Heads up, PlayStation 4 owners: Sasuke is coming your way.
That's the codename for the next major system software update for PS4, aka version 4.5, which is slated to start rolling out tomorrow, Sony just announced. The update is packed with goodies, including better 2D images on PlayStation VR, voice chat for remote play, and a new feature called Boost Mode designed to improve the performance of certain games on PS4 Pro. Sony previously announced the update will bring external HDD support and custom wallpapers.
Boost Mode offers improved gameplay for some titles that have not been updated to take advantage of the Pro's faster CPU and GPU.
"This can provide a noticeable frame rate boost to some games with variable frame rates, and can provide frame rate stability for games that are programmed to run at 30 Hz or 60 Hz," Sony's Vice President of PlayStation brand marketing John Koller wrote in a blog post. "Depending on the game, the increased CPU speed may also result in shorter load times."
Turn on this feature by going to Settings > System, then checking the box next to Boost Mode.
The update also promises to make 2D images look better on PS VR headsets. "If you're playing a game in PS VR and you return to the PS4 home screen, you may notice that the resolution looks lower than normal on the TV Social Screen," Koller wrote. "Following this update, you'll find that the resolution of the system screen displayed on your TV is significantly better when you're out of VR mode."
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You'll also now be able to voice chat when using remote play on Windows PC, Mac, or an Xperia device. This new capability should be "especially useful if you've got a gaming session planned with your friends, but you're away from your system," Koller wrote.
The update will also make it easier to tell if someone is away. You'll see an icon shaped like a smartphone if a player is logged into PSN but away from their system.
Sony is also planning to roll out updates for its PS Messages and PS Communities apps tomorrow. A new quick reply feature on PS Messages will let you get back to friends with canned responses like "I'll join later" or "Sorry, I can't join." On the Communities app, you'll be able to check the PSN service status under Settings > View Status of PSN Services.