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Today's Gaming News Update (2026-01-28)
Jan 28, 2026 6:01 a.m.

PS5 Firmware 26.01-12.60.00 Is Live — Plus a Handy Guide to Better PS5 Messaging

Meta description: Today’s gaming highlights include PS5 firmware 26.01-12.60.00 and notable patch notes. Learn how read receipts work (and when to disable them).

Quick Summary

  • PS5 system software update 26.01-12.60.00 rolled out on January 28, 2026, adding optional message read receipts and a Welcome Hub shortcut to jump into what friends are playing (phased rollout). ([pushsquare.com](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/new-ps5-firmware-update-is-available-now-here-are-all-the-patch-notes?utm_source=openai))
  • The Night Shift (Steam) shipped Patch 1.15 on January 28, 2026, adding brightness/gamma, optional item outlines, and moving “bonus shift” access to the main menu. ([steamdb.info](https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/21678129/?utm_source=openai))
  • Guide today: a practical, player-first walkthrough for configuring PS5 read receipts and privacy settings without losing your social flow.

Today’s Gaming News Highlights

PS5 system software 26.01-12.60.00 adds read receipts + Welcome Hub shortcut

Sony’s newest PS5 firmware update (version 26.01-12.60.00) is rolling out today. The headline feature is optional read receipts for messages (also tied to the PlayStation App), plus a Welcome Hub quality-of-life tweak that lets you jump from the Friends Activity widget straight into what your friends are playing. Reports note the feature can be phased, meaning you might not see it immediately. ([pushsquare.com](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/new-ps5-firmware-update-is-available-now-here-are-all-the-patch-notes?utm_source=openai))

If you have trouble updating, PlayStation’s official support page outlines both the standard update flow and the USB/Safe Mode method. ([playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/?utm_source=openai))

The Night Shift Patch 1.15 targets visibility and frustration points (Steam)

Indie horror title The Night Shift posted Patch 1.15 on Steam (build noted on SteamDB), focusing on accessibility and reducing “where is that item?” friction. You now get brightness and gamma controls, an optional item outline highlight mode, and the previously in-level “bonus shift” trigger has been removed from shifts and moved to the main menu to prevent mid-run progress loss. ([steamdb.info](https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/21678129/?utm_source=openai))

Guide Corner (How-to / Walkthrough / Rules / Strategy)

How to turn PS5 read receipts on (or off) without messing up your privacy

What read receipts do: When enabled, your friends can see that you’ve read their message. It’s optional and controlled by a privacy setting. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))

Step-by-step: enable (or disable) read receipts

  • On PS5, go to Settings.
  • Open Users and Accounts > Privacy > View and Customize Your Privacy Settings. ([playstationlifestyle.net](https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2026/01/28/ps5-system-software-firmware-update-january-28-2026/?utm_source=openai))
  • Find Communication and multiplayer.
  • Set Show read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App to:
    • Allow (read receipts on), or
    • Do Not Allow (read receipts off).

Step-by-step: update your PS5 if the option isn’t showing

  • Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
  • If the download stalls, check Downloads/Uploads and retry.
  • If you’re still stuck, PlayStation Support documents updating via USB (including folder names and Safe Mode steps). ([playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/?utm_source=openai))

When you should keep read receipts OFF

  • If you’re in a competitive session and don’t want “message pressure” mid-match.
  • If you stream/record often and want fewer social expectations while you’re live.
  • If you use PS messages for trade/group coordination and prefer replying on your own schedule.

When you should turn read receipts ON

  • If your group uses PS messages to coordinate raids/party time and “seen” status reduces repeat pings.
  • If you frequently miss notifications and want friends to know you caught the message.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming read receipts are forced on. They’re optional and controlled via Privacy settings. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))
  • Thinking your friend is ignoring you because you don’t see read receipts. The firmware is reported as a gradual/phased rollout for some users. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))
  • Updating at a bad time. If you’re about to play online with friends, update earlier—system updates can interrupt sessions.
  • Using random update files. Sony explicitly documents official update methods; stick to PlayStation Support instructions if you need USB/Safe Mode. ([playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/?utm_source=openai))

Advanced Tips

  • Create a “social mode” routine: toggle read receipts ON during scheduled group nights, OFF when you’re solo grinding.
  • Pair the Welcome Hub change with party planning: after updating, try jumping from Friends Activity to a friend’s current game to reduce “what are you playing?” back-and-forth. ([pushsquare.com](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/new-ps5-firmware-update-is-available-now-here-are-all-the-patch-notes?utm_source=openai))
  • If a system update fails repeatedly: follow the official USB update path instead of brute-force retrying; it’s usually faster than repeated corrupted downloads. ([playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/?utm_source=openai))

How to research better (Checklist)

  • Start with official sources: patch notes pages, developer posts, platform support pages (e.g., PlayStation Support for firmware steps). ([playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/?utm_source=openai))
  • Confirm exact version numbers: “26.01-12.60.00” (PS5) and “Patch 1.15” (The Night Shift) are easy to mistype. ([pushsquare.com](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/new-ps5-firmware-update-is-available-now-here-are-all-the-patch-notes?utm_source=openai))
  • Check rollout notes: phased releases can make features appear “missing” depending on region/account timing. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))
  • Use reputable secondary outlets to cross-verify what the patch notes contain, but don’t treat them as the only source. ([pushsquare.com](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/new-ps5-firmware-update-is-available-now-here-are-all-the-patch-notes?utm_source=openai))
  • For Steam games, verify via Steam Community/SteamDB to confirm build timing and patch note text. ([steamdb.info](https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/21678129/?utm_source=openai))

FAQ (5–8 Qs)

1) What PS5 update came out today?

PS5 system software version 26.01-12.60.00 began rolling out on January 28, 2026. ([pushsquare.com](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/new-ps5-firmware-update-is-available-now-here-are-all-the-patch-notes?utm_source=openai))

2) Where do I enable PS5 read receipts?

Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy > View and Customize Your Privacy Settings > under Communication and multiplayer, set read receipts to Allow. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))

3) Why don’t I see read receipts after updating?

Multiple reports describe it as a gradual/phased rollout, so some accounts may receive the feature later. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))

4) Does the update do anything besides read receipts?

Yes—patch notes also mention improved messaging/usability on some screens and general system performance/stability, plus a Welcome Hub Friends Activity shortcut. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/ps5-system-software-update-26-01-12-60-00-out-now-adds-turn-on-read-receipts-option-improves-system-performance/?utm_source=openai))

5) How do I update my PS5 if it keeps failing?

PlayStation Support documents troubleshooting (retrying the download) and an official method to update via USB in Safe Mode. ([playstation.com](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5/system-software/?utm_source=openai))

6) What changed in The Night Shift Patch 1.15?

Patch 1.15 added brightness/gamma, optional item outlines, and moved bonus shift access to the main menu (removing in-shift red buttons). ([steamdb.info](https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/21678129/?utm_source=openai))

7) Is The Night Shift patch on console too?

The patch notes referenced today are specifically from the Steam/PC update listing. For other platforms, wait for that platform’s official patch notes or store page update. ([steamdb.info](https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/21678129/?utm_source=openai))

Sources / References

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