Sony Adds Throwback Menu Themes to PS5 For PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary

Do you close your eyes and dream of when videogame consoles had iconic startup screens, like the PS2’s cube-filled dream dimension? Lucky for you, Sony is turning back the clock to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary with a few limited time menu changes to the PS5.

Once you’ve downloaded the anniversary update, you’ll be greeted with the PS1’s memorable boot animation each time you turn on your PS5. Beyond this, there are also several free background themes that alter the look and sounds of the PS5 home menu to match those of previous PlayStation consoles. Here, you can admire the satisfying pings of the PS2’s menu navigation, the wonky thwangs of the PS1, and remember how the PS3 made it sound like you were navigating some sort of spreadsheet management software.

These menu themes aren’t the only celebration of PlayStation’s 30th birthday. For starters, from today until December 20, the PlayStation Store has an anniversary sale featuring hundreds of games. Beyond this, back in September Sony announced a limited edition run of PlayStation 5 consoles, controllers, and PlayStation Portals themed after the original PlayStation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like they’re selling the console face plates for these special edition PS5s seperately, but at least the throwback controllers are available if you don’t feel like shelling out several hundred dollars.

The original PlayStation was released in Japan on December 3, 1994, and came to the United States and Europe roughly a year later. It sold over 100 million units in total, allowing Sony to fully launch into the console business. The company’s latest console, the PlayStation 5, has sold over 65 million units since releasing four years ago, putting it well ahead of its direct competitor, the Xbox Series X/S, which has sold around 29 million units.