Experiencing network disconnects in MLB The Show 26 on PS5 can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of a game or grinding through a program. The issue often arises from a mix of game-specific bugs, server maintenance, or local PS5 settings. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix common network problems quickly.

1. Check Server Status First

Before diving into settings, it's important to determine whether the issue lies on your end or with the game’s servers.

Maintenance Windows: San Diego Studio typically performs updates and maintenance around 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET, so check if the servers are undergoing downtime.

Official Channels: Visit the official MLB The Show X account or check DownDetector for real-time reports on server outages or widespread issues.

If there’s no issue with the servers, proceed with the following fixes.

2. Immediate PS5 Fixes

There are a few settings on your PS5 that can directly impact online stability and cause disconnects.

Disable 120Hz Output: Some players have found that disabling 120Hz output helps resolve persistent “Network Error” screens during gameplay. To do this:

Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.

Find the "Enable 120Hz Output" option and set it to Off.

Restore Licenses: This can clear up any account validation issues tied to “Network Error”
 messages. Here’s how:

Navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses.

Disable Cross-Play: If you experience lag or connection drops during matchmaking, try disabling cross-platform play. This reduces the complexity of the connection by only matching you with players on the same console. To disable cross-play:

Go to the main menu and select your profile.

Find the Crossplay setting and toggle it to Off.

3. Network Optimization

For smoother online play, optimizing your network connection is key. Here are some steps to improve your connection:

Switch to a Wired Connection: MLB The Show 26 is highly sensitive to packet loss, which can lead to disconnects. A wired connection via LAN cable is much more stable than Wi-Fi, and it’s highly recommended for online play.

Change DNS Settings: Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS can be slow or unstable. To improve connection speed, change your DNS settings:

Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > [Your Connection] > Advanced Settings.
Set Primary DNS to 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS to 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) or use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google).

Check NAT Type: Your NAT type can have a significant impact on your online gaming experience. Ensure your NAT type is set to Type 2 (Open/Moderate). If it’s Type 3 (Strict), you will experience frequent disconnects:

Go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status.

Check your NAT type and make adjustments in your router settings if needed.

4. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the above steps don’t work, it’s time to go deeper into troubleshooting.

Power Cycle Everything: A simple power cycle can sometimes do wonders for fixing network errors. Here’s what to do:

Completely shut down your PS5 (don’t use Rest Mode).

Unplug your modem and router for at least 60 seconds.

Plug everything back in and power up the PS5.

Clear System Cache: Sometimes, a corrupt system cache can cause issues. To clear the cache:

Turn off the PS5 completely (don’t use Rest Mode).

Hold the power button until you hear a second beep to enter Safe Mode.

Select “Clear Cache and Rebuild Database”.

Avoid Rest Mode: Some players have reported that launching MLB The Show 26 after the PS5 has been in Rest Mode causes desyncs with the server, leading to disconnects. Always fully close the game and restart the console for fresh sessions.

Network disconnects in MLB The Show 26 on PS5 are often due to a combination of game bugs, server issues, and local console settings. Start by checking server status, then try optimizing your PS5’s settings and network connection. If the issue persists, dive into advanced troubleshooting steps like power cycling and clearing the system cache. With these tips, you’ll be back on the diamond in no time.