Sony has released an unexpected system update for PlayStation Portal. Firmware version 7.3.0 improves the mobile remote player with a revamped search function and a new 3D audio setting. Players can now toggle spatial audio even during a game session. The company also improved overall system stability and menu navigation. The update began rolling out on October 8, 2026. It is the second major system-software release for PlayStation Portal in as many weeks; last September, Sony added a feature to conserve battery life over the long term.
3D audio can now be toggled on or off while playing
The most significant change concerns audio playback. With Update 7.3.0, PlayStation Portal owners can enable or disable 3D audio directly while a game is in progress. The corresponding option is under Settings > System > 3D Audio.
Though minor, the change gives players more control when switching between games or audio setups.
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3D Audio support itself is not new; Sony introduced it in system software 6.0.0, enabling spatial audio for compatible games when using a suitable headset. The new version simply makes that feature easier to reach, without adding any new audio technology.
Sony revamps search on PlayStation Portal.
The update also improves the search function. Previously, players often had to enter multiple terms before relevant game results appeared.
With version 7.3.0, results now appear in real time as you type, simplifying navigation and speeding up title searches. Another handy feature lets PlayStation Portal display a QR code so you can continue a search you started on another device.
After scanning, the corresponding search opens in the PlayStation Store either inside the PlayStation app or in a web browser, so players no longer need to re-enter a title they’ve already searched for on their smartphone. This makes switching between PlayStation Portal and a mobile device more convenient, especially when looking for new games or extra information.
Here’s what else is included in the official patch notes
In addition to the new control options, Sony lists further general improvements. An overview of the changes in version 7.3.0:
- 3D Audio can now be toggled on or off during gameplay.
- Search results now appear in real time as you type.
- You can also use a QR code to continue a PlayStation Store search on a smartphone or in a browser.
- The update also boosts system-software performance and stability.
- On-screen messages and the overall user experience have been refined.
The update does not include specific details regarding higher streaming resolution, improved frame rates, or additional network features. https://www.playstationinfo.de/2026/10/09/ps5-spiele-mit-dlss-5-entwickler-zeigt-ueberraschende-neue-moeglichkeiten/
The patch notes also omit any mention of a broader cloud-streaming expansion, instead focusing on minor tweaks aimed at streamlining daily use.
Sony introduced battery protection as recently as September
It’s remarkable that Sony is releasing another update so soon. At the end of September, system software version 7.1.7 introduced a new charging limit. Since then, the PlayStation Portal has charged to only 80 percent by default. The feature is designed to preserve long-term battery performance.
Users who need full capacity can raise the limit in the system settings. We’ve already reported in detail on this change: After the update, PlayStation Portal now charges only up to 80 percent. Version 7.3.0 continues this trend, focusing on usability and existing features.
PlayStation Portal has changed significantly since its release
Since its November 2023 launch, Sony has expanded the PlayStation Portal’s feature set several times. At launch, the device streamed PS5 games from a user’s console to its built-in screen via Remote Play.
It now also supports cloud streaming. With a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, users can launch select titles directly from the cloud without turning on their own PS5. In March 2026, Sony added the 1080p High Quality Mode.
This mode raises the bitrate and, with a strong network, delivers better image quality than the previous default. We covered those changes in our article “PlayStation Portal Update Brings 1080p High-Quality Mode and Improved Cloud Features.” The latest release is smaller but keeps the device’s steady evolution on track.
New Firmware Arrives Amid Rumors of a PlayStation Portal OLED
The timing is notable: just days ago, fresh certification entries hinted at additional PlayStation Portal hardware variants.
The model numbers CFI-Y2000 and CFI-Y2105 have been tied to ongoing rumors about an OLED variant. We covered that story on October 6: New Sony Certification Fuels Rumors About PlayStation Portal OLED.
Sony has not officially announced new hardware, nor has it linked the update to a successor model. Version 7.3.0 is for owners of the existing PlayStation Portal and improves the current device.
Here’s how to get the 7.3.0 update
Sony is rolling out the new system software in phases, so some devices may receive the update later. A notification usually appears on the PlayStation Portal when the firmware is ready, or owners can check the system settings to see if a new update is available.
Once installed, you’ll unlock new search features and an extra 3D audio option. The update doesn’t add any new streaming features, but it does make everyday use more convenient. Let us know what you think in the comments.
