Sony is rolling out a new PS5 system software update that adds a “new personalized space” to the console’s UI in the form of the Welcome Hub, plus more besides.
The Welcome Hub replaces the Explore tab, which was previously exclusive to US PlayStation users. Sony says it’s rolling out “globally over the next few weeks”, and select players in the US will get the new hub today.
The Welcome Hub lets you customize your home screen with widgets including accessory battery levels, trophies, and online friends, plus “many more”. It comes with a range of presets you can use to quickly switch your widget layout, and you can arrange and resize widgets, too.
If you’ve been hankering for a return to the old days of PS4 wallpaper, you’ll be pleased to know you can also change your Welcome Screen’s background, and you can even use one of your own screenshots if you want.
According to Sony, US players will get the Welcome Hub update first, followed by Japanese players, then European gamers, and finally everyone else around the world. Hold tight, it’s coming!
It’s not just the Welcome Hub, though. The new Party Share feature is also getting a phased release with this update, and it’ll let you send PS5 party chat links via any social media or messaging app thanks to the magic of QR codes.
Other new features rolling out as part of this PS5 update include personalized headphone and earbud 3D audio profiles, Remote Play settings for individual users, and adaptive controller charging (although only for selected models).
News of this update comes just a couple of days after Sony announced the PS5 Pro, a mid-generation refresh console that features improved technical performance and increased storage capacity.
The PS5 Pro is one of two PS5 models that can take advantage of adaptive controller charging, alongside the Slim models that were introduced towards the end of last year.
You can check out a full breakdown of everything that’s coming with the new PS5 system software update right here. Elements of the update roll out today, and a phased global rollout will take place over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more.
