Starting tomorrow, PS5 users can bring back the classic look and sound of PlayStation history. Sony is reintroducing PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 home screen themes in a new update tied to the console’s 30th anniversary celebration.
PS5 users get a nostalgic boost with returning themes
The themes were first released late last year on PS5 but were pulled in January. Now, after vocal demand, Sony is making good on its promise to bring them back. The update rolls out on April 24 and adds these themes directly into the Appearance settings.
Each theme mirrors its original console, right down to visual layout and iconic audio. For longtime fans, it’s a walk back through decades of gaming. For new players, it’s a chance to see what they missed.
Sony says classic themes will stay, no removal this time
In its PlayStation Blog post, Sony confirmed the themes will remain available in PS5 with no known expiration date. That’s a change from the last rollout, which ended abruptly just a month after launch. Now, they’re back for good, or at least for the foreseeable future.
The update includes four themes for PS5 in total, each inspired by one of Sony’s earlier consoles. You’ll find them in the customization menu, where you can switch between visual styles and audio cues that reflect each era of PlayStation design.
PS5 system update adds more than just themes
Alongside the return of classic console visuals on PS5, the update brings a new accessibility feature: Audio Focus. This lets players adjust audio presets based on what they want to hear: dialogue, effects, or background elements. It works with both USB and analog headphones.
Though it’s a quieter feature than the headline theme return, Audio Focus could make a real difference for players looking for a more personalized experience.
Sony taps into nostalgia as PS5 enters year five
As the PS5 enters its fifth year, Sony’s update strategy is starting to lean into legacy. The classic console themes aren’t just fan service, they’re a nod to the hardware that built the PlayStation brand. And with users asking for more personalization tools, this move checks a lot of boxes.
For players who miss the days of startup chimes and dynamic backgrounds, the throwback themes deliver just the right kind of flashback.
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