Company logos don’t get more nostalgic (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Sony is celebrating 30 years of PlayStation with some new customisation options designed to tickle your nostalgia, along with a special montage.
PlayStation is leaning into its 30th anniversary with special edition consoles and a bumper sale on the PlayStation Store, but it has another treat for those who are old enough to remember Sony’s original console.
The original PlayStation first launched on December 3, 1994 in Japan, before it came to the rest of the world the following year. It changed the gaming landscape in many ways, and Sony has been one of the most dominant forces in gaming ever since.
More importantly, the original PlayStation had a cool boot-up sequence which scolded your retinas when playing under the cover of darkness – something Sony has decided to bring back for a limited time on the PlayStation 5.
Following an update released on Monday, December 2, the original bright white PlayStation boot-up sequence, complete with the same audio track, will now play when you turn on the PlayStation 5.
There’s some extra customisation on the dashboard too. If you head over to the settings, a new PlayStation 30th anniversary tab allows you to alter the theme of the dashboard to past console generations (PlayStation, PlayStation 2, 3, or 4) or to a special anniversary banner.
These themes bring back the menu sound cues from the respective console too, along with some small interface changes. Sadly though, as we’ve tested, it doesn’t change the boot-up sequence to the specific console you select.
Weirdly, these themes are only for a limited time, although Sony hasn’t stated when they will be removed. The PlayStation 5 has been crying out for dashboard customisation for some time though, so it’s a strange move not to make them permanent.
To coincide with the anniversary, Sony has also released an anniversary montage featuring games from across its 30-year history. And before you ask: yes, it does feature Bloodborne.
The clip, which also features scenes from The Last Of Us, Final Fantasy 7, and Tomb Raider, is soundtracked by a dramatic version of Dreams by The Cranberries.
There’s a chance Sony might have more tricks up its sleeve this month to mark the 30th anniversary, especially as we approach The Game Awards on December 13.
Give your PS5 a dose of the good old days (Adam Starkey/Metro)
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