User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
New PS5 UI Explained: Who Has the Update and What’s Different
Sony is rolling out a new user interface update for the PlayStation 5, which reorganizes categories like PS Store, PS Plus, Games, Library, and Media into separate tabs. This update is not a beta and does not require a download, but is being deployed server-side and is not yet available to all users globally. The changes are minor, focusing on tab organization rather than themes or other major features.
Xbox Ally handhelds are finally getting thumb stick mouse controls, but I'm hoping it's not a desktop mode…
The ASUS ROG Ally handheld is receiving a new 'Gamepad Cursor' feature for Windows Insiders, allowing the left thumbstick to control the mouse. While this aims to improve desktop navigation on the Windows 11-based device, the author expresses hope that it leads to a more console-like experience rather than just another desktop workaround.
New Achievements Features Rolling Out To Xbox Insiders Today | Console Creatures
Microsoft is rolling out new features for Xbox Achievements to Insiders, including visual updates with new icons and animations, personalization options with color themes, and the ability to hide games. Fully completed games will now be clearly marked, and new filtering options will improve navigation for completed or hidden titles.
Sony is reportedly testing a subtle PS5 UI update — 'Welcome back PS4'
Sony is reportedly testing a subtle update to the PlayStation 5's user interface, which rearranges elements at the top of the screen to provide quicker access to the PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Store pages. The changes have been noticed by a user in the PlayStation firmware beta program, and some users have noted similarities to the PlayStation 4's interface.
Here's a Better Look at PS5's Redesigned Home Menu, Currently in Beta
Sony is beta testing a redesigned PlayStation 5 home menu that features a new ribbon at the top for quicker navigation between sections like Games, Library, and the PS Store. This update aims to place more emphasis on games while keeping other applications easily accessible.
WhatsApp adds a better, native interface for CarPlay
Meta has released an updated version of WhatsApp for CarPlay, featuring a significantly improved native interface. The new version offers direct access to contacts, recent chats, and call history, along with shortcut buttons for sending messages and making calls, moving beyond the previous Siri-dependent functionality.
The widening of Steam continues with another UI beta, this time for the mod hotspot Workshop
Valve has launched a beta for a new, wider user interface for the Steam Workshop, aiming to improve browsing speed and ease of use. The update includes larger preview images, faster filtering, a new quick view option, and improved responsiveness for various devices like the Steam Deck and mobile. Valve is seeking user feedback to refine the changes before a wider release.
Browsing the Steam Workshop's 50 million mods just got better thanks to a redesign that loads faster and works…
Valve has rolled out a redesign for the Steam Workshop, enhancing the user experience for browsing over 50 million uploaded mods. The update focuses on faster loading times, improved filtering, larger preview images, and better responsiveness across various devices including PC, mobile, and Steam Deck. This overhaul aims to make discovering and subscribing to game modifications quicker and more intuitive for the millions of players who regularly use the feature.
Chrome finally adds support for vertical tabs.
Google Chrome has begun rolling out a vertical tab organization feature for desktop users, a functionality previously available in competing browsers like Firefox and Safari. The update also includes an enhanced reading mode for a less distracting browsing experience. The rollout may take a few days to reach all devices.
PS5 Home Page Refresh Live Now for Some Users
Sony has begun rolling out an updated PlayStation 5 home screen to some users, featuring minor tweaks to the layout of games and widgets. The update moves PS Plus and PS Store tabs to a secondary menu, offering quicker access to these and other applications within the PS5 ecosystem. This visual refresh is expected to reach all users in the coming months.
PS5 Update for April 2026 Stealth Drops UI Redesign
Sony is rolling out a new PlayStation 5 system software update that introduces minor improvements to the user interface. The update, currently available to beta program participants, features a redesigned top menu bar that separates tabs for the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Plus, games, and library. This change aims to make navigation neater and more convenient.
Last Epoch shows off upcoming quality-of-life features in its monthly newsletter
The April newsletter for Last Epoch highlights upcoming quality-of-life improvements, including enhanced item moving, better sorting for woven echoes, and a smart shader for the minimap. The update also features developer insights and fan-made build guides.
Slay the Spire 2 adds end-of-run badges 'to let you know what was unique about each adventure' in latest beta…
Slay the Spire 2 is introducing end-of-run badges in its latest beta patch, designed to highlight unique accomplishments during gameplay. Developer Mega Crit also detailed numerous balance changes, bug fixes, and UI adjustments, including reworked cards and enemy behaviors. The update aims to enhance run distinctiveness and scoring, with some changes sparking player feedback similar to previous beta releases.
Nintendo has made some changes to Mario user icons in latest Switch 2 and Switch update
Nintendo has updated user icons for the Mario franchise in the latest Nintendo Switch system software update. The changes include new renders for some icons and minor adjustments to retro Mario icons, such as those from Super Mario Bros. 3. The update also introduced a Handheld Mode Boost feature.
World of Warcraft players debate a possible dedicated controller-based interface floated by Blizzard
Blizzard Entertainment's Holly Longdale asked World of Warcraft players about their interest in a dedicated controller-based UI. While the question was solely about interface options, discussions on Reddit touched upon potential console ports and ability rebalancing, with many expressing negative sentiment towards such changes.
Steam store "refresh" is out in beta now, enwidening images and adding infinite scrollage to the homepage
Valve has released a beta version of a redesigned Steam store homepage, featuring wider images, infinite scrolling, and improved hover states. The update aims to display more content and information to help users discover new games, with a more responsive layout that adapts to different screen resolutions and devices like the Steam Deck.
Steam store home page gets a refresh in Beta, plus another Linux SteamRT3 Beta fix
Valve has released an updated Steam store home page in the latest Steam Client Beta, featuring higher resolution art, a wider and more responsive layout, and improved discovery features. Additionally, a fix for the Linux SteamRT3 Beta has been implemented, enhancing Steam's compatibility within a 64-bit container on Linux distributions.
Instead of making a joke, Valve celebrates April Fool's Day by rolling out a Steam storefront 'refresh'…
Valve is testing updates to the Steam store home page, aiming to make it easier for users to find new games by displaying more content and information. The refresh seeks to make Steam feel more cohesive, with improvements to the 'Featured and Recommended' section, micro-trailers on hover, and better visibility for wishlists and DLC.
Crimson Desert Is Absolutely Cooking With Its Insanely Fast Updates
Crimson Desert has received significant post-launch updates, rapidly improving the player experience. Recent patches have addressed major player complaints, including the addition of permanent legendary animal mounts, smoother movement mechanics, and reduced friction in systems like loot upgrading and resource gathering. The developer has also implemented numerous UI improvements and visual enhancements, leading to increased player engagement and positive reception.
Mortal Online 2 discusses party system developments, journal UI overhauls, and a new PvP flag
Star Vault provided updates on Mortal Online 2's upcoming features, including a new party system with a maximum of five players and UI improvements. The developer is also overhauling the game's journal for better integration and is considering a new PvP flagging system to make player intentions clearer.