So, earlier this month, Sony rolled out a UI update for the PS5. Its main feature is a customizable home screen that’ll display different things based on how users are interested in seeing and how they arrange it. However, it seems it’s also come with the unwanted addition of ads in a manner somewhat similar to Xbox.

In the story posted by Mp1st.com, the writer notes how highlighting a game on your homescreen will often show either an ad for a related game or a related video that Sony is pushing for whatever reason. Their example was a big LEGO Horizon backdrop showing up when they highlighted a different Horizon game on their home screen, which they said had them briefly confused as to what game they were about to play.

This actually explains some of the things I’ve been seeing on my own homescreen since the update hit. When I highlight Space Marine 2, I see a backdrop for some sort of developer diary on YouTube. When I highlight Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, I get something similar. I was honestly rather confused as to why I was seeing these things instead of the normal game backgrounds, so it’s kind of nice to know why.

My take on the change is that it’s annoying. Even though it’s not “McDonalds on my dashboard” bad like on Xbox, I don’t want to constantly be fed videos, upsells or game recommendations. When I want to shop, I’ll shop. When I want to watch a video, I’ll watch a video. I don’t need this stuff in my face all the time. Hopefully there’s some way to limit it, but if not perhaps it’ll be a matter of turning off the backdrops altogether.

What do you think about this change? Are ads getting out of control or is this just more of the same?

Image was official marketing material