Old-School Vibes Are Back On PS5: Sony Revives Classic Console Themes Today

Sony is bringing back a beloved dose of nostalgia to modern gaming. In celebration of the PlayStation brand’s 30-year journey, PS5 users will once again be able to switch up their home screen with visual themes inspired by past console generations — from the OG PlayStation to the sleek PS4.

Originally introduced during a 30th anniversary update late last year, these classic themes briefly lit up the PS5 with a retro glow. That update even featured the iconic bright white boot-up screen from the original PlayStation, a detail that delighted longtime fans. However, it was all meant to be temporary.

Now, months after the feature was phased out, Sony is officially bringing the themes back by popular demand. According to a new post on the official PlayStation Blog, the update will begin rolling out worldwide today, April 24. It will reintroduce themes based on four iconic consoles — the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.

Once the update is installed, users can dive into their PS5 settings and head over to the Appearance section to change up their dashboard’s look and feel. It’s a small tweak, but one that’s sure to hit the sweet spot for gamers who’ve grown up with the evolution of PlayStation.

While the visual themes are officially making a comeback, there’s no confirmation yet on whether the original PlayStation’s startup animation — that familiar and comforting hum — is also returning. For now, fans might have to settle for the look, without the sound.

Still, this move signals Sony’s growing willingness to lean into its legacy, especially when it resonates so strongly with its community. What started as a limited-time nod to PlayStation history has now become a recurring feature, driven by fan feedback. For players who grew up toggling memory cards and blowing into discs, being able to overlay their PS5 with the look of a bygone era is more than a gimmick — it’s a celebration of where it all began.

And while the current-gen console pushes boundaries with lightning-fast load times and ultra-crisp visuals, sometimes it’s the subtle throwbacks that hit hardest. As Sony puts it, the past isn’t just behind us — it’s back on our screens, and here to stay… at least for now.