Some PlayStation 5 users enrolled in the console's beta program have received an unexpected update that changes the home design with a new layout. The latest PlayStation 5 system software isn't available to the public at the time of writing, but it looks like PlayStation has started testing a new UI feature that aims to make navigating through the home screen menus much more streamlined and user-friendly.
While the latest PlayStation console is now entering the latter half of its life cycle, the PS5 still receives new firmware updates regularly. The latest patch arrived last month, on March 17th, bringing the console to version 26.02-13.00.00 with some handy new features and improvements. The update, which is available to all PS5 users right now, improved PSSR on the Pro version of the console, allowing for sharper and clearer images in select games. It's also added new emojis for notifications and some fresh Welcome Hub features, like the new Showcase Mode, which lets users display a full background view of the Welcome Hub when the PS5 is idle.
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PS5 Beta Update redesigns the home screen layout
With major changes and improvements to the PS5, PlayStation often tests them through its beta program. While there hasn't been an official announcement from the company ahead of time, it looks like a new beta update is going live for select users that changes the layout of the console's home screen. A user on Reddit, who said they are enrolled in the beta program, apparently received a new update on April 6 with a custom home design. As seen in the post above, the main horizontal section of the home screen is now just for games and the Welcome Hub, while the likes of the PlayStation Store, PS Plus and other media have been moved to a smaller section above and can be navigated with L1 and R1.
As the new layout appears to be much sleeker, the response from fans regarding the redesign has been quite positive. One user said it “looks nice”, while another said: “Wow, I dig it! Very nice! Shoutout to the design team.” Some even speculated that the new design could be a sign that themes are on the way. This is by far the most requested feature that PlayStation 5 users have had since the console launched in 2020. Although PlayStation gave fans special PS1, PS2, PS3 and PS4 themes for the 30th anniversary, many are still asking for additional customization options.
One user pointed out that since PlayStation is seemingly backing away from PC ports, the company needs to “encourage” users to stay on the PS5. Earlier this year, a report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier claimed that Sony is “backing away” from bringing its first-party titles to PC. The journalist states that this is largely in relation to single-player games, such as the upcoming one Saros and Marvel's Wolverinewhich will be the two biggest exclusive PS5 games of the year. While PlayStation has yet to comment on the matter, Schreier speculates that the company's PC ports simply weren't successful enough to keep going.
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For those who primarily play PlayStation titles on PC, this is probably the worst possible time to buy a PS5. On March 27th, PlayStation confirmed that they would be increasing the price of PS5 consoles and PlayStation Portal from April 2nd. This means that anyone looking to get their hands on a PS5 or PS5 Pro for the likes of Marvel's Wolverine, Sarosor even Grand Theft Auto 6will have to pay $599.99 for a digital PS5, $649.99 for a standard console with disc drive and $899.99 for a PS5 Pro.
Source: Push Square
