The PlayStation 5 needs a mandatory system update before you can play disc-based games, according to a report from GameGPU. Just having a physical disc doesn’t mean you can jump right into a game if your console hasn’t been updated.
This report is brief. It doesn’t mention the update version, file size, or which PS5 models are impacted. Plus, it doesn’t clarify if you can install the update offline. Until Sony or the outlet provides more details, these questions remain unanswered.
The practical implications are straightforward. If you set up your console without an internet connection or have a slow one, you might not be able to launch a game from the disc. This is particularly relevant for those who prefer physical media as a simpler option.
This news comes at a time when physical media is being debated. Engadget recently published an article featuring PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi supporting Sony’s stance on physical discs. The sources don’t connect that discussion to the update requirement, so consider them separate but related topics.
PS5 system software is also in the spotlight for another reason. VideoCardz reports that gamers can now play Steam games directly on the PlayStation 5, without needing to stream. GameGPU adds that enthusiasts managed to launch Steam on the console without installing Linux. Neither of these reports ties back to the update requirement.
By The Numbers
| Reported requirement | Mandatory system update before disc play |
| Affected media | Disc-based games |
| Update version and size | Not disclosed in sources |
| Steam on PS5 | Reported running without a Linux install |
| Streaming required for Steam games | No, per VideoCardz |
Community Pulse
The source material doesn’t include any player reactions, so we won’t be quoting Steam reviews or forum comments. We’re not making assumptions here. Reactions will likely focus on offline setup and the value of physical copies, but that’s just an expectation, not a conclusion.
What To Watch
- An official statement from Sony detailing the update version, file size, and which PS5 models are affected.
- Whether the update can be installed offline, like from a USB drive, or if you need an internet connection.
- More reports on Steam running natively on PS5 and any responses from Sony.
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is the Reviews and Guides Editor at Explosion.com. With a background in game design studies and 6 years of gaming journalism, Sarah brings technical insight to her reviews and creates comprehensive guides that help players get the most out of their games. She has reviewed over 200 titles across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Her current obsessions include FromSoftware titles and indie roguelikes.
