In an interview with gaming media outlet Game File, Cory Gasaway, Vice President of Games, Products, and Player Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, revealed the reasoning behind the introduction of the Welcome Hub feature on PlayStation 5 in 2024.
Gasaway explained that Sony discovered an unexpected split in how players manage their PS5 consoles when temporarily stepping away—half choose to power off, while the other half prefer standby mode.
These insights, drawn from internal surveys, challenged Sony’s prior assumption that most users relied on standby mode.
This equal divide in user behaviour prompted a redesign of the system interface to cater to both preferences, culminating in the creation of the Welcome Hub.
What is the Welcome Hub?
Launched in September 2024, the Welcome Hub offers a customizable interface on the PS5 home screen, designed to provide practical information and personalized tools for gamers.
Key features include:
- Storage Indicator Widget: Located in the top-left corner, it displays a color-coded banner that visually represents how much storage space is being used.
- Trophy Progress Tracker: A rectangular widget keeps players updated on their progress toward unlocking game trophies.
- Download Status Capsule: A slender widget shows ongoing downloads, with green for active downloads and red for halted ones.
Players can filter the widgets, resize them, and arrange them according to their preferences, enhancing both convenience and personalization.
Why It Matters
Gasaway highlighted how this new feature aligns with Sony’s commitment to improving the player experience by addressing a variety of usage habits.
By accommodating players who prefer to power off instead of using standby mode, the Welcome Hub reflects a more user-centric approach to the PS5’s design philosophy.
The feature has since gained popularity for its seamless integration of system data with practical customization options, making it a welcome addition for players across the board.
