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A new PlayStation 5 update is testing a fresh design for the console’s dashboard, fans say.
Several PS5 owners have now reported seeing the updated dashboard when powering on their console, after previously having signed up for the PlayStation 5 beta program.
The refreshed look, which tidies various system icons into the console’s upper navigation and overall has a less cluttered feel, was first detailed yesterday, when reddit user FSTGang reported seeing it appear out of the blue. Images of the design have since been shared across social media, where several other users also part of the PS5 beta program confirmed they were seeing the new design, too.
yes, it’s real pic.twitter.com/h41zWYxDIq
— ✧ ･ ліквідмуркі ･ ⊹ ₊ ⑅ * ✶ (@liquidmurky) April 7, 2026
Now, there’s hope among fans that this design is the start of something more — the long-awaited return of fully-fledged themes, akin to those from the PS4 era, now that the dashboard looks cleaner.
“I see standardized icons all in a row,” wrote one user. “BRING THOSE THEMES BACK BOIS.” Said another: “Please mean themes please be a teaser for themes.” “They doing everything else but not adding themes,” said a third.
Last month, Sony announced is latest, eye-opening PS5 price rise, the company’s second within a year, due to “continued pressures in the global economic landscape.” The prices increases, which came into effect on April 2, 2026 for PS5, PS5 Pro and PlayStation Portal, were “a necessary step to ensure we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide,” Sony said at the time. Maybe that money is going into the re-introduction of themes?
Sony typically tests its PS5 updates with a small section of users before rolling them out more widely to more players in its PS5 beta program — and ultimately, all PS5 players. The company has not commented publicly on the rollout to date, but it likely won’t be long until we hear more. In the meantime, let us know if the new dashboard pops up on your console!
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
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https://www.ign.com/articles/looks-like-sony-is-testing-a-new-playstation-5-dashboard-design-and-fans-hope-full-themes-are-next
Tom Phillips
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