While we already understood that the PlayStation 4 will require a mandatory software update upon launch, Sony has confirmed that the patch — namely software version 1.50 — can be downloaded in the background; allowing gamers to pick up and play from the get-go.
News comes via the company’s Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida, who responded to the question through Twitter.
@FjN93 yes
— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) October 26, 2013
The 300MB update in question, which is expected to take around 15 minutes to download, is designed to incorporate a litany of features into the PlayStation 4’s user interface; including the long-awaited Party Chat feature and Remote Play with the PlayStation Vita. What’s more, Yoshida also confirmed that users can import their profile snaps from Facebook to use as an avatar on the hardware. Mind you, players won’t be able to customise the wallpaper of the console’s new cross-media backdrop.
In terms of mandatory downloads, though, it’s been confirmed that the Xbox One will also require a day one update when it launches across the country next month. This file in particular — which will also take around 15 minutes — will alleviate Microsoft’s initial policies regarding the online check in, which required the hardware to be connected to the internet once every 24 hours at minimum.
Both next-gen consoles are poised for release next month, with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One slated to hit stores on November 15th and 22nd, respectively, in North America. Until then, though, be sure to leave your thoughts about the mandatory updates in the comments below.