The PlayStation 5 is packed with features, but some of its most useful tricks are buried in menus or hidden in plain sight. From a secret controller shortcut to a feature that lets two people control one character, here are the best hidden PS5 features many players don’t know about.
1. Double-Tap the PS Button for Instant Game Help
Most players know that pressing the PS button opens the Control Center and holding it returns to the home screen. But few realize that double-tapping the PS button opens the Game Help menu instantly. This context-sensitive feature displays tips and hints related to your current objective in supported games . In multiplayer games, the same shortcut opens the game group menu, letting you invite friends without navigating through multiple screens .
2. Assist Controller: Turn Any Game into Couch Co-Op
The Assist Controller feature is one of the PS5’s most overlooked accessibility tools. It allows two controllers to function as one, meaning two players can control the same character simultaneously . While designed for players who need assistance with complex inputs, it also creates a unique and chaotic co-op challenge for any game .
To enable it: Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Use Second Controller for Assistance . Try assigning one player to steering and the other to pedals in racing games, or split movement and shooting in action titles for a hilariously difficult experience .
3. Access the Hidden Web Browser
The PS5 doesn’t have a dedicated web browser app, but one is hidden inside the system. To access it:
Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Link with Other Services > YouTube. When the authorization screen appears, ignore the QR code and select “Use Browser” at the bottom . This opens Google’s login page. From there, scroll down and click the Terms link, then select the Google logo in the footer to access the Google search page. You can now browse the web from your PS5 .
4. Play Digital Games Offline
If PlayStation Network servers go down, digital games won’t launch unless you’ve enabled Offline Play. To fix this:
Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and toggle it on . This also enables Console Sharing, allowing other accounts on your PS5 to use your PS Plus membership to play online multiplayer .
5. Mute the Startup Beep and Controller Mic
That loud beep when you turn on your PS5 can be silenced. Go to Settings > System > Beep and Light and adjust the volume to Low or Off . To permanently mute the DualSense’s built-in microphone, go to Settings > Sound > Microphone > Microphone Status When Logged In and set it to Mute . This also preserves the controller’s battery life.
6. View Your Most-Played Games
A recent update quietly added a feature showing your top three most-played games and total playtime directly on your profile’s Overview section . Previously, this information required navigating through several menus. Now, friends can see your gaming habits at a glance, making it a fun conversation starter or a privacy concern depending on your perspective .
7. See Original Game Prices in the PlayStation Store
Sony quietly added a feature that displays a game’s launch price and its lowest price in the last 30 days . This makes it easier to determine if a sale price is genuinely a good deal. Look for the pricing history information when browsing games on the store .
8. Customize Game Presets for Every New Title
You can set default preferences for difficulty, performance mode (e.g., Favor Resolution or Favor Performance), and subtitle settings, and they’ll apply automatically to every new game you start . Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets .
9. Dolby Atmos for Richer Audio
The PS5 now supports Dolby Atmos for games, not just Blu-rays . If you have compatible speakers or a soundbar, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format (Priority) and select Dolby Atmos for a more immersive soundscape .
10. Customize DualSense Haptics and Trigger Effects
Adjust the intensity of the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to save battery life or tailor the feel to your preference. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Vibration Intensity or Trigger Effect Intensity . You can choose between Strong, Medium, Weak, and Off .
Bonus: Mute Controller Haptics During Navigation
Under Settings > Accessibility > Controllers, you can enable Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation . This provides subtle vibrations when scrolling menus, selecting options, or receiving notifications, adding a satisfying tactile layer to navigating the UI .
These hidden PS5 features can significantly enhance your gaming experience, improve convenience, and even save you money. Take a few minutes to explore these settings and unlock the full potential of your PlayStation 5.
