Sony is rolling out a new software update for the PlayStation 5 that will make some nostalgic cosmetic features permanent. Following positive feedback from last year’s PlayStation 30th anniversary celebration, where users briefly got access to retro user interface themes from previous console generations, Sony is now officially adding these classic UI options as a permanent part of the system’s customization settings.
Players will be able to switch between the four retro interface styles—each inspired by earlier PlayStation consoles—by navigating to the Appearance tab within the system’s Settings menu. The update allows users to keep their favorite PlayStation-era look indefinitely, a move clearly aimed at longtime fans who’ve grown up with the brand and appreciated the brief return of these visuals last year.
However, those hoping to hear the startup chimes from older consoles like the PS1 or PS2 won’t find them included in the update. Sony has confirmed that the iconic boot-up sounds will not be making a comeback, likely due to licensing or system-level limitations, though no specific reason has been given.
Also included in the update is a new audio feature called Audio Focus, designed to fine-tune sound output when using headphones or gaming headsets. The feature offers adjustable presets that allow users to amplify specific sound elements such as dialogue, high or low frequencies, or subtle ambient noise. Each sound type can be boosted at varying levels—weak, medium, or strong—giving players greater control over how audio is balanced during gameplay. It’s a small but potentially meaningful quality-of-life enhancement, especially for players who game in shared spaces or late at night.
The update is scheduled for a global rollout beginning April 24, and while it may not revolutionize the PS5 experience, it adds another layer of personalization and comfort—particularly for those with a fondness for the PlayStation brand’s earlier eras. By leaning into its legacy and enhancing audio flexibility, Sony continues to make incremental adjustments that reflect how users are actually playing and personalizing their consoles.
