A new update is coming to PS5 consoles, bringing improved audio options and the return of classic PlayStation themes. The update will start rolling on April 24th in a phased manner, meaning it may take a while for you to see it pop up on your machine. 

The new audio options, titled Audio Focus, allows you to better listen to specific sounds as you see fit. The feature changes the audio in game so that stuff like voices, footsteps, foliage, engines, and so on, are more prominent in your headphones. Do note the feature doesn't work with TVs and soundbars.

The PlayStation classic themes are the same as the ones from the 30th anniversary update, which Sony promised would make a return. You'll be able to access them from the Appearance section of the Settings menu. While nothing has been confirmed yet, this opens the door for them to add more themes to the console in the near future. Below is what the PS3 theme looks like.

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We continue to work behind the scenes to bring new enhancements to the PS5 experience, and today we are excited to announce two key additions based on player feedback – audio focus  and the return of the classic console designs for the PS5 UI.

The PS5 system update will roll out globally in a phased approach, starting April 24.

Here are details of the new features:

Audio Focus

Audio focus increases immersion by providing presets to amplify soft sounds to meet your hearing preferences, ensuring a clearer audio experience when using headphones or headsets. This feature supports broader accessibility in audio experiences.

When the audio focus setting is turned on, you can choose from a range of preset options which makes it easier to distinguish sounds like in-game character dialogue, subtle sound effects such as footsteps and rustling grass, as well as voices in party chats for a more immersive gaming experience.

  • To enable audio focus, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Volume] > [Audio Focus]. This feature can also be accessed from the Control Center, so you can easily adjust the settings during gameplay.
  • You can choose from four preset focus type options for which sounds to boost:
    • Boost Low Pitch:  Amplify low-frequency sounds like roaring engines and rumbling noises.
    • Boost Voices: Amplify voice chats, character voices, and other middle-frequency sounds.
    • Boost High Pitch: Amplify high-frequency sounds like footsteps and metallic noises.
    • Boost Quiet Sounds: Amplify low-volume sounds in a wide range of frequencies.
  • You can set the level of support for each preset type from three different levels (Weak, Medium, Strong).
  • Additionally, you can also choose to adjust the level of support for the preset for Left / Right channels separately to meet your specific preferences.
  • The audio focus feature is available when using headphones connected via USB or analog jack. It is not supported for HDMI connections through TV, AV receivers or soundbars.

Classic console designs for the PS5 UI returns

During our 30th anniversary celebrations, we surprised our fans with a limited time selection of nostalgic customization features for the PS5 System UI to honor the four PlayStation consoles that paved the way for PS5: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from our community, we’re happy to bring back the look and feel of the four console designs for players to customize the home screen on PS5!

This feature will be called the Appearance, and can be accessed under the Settings menu.

We’re excited to bring the update to you and would love to hear your thoughts on them. Which features are you looking forward to seeing? Share your comments below!

What do you think about the new audio settings? Which PlayStation theme are you going to use? Let us know in the comments below!