PS5 interface getting a huge overhaul with 'no pixel untouched'

(Paradigm credit: Sony)

Although nosotros've seen the PS5's physical design and a big clamper of its game library, we still have a few big questions: When will it come out? How much will information technology cost? And what will the system's interface look like? We finally have a piffling information on the last question, courtesy of Matt MacLaurin, vice president of UX blueprint at PlayStation.

MacLaurin has revealed small-scale tidbits about how the PS5'due south home screen and menus will piece of work — and, believe it or not, nosotros've already seen our kickoff glimpse of information technology in action.

PS5: Release date, price, specs, games and more than
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Which console volition win?
Plus: PS5'southward about impressive new game is Ratchet & Clank — hither'due south why

Information comes from a LinkedIn thread where MacLaurin took questions from other industry professionals and, somewhat amazingly, answered the vast bulk of them. Well-nigh of MacLaurin's responses were brusk and ambiguous, only his comments on the PS5's interface gave us a practiced hint of what to expect.

A fellow UX designer asked MacLaurin about Sony'south plans for the UI. MacLaurin replied:

"Information technology'due south a very interesting evolution of the OS; more subtle than flashy merely no pixel is untouched."

In other words: We don't know exactly what the PS5 interface will await like, but nosotros do know that it won't only be a flashier version of the PS4's. This is perchance non the virtually surprising news, but it does mean that Sony is sticking with its "function over class" interface strategy from the PS3 and the PS4.

Another designer asked if MacLaurin could share whatsoever screenshots from the OS.

"There is an easter-egg-level reveal in the video," MacLaurin wrote. Indeed, if you sentry the PS5 briefing video closely, in that location is a small segment in which nosotros come across a cascade of lights across a gray screen, followed by a prompt to press the PS button to outset the system. Presumably, this is the PS5's startup screen. The cascade effect was reminiscent of the PS3'due south interface.

While the PS1 and PS2 had very limited interfaces (basically either "play the disc" or "don't play the disc"), the PS3 had to manage disc games, downloadable games, streaming media, online connectivity and connecting with Sony's handheld consoles. The PS4 has to do almost of the aforementioned things, plus Remote Play and VR interfaces. Every bit such, both the PS3 and the PS4 relied on scrollable horizontal menus to present options in a straightforward, uncluttered style. Neither the PS3 nor the PS4 has a particularly gorgeous interface, but they practice make it piece of cake to find your games and media.

A unmarried startup screen isn't much to proceed, but we can infer a few things from it, besides as MacLaurin's comments. The interface may non look just similar the PS4'south, only information technology will probably continue the PS4's streamlined, utilitarian arroyo. With more PS5 announcements and showcases expected in the atomic number 82-up to the panel's vacation release, we should become our first official look at the interface sooner than later.

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing groundwork, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. Afterwards hours, y'all can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on archetype sci-fi.