running more consistently—but Days Gone did not see improvements (PlayStation LifeStyle).
These aren’t massive leaps, but they’re perceptible. Think of it like tweaking engine timing in a performance car—not a full rebuild, but enough to sharpen things up. Sony likely rolled out quiet optimizations for frame pacing on the Pro. Whether it’s parity patches to developer builds or driver-level tweaks, players are the first to notice them.
If you’re chasing ultra-crisp 4K at 120 fps, and your TV supports VRR, these stealth improvements are quietly impactful.
2. VRR Issues Finally Addressed
While the July patch doesn’t mention VRR, prior updates had introduced sync stutters that annoyed many. Tom’s Guide confirmed that earlier firmware patches resolved these hiccups on both PS5 and Pro (NoobFeed, Tom’s Guide). If you’re still seeing VRR stutter—especially in titles pushing 120 fps—this build likely contains remnants of that smeared fix. Small, but critical for smooth gameplay.
3. Stability and Security Improvements (The Quiet Backbone)
At face value, “performance and stability” is a catch-all for bug fixes, security patches, memory management, and driver-level repairs. Reddit users had a field day:
“My PS5 definitely smells more stable now”
“Not even a magnitude 9 earthquake can destabilize it.” (Reddit)
These memes illustrate a core truth: while boring, this kind of patch is essential. It’s the equivalent of rebar in a high-rise—not sexy, but it keeps everything upright.
❌ What This Doesn’t Do (And Why It Matters)
1. UI Stagnation
No home screen folders. No UI themes. No navigation ease-upgrades. If you’ve been planning a console rebrand around file organization…and updated wallpapers? You’re still waiting.
“I just want folders on the home screen.” (PlayStation LifeStyle)
Even power users are disappointed. The focus on stability means UX improvements remain sidelined. The PS5 interface stays lean—and stagnant.
2. No Discord Screenshare
A longtime demand from the community, Discord screenshare hasn’t arrived.
“Can we just get discord share screen already, man.” (Reddit, PlayStation LifeStyle)
Reddit’s reactions are raw: gamers acknowledge Discord performance is tricky, but still expect Sony to deliver. Xbox rolled it out in 2024; PS5 users see the absence as a missed opportunity. Sony may be sidestepping platform risks, but it’s a gap that’s increasingly glaring in cross-platform culture.
💬 Community Pulse: Reddit Reacts
The update launched a tide of dry humor:
“My console is so stable now that if I put my ear to it I can hear the soft whinnying of various sheltered equines.” (Reddit)
“Not even a magnitude 9 earthquake can destabilize it.” (Reddit)
Memes aside, there’s a subtext: users miss surprise tweaks, features, and UI love. Rolling security and stability is good—but it’s also expected. What’s missing is delight.
✅ Final Verdict
Let’s score it out of 10:
Category | Score | Verdict |
---|---|---|
Stability & Security | 9/10 | Vital, with jokes to spare |
Performance (Pro Fidelity) | 7.5/10 | Subtle but real FPS boosts |
VRR Fixes | 8/10 | Happily improved, though background |
Feature Innovation | 3/10 | Folders? Themes? Crickets |
Overall Value | 7/10 | An under-the-hood win, but not for power users |
Bottom line: If you don’t own a PS5 Pro and just want new features, this update feels thin. But if you’re pushing the limits—4K, 120 fps, VRR—this patch delivers smoothness boosts that matter.
📌 Installation Guidance
- PS5 Pro owners: Prioritize installing. If you’re playing visual showpieces in Fidelity Pro, upgrades are noticeable.
- Standard PS5 users: Expect your system to continue running reliably. Don’t hold your breath for new UI tools.
- Feature seekers: Want screenshare, folders, UI themes? Stay patient—this isn’t the update.
🔭 What Should Come Next
Sony’s to-do list:
- Folders & home screen organization — Give us order and personalization.
- Discord screenshare — Time-to-market parity with Xbox is becoming critical for streaming culture.
- UI customization options — Themes, icon rearrangement, font tweaks—power users want control.
- Deeper VRR/input lag control — Fine-tune frames for pro-level competitive gaming.
Unless those appear in upcoming updates, Sony risks fatigue. Maintenance is good—but slow-moving UI stagnation breeds disillusionment.
And keep an eye on May 2026, when a bigger Pro update is teased. Sources hint that Sony’s planning a “PSSR 2”overhaul—targeting native 4K/120fps and even 8K/60fps modes (Dragonchasers, Push Square, PlayStation LifeStyle, Tom’s Guide). That could be the moment when under-the-hood tweaks break into tangible, headline improvements.
🎮 Reader Q&A
Q: Will I notice smoother gameplay after updating?
A: If you’re on a PS5 Pro with Fidelity Pro output and pushing 4K/120, yes—you’ll likely notice better frame consistency, even without VRR. Standard PS5 users shouldn’t expect dramatic change.
Q: Are there hidden security patches or driver fixes?
A: Almost certainly. Sony bundles remote patches for memory leaks, kernel quirks, and vulnerabilities in these maintenance updates.
Q: Is this worth skipping until future updates?
A: Not really—security favors being current. If you’re fine with the current UI and functionality, update your system but don’t expect fireworks.
🎤 Final Take
This isn’t the flashy update with customizable homescreens, Discord party invites, or themes. It’s a shelves-cleared, engine-check kind of update—subtle but impactful where it counts. For Pro owners chasing silky visuals, this is a must-install. For everyone else, it’s a step toward reliability, not a leap.
Until Sony mixes reliability with user delight, these updates will yield fewer headlines, but quietly keep your PS5 solid—and sometimes uniquely smoother.