The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro are remembering their past selves by channeling the sights and sounds of past PlayStation consoles. Sony’s latest update to the PS5 remixes the launcher to show the classic Hans Zimmer-esque electronic “bwam” of the first PlayStation console. You can also remix the sounds on your PS5 to bring back your favorite era of PlayStation.
The update went live to PS5s early on Monday. Once you apply the update, you can restart your console to see the new launcher video. The new launcher video presents the PS1’s “Sony Computer Entertainment” logo on a pixelated white screen before loading into a slightly redesigned home screen. You’ll then be able to go into settings to change the theme of your PS5. You can choose between the sound effects and subtle UI callbacks for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, or PlayStation 4.
YOOO A NEW UPDATE FOR THE PS5 BRINGS BACK THE ORIGINAL PS1 BOOT UP SCREEN FOR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
You can also customize the home screen to have design and sound effects that reflect the PS1, PS2, PS3 or PS4! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/3W9cVRmPWd
— Radec (@realradec) December 2, 2024
My pick is the sounds of the PS2. As much as I would love to launch the console into the classic void UI of the 24-year-old console, with those blazing “Browser” and “Settings” selections, instead, the top game browser on the home screen displays a theme reminiscent of the original console.
The best aspect of the update is you can bring back the menu sounds of each console. It’s enough to provoke a sense of nostalgia. Personally, it was enough to make me long for the days when consoles only required a cartridge or disc and—at most—two button presses before you could jump straight in.
The update is part of Sony’s 30th Anniversary promotion, marking the release of the original PlayStation console in 1994 for Japanese buyers. The PS1 didn’t make its way to the States until September of the following year. Sony also released a limited number of 30th Anniversary consoles sporting the PS1’s classic grey color scheme. Don’t worry if you weren’t lucky enough to get the special $1,000 30th Anniversary PS5 Pro bundle (and avoid the scalpers); you can still access the update.
The update is a great addition to the console. Posters on the ResetEra forums and Reddit hope Sony makes its “limited” update an established feature on PS5. Sony has a penchant for creating “limited” consoles like it did with the “original grey” 20th Anniversary PlayStation 4 10 years ago. Those players unwilling to shell out for special consoles should also be able to share in a sense of nostalgia.