Table of Contents

Is Hey PlayStation a Thing? A Deep Dive into PS5 Voice Commands

Quick answer

This page answers Is Hey PlayStation a thing? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Yes, “Hey PlayStation” is a thing! It’s a voice command feature available on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) console, allowing you to control various aspects of your gaming experience using your voice. This hands-free functionality is designed to make navigating the PS5’s interface, launching games, and controlling media playback more convenient. Let’s explore everything you need to know about “Hey PlayStation” and its capabilities.

Understanding “Hey PlayStation” on PS5

“Hey PlayStation” leverages the built-in microphone on your DualSense controller or a connected headset to listen for your commands. Once activated, you can use your voice to perform a range of actions, from opening applications to taking screenshots. It’s essentially a voice assistant tailored specifically for the PS5 ecosystem.

Enabling and Using Voice Command

Before you can start using “Hey PlayStation,” you need to enable the feature in your PS5 settings. Here’s how:

Go to Settings from the top-right corner of the PS5 home screen.
Select Voice Command (Preview).
Toggle Enable Voice Command to the “On” position.

Once enabled, simply say “Hey PlayStation!” to activate the voice command system. The console will then be ready to listen for your instructions. Keep in mind that the system automatically stops listening after a few seconds of inactivity, usually around four seconds by default.

What Can You Do with “Hey PlayStation”?

The “Hey PlayStation” command opens up a variety of possibilities. Here’s a breakdown of some key functions:

Opening Games and Apps: Say “Open [Game Name]” or “Open [App Name]” to launch your desired content. This is particularly useful for quickly accessing frequently used applications.
Controlling Media Playback: Manage your music and video playback with commands like “Pause,” “Play,” “Next,” or “Previous.” This is perfect for hands-free control during gameplay or while watching a movie.
Capturing Gameplay: You can easily capture screenshots or record gameplay footage with commands like “Take Screenshot” or “Record Gameplay.” There are also commands that let you record the last few minutes of your gaming session.
Searching YouTube Content: Use voice commands to search for videos on YouTube. You can search even if the YouTube app isn’t already open.
Adjusting Settings: While the ability to directly manipulate detailed settings is limited, you can often use voice commands to navigate to certain menus or initiate specific functions within settings.

Limitations and Considerations

While “Hey PlayStation” offers convenience, it’s important to understand its limitations.

Preview Status: The feature is currently labeled as “Preview,” meaning it’s still under development and may have occasional quirks or inaccuracies. Sony may update the feature in the future.
Voice Recognition: The accuracy of voice recognition can be affected by background noise and accent. Speaking clearly and directly into the microphone improves reliability.
Limited Command Set: The range of available commands is not as extensive as some dedicated voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Language Support: Voice Command (Preview) only supports a limited amount of languages.

“Hey PlayStation” vs. Other Voice Assistants

It’s important to distinguish “Hey PlayStation” from broader voice assistant platforms. While Alexa or Google Assistant offer wide-ranging functionality across various devices and services, “Hey PlayStation” is specifically designed for the PlayStation 5 ecosystem. It focuses on gaming-related tasks and offers tighter integration with the console’s features. It would also be interesting to compare “Hey PlayStation” to how video games can be used for learning, which is a core focus of the Games Learning Society. You can find valuable resources and information about that at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about “Hey PlayStation” to help you fully understand and utilize this feature:

Does “Hey PlayStation” work on PS4? No, the “Hey PlayStation” voice command feature is exclusively available on the PS5 console. The PS4 does have voice control functionality but uses different activation methods.
Do I need a PlayStation Camera to use “Hey PlayStation”? No, a PlayStation Camera is not required. The system utilizes the microphone built into your DualSense controller or a connected headset.
Can I use “Hey PlayStation” with any headset? Most headsets with a microphone should work, but compatibility may vary. Ensure your headset is properly connected and configured in the PS5’s audio settings.
Why isn’t “Hey PlayStation” recognizing my voice? Several factors can contribute to this. Ensure the feature is enabled in settings, speak clearly, reduce background noise, and position the microphone properly. Also, ensure that your system language matches a supported language.
Can I customize the “Hey PlayStation” wake word? No, the wake word is fixed as “Hey PlayStation” and cannot be changed.
Is “Hey PlayStation” always listening? No, the system only actively listens after you say the wake word (“Hey PlayStation”). It stops listening automatically after a few seconds of inactivity.
Does “Hey PlayStation” drain the controller battery faster? Since the microphone is constantly active when the feature is enabled, there may be a slight increase in battery drain. However, the impact is generally minimal.
Can I use “Hey PlayStation” to control my TV? No, “Hey PlayStation” is limited to controlling the PS5 console itself. It cannot control external devices like your TV.
Does “Hey PlayStation” support multiple languages? Currently, “Hey PlayStation” supports a limited number of languages. Check the official PlayStation documentation for a list of supported languages.
Can I use “Hey PlayStation” to navigate the PlayStation Store? Yes, you can use voice commands to search for and open content within the PlayStation Store.
Can I use “Hey PlayStation” in online multiplayer games? While you can use the voice commands while in a multiplayer game, voice chat is a separate feature managed through the game or party settings.
How do I disable “Hey PlayStation”? Simply toggle the Enable Voice Command option to the “Off” position in the Voice Command (Preview) settings.
Is “Hey PlayStation” available in all regions? The availability of “Hey PlayStation” may vary depending on your region. Check the official PlayStation website for regional availability information.
Can I use “Hey PlayStation” to turn on my PS5? No, “Hey PlayStation” only functions when the PS5 console is already turned on.
Why does my voice sound robotic during voice chat on PS5? This can happen due to a VOIP glitch, especially during crossplay. Restarting the game or the console typically resolves this issue. If the person’s voice sounds robotic, then that individual needs to restart their system.

Conclusion: Is “Hey PlayStation” Worth It?

“Hey PlayStation” is a useful addition to the PS5’s feature set. While it has limitations, it offers a convenient and hands-free way to interact with your console. As the feature is still in “Preview,” we can expect further improvements and expanded functionality in the future. For gamers looking for a more streamlined and immersive experience, “Hey PlayStation” is definitely worth exploring.