PlayStation Overhauls Its Phone App Ahead of PS5 Launch

PlayStation's console hardware is headed into a new generation. Now it sounds like the companion app will be getting an upgrade, too.

Sony announced today that the PlayStation App will be getting an overhaul head of the launch of the PlayStation 5. In a PlayStation blog, the publisher broke down the new features and redesigns coming to the mobile phone app.

Beyond an overall updated user interface, the PlayStation App is having more of its PlayStation-related services better integrated into the app. For example, Messages will now be a part of the app, so you can message from your phone; this was previously available on a separate service, but now it's part of one PlayStation application.

Voice chat and party groups can also be formed using the PlayStation App, and much like Discord or Nintendo Switch Online, you'll be able to voice chat straight from your phone. For the PlayStation 5's launch, there are a few new features on the way, including the ability to remote launch games and manage storage, as well as sign into a PS5 from the app.

The new store will also be faster and smoother, though it won't have the older PlayStation games due to the recently announced store changes. Still, having a separate screen to manage things with is pretty intriguing. Being able to remotely manage the precious hard drive space on my PlayStation already sounds like a big bonus.

The new update is out today, though some features will roll out alongside the launch of the PS5. For our impressions on the PS5 thus far, check out Reviews Editor Mike Williams' hands-on impressions of the new console.