Since the initial launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony’s high-end console has only gotten better with time, thanks largely to the improvements made to its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler. While this ‘enhanced’ form of the upscaler could be toggled on manually by users in the past, a new system firmware update has now made it the default choice.

Though it is currently only in beta, the latest system firmware update for the PlayStation 5 has brought with it an interesting change. As mentioned, the pro console’s enhanced PSSR has been an option for users to enable since its introduction earlier this year. That said, the toggle was off by default, with PlayStation warning that it may not work well with all titles.

It appears as though Sony is now more confident in their technology, as the latest firmware update has enabled the option by default, with the company writing:

“When you update your system software, this setting will be turned on automatically. When enabled, enhanced PSSR image quality will also be applied to games that support the previous version of PSSR, providing an even sharper and clearer visual experience.”

Of course, you can still disable the toggle if you so desire, but there is little-to-no real reason to do so. It will be interesting to see how the technology continues to evolve from here on out.

KitGuru says: What do you think of PSSR? Is it a suitable alternative to the likes of DLSS? Have you noticed an uptick in quality with the ‘enhanced’ PSSR? Let us know down below.

In the age of (primarily) digital gaming, having solid download speeds is vital, especially as games continue to grow in scope and size. While there are tons of different factors which can lead to slow speeds, Microsoft is trying to alleviate issues on their end – announcing a new Xbox system update which optimises “game install and update speeds.”

As part of the latest Xbox Firmware update (available to those signed up to Xbox’s Insider program), Microsoft is introducing a new system which should make game download speeds smoother and more consistent, writing:
“Users will experience a new feature to optimize game install and update speeds by introducing a smart download client.”

Explaining how it functions, they continued, “Shortly after your game download begins, the client will check which content servers are available for the install or update. It will then test the connection speed to each server pool and select the fastest available connection for that install. The speed test will rerun periodically during the install or update to ensure that the client continues using the fastest available connection.”

Reactions to the update have been mixed so far, with some users lamenting the fact that server pool switching wasn’t already being used – while others claim to have never had any issues with downloads in the first place.

As mentioned, downloads speeds are a fickle thing, with countless factors going into the experience. That said, it is welcome to see Microsoft attempting to make the whole process a little bit easier on their end. Hopefully this change does have a notable impact.

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KitGuru says: Are you part of Xbox’s Insider Program? Have you tried to download anything since the update? If so, have you noticed a difference? Let us know down below.

Being a bit later to the game than its contemporaries, Nintendo’s online storefronts have always been a step behind in a number of ways. While the Switch eShop was mostly fine at launch, the experience has gotten progressively slower over the years – especially on the OG Switch. Finally however, Nintendo have released a new system firmware update; introducing some nice quality-of-life improvements while also making overall navigation significantly faster and smoother.

Nintendo recently released firmware update 22.5.0 for the Nintendo Switch 1 and its successor. While the latter didn’t see too much in the way of improvements, Switch 1 users were treated to a number of notable enhancements; in particular with regards to the eShop.

Visually, the virtual storefront has been refreshed with a new design while also offering a dark mode option – highly appreciated given the abundance of bright white pages on its standard mode. Functionality-wise, the update also includes some welcome changes, including the ability to require a security PIN before accessing the service as well as now being able to rewind and skip-forward 10 seconds when watching trailers / gameplay videos.

Though typically a minor note in most system updates, their claims of “General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience” can actually be felt, with Switch 1 owners noting immediate speed improvements across the eShop.

While far less of an issue on the Switch 2, Nintendo’s last-gen handheld has for years suffered with painfully slow navigation especially when scrolling through games. This of course compounded as more titles have been added, making for a cumbersome browsing experience.

Finally however, these pain points are seemingly no more, with the eShop now operating smoothly – and more importantly – fast.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of the eShop on the OG Switch? Did its slowness bother you? How else could the eShopbe improved overall? Let us know your thoughts down below.