PlayStation 5 Home Screen Displaying Ads Was A “Tech Error”

Sony addressed widespread user complaints following a recent PS5 update that unexpectedly filled the home screen with promotional materials.

Sony States PS5 Ad Issue Resolved Due to Technical Error

PlayStation Users Express Frustration Over Update

Sony announced on X (formerly Twitter) that a technical error affecting the PS5 console's Official News feature has been resolved. The company clarified that no changes were made to how game news is displayed.

Prior to this announcement, Sony faced significant backlash from users after a PS5 update introduced ads and promotional artwork, along with outdated news, to the console's home screen. These changes, reportedly rolled out gradually over several weeks, culminated with the recent update. Users expressed annoyance online, citing the large amount of screen space occupied by promotional article headlines and artwork.

The PS5 home screen now reportedly displays art and news related to the user's currently focused game. While Sony acknowledged user concerns, some remain critical, calling the changes a "terrible decision." One user commented, "Checked my other games; they also had it. Most background images changed to these poor-quality thumbnails from the news, covering the unique art that gave each game its own theme. Terrible decision, and I hope this changes or we get an opt-out option. At least with the Explore tab, I could ignore it; now it infects every game I own." Another user stated, "It's weird people are defending this. Who wants to spend $500 to be bombarded with ads they didn't ask for?"