PS5 Dashboard Redesign Leaked in Beta With Major UI Improvements

Sony appears to be working on a major update to the PlayStation 5's home screen. Beta users are trying out a new look right now. Earlier updates already had some small changes made by the company. For example, the welcome tab and overall viewing were improved. This new version, on the other hand, seems to change how players interact with the system in a more significant way.

The updated dashboard still seems to have much of the same layout, based on early looks and pictures shared online. About 35% of the design hasn't changed, so people can still use it as they normally do. The most obvious change is the new row of buttons at the top of the screen. These buttons reorganize some of the system's most important parts.

There is now a bar at the top that separates PlayStation Plus, the PlayStation Store, and the main row of games and apps.

Back then, they were often bundled with games already loaded, which sometimes created a sense of disarray. Sony's decision to nest them in a separate menu layer appears to be an effort to streamline the user experience and make it more intuitive. Another big change that stands out is the way navigation works. The old L1 and R1 buttons still work, but they look like they can do more now.

There are now more options in the top bar than just the old "Games" and "Media." In the new update, you can now go back and forth between the store, the library, the media, and the subscription services. It is easier and faster to get from one part of the system to another after this change.

The change also fixes a small design mistake that had been there for a long time. A lot of people have said that the main row of the dashboard looks like a game or an app. This makes the shops and subscription hubs look a little out of place. The design stands out more, which fits better with how players naturally group things.

Some people have already said that the update makes things easier to use, but it doesn't really change how the system works. It looks like a lot of work goes into finding the best balance between getting better and getting old. Users won't get lost this way, and the site will still look better for them.

To improve the layout, the new top navigation bar separates games from services.

Right now, the only way to get the fix is to join Sony's software beta testing program. When a company does this kind of rollout, it's likely getting feedback from people who aren't on its own development teams. It identifies areas where assistance is lacking, streamlines navigation, and verifies that adjustments function correctly across various situations.

Assuming Sony adheres to its typical schedule, anyone with a PS5 should receive the update roughly a month or two after the beta concludes. That date could, of course, change based on what people say and what needs to be changed before the full rollout. Views and screenshots from early access so far mostly give a good image. For the most part, the update doesn't try to make the screen brand new.

The primary objective is to enhance clarity, streamline organization, and simplify navigation. These subtle adjustments can significantly improve your daily interactions. As more testers gain access, we'll gain a clearer understanding of the update's effectiveness and user reception. This testing phase demonstrates Sony's ongoing commitment to refining the PlayStation 5 experience in the interim.