Most gamers were a bit disappointed when PS5 didn’t come with a web browser like PS4. Sony’s previous devices gave direct internet access. Things are a bit complicated with the PS5. However, there’s still a way as you can still use the web browser in PS5. In this guide, let’s explore everything about the PS5 web browser and how you can access it.
Why Did Sony Remove the PS5 Web Browser?
As per some experts, Sony’s removal of the PS5 web browser can be the result of strategic, technical, or some other factors. Keep reading the following section to learn why Sony removed the web browser from PS5:
Focusing on the User Experience: Sony focuses on making PS5 more game-oriented, removing the web browser. So, players can engage more with the gaming content. Besides that, the web browser on the earlier version was quite slow, making the overall gaming experience less enjoyable.
Security Concern: Web browsers are complex applications that can bring a lot of insecurity. It can be pretty challenging for a gaming console to maintain the security of a browser. Unfortunately, PS4’s web browser was a target of hackers.
That’s one of the primary reasons why Sony removed the browser to reduce the attack surface and make the system more secure. By removing the web browser, Sony made it difficult for hackers to get access.
Resource Allocation: Designing a web browser is resource-intensive. Sony might have realized that developing a web browser with resources related to gaming features, optimization of performance, and other functionalities can be helpful for gamers. This can be a good decision because of the high demand for modern games.
Market Trend: According to some studies, consumer behavior tends to rely on smartphones and tablets. Since most people have access to these devices, accessing a web browser on a gaming console is not much needed. Besides that, most gamers prefer to use mobile devices and keep the console purely for gaming.
Quality Assurance: By removing the web browser, Sony can have better control over PS5’s content accessible. So, they can ensure the type and quality of the content meets players’ expectations. Besides that, it will also reduce the accessibility of problematic content.
Focus on Dedicated Apps: The web browser pushes popular dedicated apps like video streaming or music streaming which is not that helpful for players. Even though these apps are much more optimized for gaming consoles, they only create distractions.
Strategic Partnerships: Besides everything, Sony might have the intention of strategic partnership. So, by pushing players towards certain available services, they can have more control over the entire ecosystem and receive more revenue through partnerships.
How to Use PS5 Web Browser
Even though Sony has given tons of functionalities on the PS5, one thing that is significantly missing is the web browser. Unlike PS4, you can’t access the web browser from the home screen. However, here’s a secret. You can still access a web browser on PS5 with some technical skills. It’s not that user-friendly and only good for browsing text-based websites.
How to Access Hidden Web Browser
As noted above, there are some excellent ways to access the hidden web browser on PS5. Keep reading the following section to learn how to access the PS5 web browser:
1. Using User Guide
- Go to the home screen of the PS5
- Then, select the ‘Settings’ option
- Keep scrolling and select ‘Users and Accounts’
- Next, tap on the ‘Link with Other Services’ option and open your social media account.
- As the login screen of the social media site is opened, you can select the ‘Login Help’ or ‘Forgot Password’ option to open the mini browser.
2. Using Message
You can also access the web browser via messaging. In that case, send a message to a friend with a website link e.g., www.google.com. After that, open the message and click on the link to access the browser.
3. Game-Associated Web Links
Some games have links to their own website. You can access the web browser by following such links. You can find these links on the in-game menu or help.
Alternative Methods to Access PS5 Web
Even though PS5 has a hidden web browser, it can’t be a replacement for the full-scale experience. If accessing a web browser is necessary while using PS5, you can go for some alternative methods:
- Mobile or Tab: Keep your mobile device or tab at hand while playing on PS5. This is a better option than accessing the mini browser.
- Computer: Besides your phone, you can also use a desktop or laptop as a powerful web browsing solution.
Things to Consider While Accessing PS5 Web Browser
Before you use the PS5 web browser, you have to consider some essential factors. Keep reading the following section to learn more:
- Accessing the web browser is more like exploiting a functionality behind the scenes and it’s not a user-friendly method.
- Surfing through websites and accessing text content can be pretty awkward.
- As noted before, a smartphone, tablet, or computer can provide a much more comfortable experience than the web browser of PS5.
- Sony might have disabled some features like JavaScript or cookies by default on PlayStation 5.
Conclusion
Even though you use the PS5 web browser, it’s not that user-friendly and has limitations. There’s no news if Sony will revive the web browser on PS5. In that case, using another device like a smartphone or tablet is the only convenient solution.
FAQs
Yes, you can access the web browser on PS5 but it’s hidden on the gaming console. It’s better to access the browser from another device while playing games on PS5.
Sony removed the web browser from PS5 to provide a more engaging gaming experience.
Yes, you can use your smartphone or computer for more comfortable browsing.