The latest PS5 UI update has fans clapping as anniversary themes return here to stay!
Sony’s latest system software lets players alone add classic console-themed appearances.
But what is on offer, and what else does the new load of data add to the console?
PS5 UI Update
A few months ago I talked about the PlayStation 30th anniversary. As part of the celebration, Sony added free appearances styled after classic PlayStation consoles. Fans loved it, as it added a bit of customisation to the bland UI layout.
However, it was removed after only a few weeks due to no reason really. But now after the latest PS5 UI update, the themes are back!
Also, they are free and available for everybody who owns a PS5. Included in the PS5 UI update are 5 PlayStation appearance options. These range from the PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS4. Each appearance changes the UI sounds and design.
So if you pick the original PS1 appearance, it will now sound and look like a classic PlayStation.
But to add these appearances, simply head on over to your PS5 console settings menu. Under System, head to Appearance and go through the drop-down menu. Choosing any of these will apply to your UI sounds and home screen areas as well as the top bar.
Although Sony has decided that this time these appearances are here to stay.
Also with the PS5 UI update patch comes Audio Focus mode. This feature allows you to get direct control of the PS5 audio and adjust things to your preferences. So now you can get the console to focus on high pitches, low pitches, balance left and right and many other audio options.
Although this is a great set of tools and features, my concern is that it took 5 years for the Sony team to include them. We are just getting themes 5 years later now!
Theme It Out
But I want to just touch on a concerning state of affairs for all consoles as of now. The Nintendo Switch and the upcoming 2 do not have themes.
The Xbox has static pictures, and the PS5 UI update just came out. When the PS4 first came out, there were a bunch of great dynamic themes that spiced up the console. I know it does not affect the games. However it affects my view of a billion-dollar company that refuses to add a simple get-rich-quick feature like home themes.
They have been around since the PS3 and 360 days, and people loved them back then. They sure as hell love them still now. But for some reason it has taken a company 5 long hard years to capitalise on a feature that had been present for the last 20 years. And that’s just one of them!
Nintendo had some great themes with the 3DS, but the Switch has nothing. They could print free money right now, but no. Instead, they will overcharge you on console MSRP and games. However, adding the option for a simple 5-dollar UI change is somehow too much to ask.
I don’t know. Maybe we forgot how to do them and lost the technology?
