Sony is giving gamers a surprise shot of nostalgia to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, which actually falls today on 3 December 2024. A recent update for the PS5 console has introduced classic boot screens and themes from each generation of PlayStation hardware, giving fans the chance to relive memories from the brand’s iconic history.
Upon installing the update, users are prompted to select their favourite PlayStation generation during their first boot-up. This choice customises the PS5 dashboard’s colours, sounds, and overall appearance to reflect the chosen console’s unique user interface, themes, and sound effects. It’s a tailored throwback for fans of the PS1 through PS4 eras.
The PS1 theme features the classic console’s imagery on the home screen background, while the PS2 theme incorporates its recognisable menu shapes. The PS3 and PS4 themes bring their respective wave-patterned designs to life on the PS5. Adding to the charm is a thank-you message displayed when shutting down or restarting the console, celebrating players as part of Sony’s journey.
Gamers can also explore all the themes through a new “PlayStation 30th Anniversary” option in the PS5 settings menu. However, these themes are only available for a limited time. Sony has not specified an exact end date, but they are expected to be removed in the coming weeks, making it a fleeting yet memorable addition.
Beyond the PS5 update, Sony has launched a celebratory video (shown above) thanking players for 30 years of support. To further mark the occasion, an anniversary sale offering discounts on various games and content is live and will run until 20 December. A dedicated anniversary website has also been created to showcase significant milestones in PlayStation’s history.
