Sony is answering PlayStation fans' long-standing requests with a significant system update that brings nostalgic UI customization options back to the PS5. After briefly introducing classic console themes during its 30th anniversary celebration earlier this year, Sony has decided to make these popular customization options permanent following overwhelming positive feedback from the community.
Classic Console Themes Return
Sony announced in a PlayStation Blog post that the beloved classic console themes are making a permanent comeback to PS5 systems starting April 24, 2025. The update will allow players to customize their PS5 home screen with visual and audio elements inspired by the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 interfaces. These themes were initially introduced during PlayStation's 30th anniversary celebration in late 2024 but were removed on January 31, 2025, much to the disappointment of fans.
The decision to bring back these nostalgic UI options comes as a direct response to player feedback. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from our community, we're happy to bring back the look and feel of the four console designs for players to customize the home screen on PS5! Sony stated in their blog post. Unlike the previous limited-time availability, there's currently no indication that these themes will be removed again in the future.
PS5 Update Key Features:
- Classic console themes (PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4) returning permanently
- Audio Focus feature with four presets:
- Boost Low Pitch
- Boost Voices
- Boost High Pitch
- Boost Quiet Sounds
- Three intensity levels for each Audio Focus preset (weak, medium, strong)
- Left/right channel balance adjustment
- Update rollout begins April 24, 2025
Audio Focus Feature
Beyond the return of classic themes, the system update introduces an innovative new accessibility feature called Audio Focus. This feature aims to enhance gaming immersion by allowing players to fine-tune their audio experience when using headphones connected via USB or analog jack. The Audio Focus tool lets users prioritize specific types of sounds during gameplay through four preset options:
- Boost Low Pitch: Amplifies low-frequency sounds like engines and rumbling noises
- Boost Voices: Enhances dialogue, character voices, and middle-frequency sounds
- Boost High Pitch: Highlights high-frequency sounds such as footsteps and metallic noises
- Boost Quiet Sounds: Amplifies low-volume sounds across various frequencies
Each preset can be adjusted with three intensity levels (weak, medium, and strong), and the feature even allows for balance adjustments between left and right audio channels. This level of audio customization represents a significant step forward in gaming accessibility, though it's worth noting that the feature is only available when using headphones connected directly to the console, not through HDMI connections to TVs or sound systems.
Audio Focus Compatibility:
- Works with headphones connected via USB or analog jack
- Not available for audio output through HDMI (TVs, soundbars, AV receivers)
Accessing the New Features
Players can find the classic console themes in the Appearance section of the PS5's settings menu after installing the update. For the Audio Focus feature, users can navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume > Audio Focus, or access it directly through the Control Center for quick adjustments during gameplay.
The PS5 system update will begin rolling out globally in phases starting April 24, 2025. As the PlayStation 5 approaches its fifth year on the market, these additions demonstrate Sony's commitment to refining the user experience based on community feedback, addressing features that players have been requesting since the console's 2020 launch.