Unlike the Xbox Series X’s UI, which largely stays identical to the recently updated interface from the prior generation, the PlayStation 5’s front end experience brings with it a slew of changes from the last console. Sony loves delineation between hardware generations, so it makes sense for them to make the UI notably different.
Some of these changes will take a longtime for PS4 owners to grow accustomed to, however, since old habits die hard. Most of these are positive adjustments, but that does not mean Sony fans will stop tripping over their thumbs as they press the wrong button or head to the wrong menu based on their memory of working with the PS4.
10 Downloading The PS5 Version Of A Game
The PS4 lacked backward compatibility, making this a non-issue before. With several cross-generation games in the picture, you have to be extra careful not to accidentally download the PS4 version of Dirt 5, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, or Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War when putting the game on the new console. Given the new controller features and increased load times, it is pretty easy to figure out when the error has been made, but it still wastes precious time.
9 Powering Down
On the PS4 you have to hold the PS button to bring up the proper menu and shut it down or put it in rest mode. Holding the same button does not bring up a similar prompt on the PS5. Instead, you must simply press it once and then maneuver over to the power symbol when ending your session. It does not make shutting it down any faster. One almost wishes it was not changed.
8 No Folders
Hopefully this option will be added in the future, but as of now there is no way to organize the gaming library into folders. Considering the massive catalog some have amassed over the years through PlayStation Plus, too good to pass up PlayStation Store deals, and general love of the medium, lacking this feature makes finding certain titles a hassle. Even the PS3 has folders, so why shouldn’t the brand new hardware also have them?
7 Reversed PS Button
On the PS4 holding the PS button on the DualSense brings up a menu overlay over the game, though it still took up half the screen. Pressing it once would take you to the media bar while the game ran in the background.
On the PS5 it is the exact opposite, though fortunately the pop-up menu fits over the game nicely without obscuring the gameplay significantly. While inconsequential, it will take some time to get used to.
6 No More Main Console Activation
This is more of a PSA than an annoyance, and is ultimately for the better. Do not go looking for an option to make an account the main one for the console. Such a feature is gone and replaced by the ability to share games on the console. Now you can share your library with everyone on PS5 just by flipping this switch on. Only one console per account can have this feature, however, but it is easy enough to deactivate and reactivate.
5 No More Themes
Those who enjoy personalizing their console will be disappointed by this omission. Themes and wallpapers are currently completely absent. No word on whether this will return later down the line. While some will certainly miss the opportunity to put a picture on the backdrop or change the theme to their favorite game, it is a worthy sacrifice for such a fast and sleek UI. It might be a little harder to distinguish accounts from each other on the PS5, however.
4 Parties And Voice Chat
Party features are significantly expanded upon on PS5, going far beyond being able to chat with friends who are online. With this new functionality comes a new headache for the first several months growing accustomed to the new interface when trying to connect with friends. It is ultimately way faster and more convenient than before, but seven years of activating party chat and inviting friends in one way does not disappear from muscle memory overnight.
3 Seeing Total Play Hours
This seems like such a cool idea, but ultimately makes you question everything in life. You boot up the console to see how much time you’ve put into your favorite game and - oh god, 300 hours in Modern Warfare alone? How is that even possible? Then you scroll to a game you barely remember playing six years ago and it is another one hundred hours you cannot recall spending. Where is life going? Of course, in reality as gamers we all relish every moment spent in these virtual worlds.
2 Explore
One tab on the media bar is dubbed Explore. It is meant to keep you up to date on the best PlayStation has to offer.
It mostly means this part of the UI is filled with advertisements, which is something not entirely welcome. Imagine seeing adds on the desktop of a computer while simply trying to boot up a game. At least it is relegated to one area and not too obtrusive.
1 Changing Profiles And Logging Out
Another primary function moved to a different part of the menu is logging out of an account or switching to a different one. Where you could once hold the PS button and do it from the bar that pops out of the side of the screen, on the PS5 you have to press X above the icon of your account profile picture on the top right side of the screen. It’ll take a few tries before this becomes a habit.
