PS5 Dashboard Faces Backlash Over Unwanted Ads

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) has recently introduced a new feature that has left many users feeling frustrated. This feature replaces the unique artwork of video games on the homescreen with advertisements that cannot be turned off unless the console is disconnected from the internet. This change has sparked a wave of criticism from gamers who feel that their gaming experience has been compromised.

When users hover over a game icon on the PS5 dashboard, they are now greeted with ads that take the place of the game’s original art. This is a significant shift from the previous design, where the homescreen showcased the unique visuals of each game. Instead, the PS5 now pulls in the latest news related to each game, which can include YouTube videos, patch notes, or even announcements for entirely different games. While the intention may be to keep players informed, the execution has not been well received.

Many users have pointed out that the ads often feature outdated information. For instance, the advertisement for Marvel's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which was labeled as “coming soon,” was actually released in June 2023. Similarly, NBA 2K25 displays an ad for early access that is nearly a month old. This has led to confusion among players, especially those who may not be up-to-date with the latest gaming news.

Some advertisements have also been described as particularly misleading. For example, when selecting Horizon Zero Dawn, an ad for the upcoming Lego Horizon Adventures appears, making it seem as though players are about to launch a game that is not yet available. This has raised concerns about the clarity and relevance of the information being presented to users.

Interestingly, not all games are affected by this new advertising system. Titles like Astro Bot and Yakuza Kiwami 2 have not yet adopted this feature, possibly due to a lack of recent news to display. This inconsistency adds to the confusion surrounding the PS5’s new approach to its dashboard.

Historically, the PlayStation dashboard has included advertisements, but they were primarily confined to the PlayStation Store. In contrast, Microsoft’s Xbox dashboard has long been filled with ads, yet it allows users to prioritize themes on their homescreen. The recent changes to the PS5 dashboard have led to speculation that this feature was introduced as part of a recent firmware update, although it was not mentioned in the official patch notes.

As gamers express their dissatisfaction, many are calling for a way to disable these intrusive ads. Comments from users highlight a common sentiment: “There definitely should be a way to disable this,” one user remarked, emphasizing the need for a more user-friendly experience. Another user expressed hope for a quick resolution, stating, “Terrible decision and I hope this gets changed or a way to opt out quickly.”

While the intention behind the PS5’s new advertising feature may be to keep players informed, the execution has left much to be desired. The replacement of unique game art with potentially outdated ads not only disrupts the gaming experience but also raises questions about the relevance of the information being presented. As the gaming community continues to voice its concerns, it remains to be seen whether Sony will take action to address these issues and restore a more enjoyable user experience for PS5 owners.