PlayStation Brings Back Classic Console Themes in April 24 PS5 Update Alongside New Audio Focus Feature

Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially confirmed that PlayStation’s classic console themes, originally released during the platform’s 30th anniversary celebrations, will be making a return as part of a new system update for the PlayStation 5, rolling out globally on April 24, 2025. This announcement, made via a PlayStation Blog post, also introduced a brand-new accessibility-focused audio feature titled Audio Focus.

The return of the beloved themes—designed to reflect the PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 eras—marks a nostalgic callback for longtime fans. These themes originally debuted during the brand's 30th anniversary but were only available for a limited time. Now, thanks to overwhelming fan demand, Sony is officially reintroducing them as customization options within the PS5 UI. The themes can be accessed via a new menu under the system settings titled “Appearance.”

“During our 30th anniversary celebrations, we surprised our fans with a limited-time selection of nostalgic customization features for the PS5 System UI to honor the four PlayStation consoles that paved the way for PS5,” said Shuzo Kikuchi, Vice President of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment. “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!”

Each theme brings a distinct aesthetic that captures the interface style, ambient sounds, and visual feel of its respective generation. While the PS5 has retained a sleek, minimalist design ethos since launch, these retro-style themes infuse it with the color, charm, and character that longtime users will instantly recognize.

Alongside the return of classic themes, Sony also detailed a new feature called Audio Focus. Tailored for players using headphones, Audio Focus is designed to elevate subtle in-game sounds—such as footsteps or environmental cues—making them more distinguishable in the overall mix. This feature aims to enhance immersion and aid accessibility, particularly in stealth or atmospheric titles where sound plays a critical role in gameplay.

Although this update reintroduces familiar favorites, many users are already hoping this marks the beginning of broader UI customization options—such as dynamic game-specific themes, which were highly popular during the PS3 and PS4 eras. As it stands, a handful of first- and second-party titles have included themed elements for the Welcome screen, but full system-wide themes, like those released during the 30th anniversary, remain relatively rare.

With Sony now responding directly to community feedback, the reintroduction of these classic themes may signal a broader shift toward user-driven customization on the PS5 platform.

Are you excited to see the classic PlayStation console themes return to PS5? Which generation’s theme are you applying first—and what themes would you like to see next? Share your favorites below!