In a long-awaited move, Sony has rolled out animated backgrounds for the PlayStation 5, a feature that fans have been eagerly anticipating. This update, which became available on April 9, 2025, is currently being introduced to select PS5 users, marking a significant step in enhancing the console's customization options.
The new animated backgrounds are themed around some of PlayStation's most beloved franchises, including God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, and Ghost of Yotei. Other titles featured in this update include Demon’s Souls, Days Gone Remastered, Astro Bot, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Rise of the Ronin, Stellar Blade, and LEGO Horizon Adventures. This selection showcases Sony's commitment to integrating its rich library of intellectual properties into the user experience.
To check if you have access to these new animated backgrounds, users can navigate to the Welcome Hub on their PS5 home screen. From there, they should scroll down to the background tab and select the games option. If the new backgrounds are not visible, it simply means that the feature has not yet been rolled out to their console.
Despite the excitement surrounding this feature, there are some limitations. The animated themes are currently confined to the Welcome Hub and do not extend to other menu screens. This has led to mixed reactions from the gaming community, as many had hoped for a more expansive rollout similar to the customizable themes available on the PlayStation 4. One user expressed their surprise, noting, "I had honestly accepted that this day would never arrive," referring to the long wait for dynamic themes.
While the update has been met with enthusiasm, Sony has not clarified whether this feature will eventually be available to all PS5 users. The phased rollout approach has left some fans anxious about when they might receive access. "It’s believed that most people should already have access to an Astro Bot option," a source noted, suggesting that the rollout is indeed happening gradually.
In addition to the animated backgrounds, the upcoming release of Days Gone Remastered on April 25, 2025, is generating buzz. This remaster will feature new key art, and its associated background is part of the new update. The anticipation surrounding this title has only heightened interest in the animated backgrounds, as players look forward to personalizing their consoles with themes from their favorite games.
Though the new backgrounds are a welcome addition, some users have expressed disappointment over the limited scope of customization. The backgrounds only affect the Welcome Hub, which contains customizable widgets displaying information like PlayStation Trophy counts and controller battery life. This limitation has prompted discussions within the community about the need for a more comprehensive theme system.
Sony has also indicated plans to bring back the PlayStation 30th Anniversary themes, which previously offered custom icons, sounds, and a boot screen. However, the company has made it clear that there are no current plans for additional PS5 themes beyond the ones recently introduced. "While there aren’t plans to create additional themes in the future, we're excited to keep celebrating legacy PlayStation hardware with you all," Sony stated on social media.
The introduction of animated backgrounds is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the user experience on the PS5. Many fans have long criticized the lack of customization options compared to the PS4, and this update appears to be a response to those concerns. Players have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the new feature, with some stating that it adds a fresh look to their consoles.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, features like these are crucial in keeping players engaged and satisfied with their consoles. The animated backgrounds not only enhance the visual appeal of the PS5 but also reflect the nostalgia and loyalty that many gamers feel towards PlayStation's iconic franchises.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Sony will expand this feature and whether they will take further steps to enhance the customization options available to PS5 users. For now, fans can enjoy the animated backgrounds that celebrate some of the most iconic games in PlayStation history.
In summary, the rollout of animated backgrounds for the PS5 is a significant development for Sony and its community of gamers. With a selection that highlights beloved franchises and a promise of more to come, this update is likely to be well-received, even if it comes with some limitations. As players eagerly await the next steps, the excitement surrounding this new feature serves as a reminder of the strong bond between PlayStation and its fans.
