Bold claim: PS5’s Welcome Hub just confirmed Sony’s plan to steer you toward its upcoming FPS, Marathon, rather than celebrating a broad mix of features. But here’s where it gets controversial: the update is visually interesting yet disappointingly restrained in motion or audio, and it leaves many readers wondering if Sony’s marketing approach is shaping a long game or just a quick tease.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
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By Sammy Barker (Push Square)
Yesterday, 4pm
PS5’s Welcome Hub, the console’s landing page, periodically refreshes with fresh wallpapers and new features. A few weeks after Marathon’s release, Sony refreshed the hub with a background inspired by Bungie’s extraction shooter. Unfortunately, the update isn’t animated and doesn’t include the festive soundscape that accompanied the Christmas-themed fireplace wallpaper.
In fact, given how compelling the previous holiday design looked, the new red-toned background feels a bit bland by comparison.
Sony could have elevated this presentation, but there’s potential for more Marathon-themed backgrounds down the line—assuming the FPS proves popular.
About the author:
Sammy Barker, editor at Push Square, brings over 15 years of PlayStation-focused analysis, from PS3 through PS5 and beyond. He’s knowledgeable about PS Studios and industry trends, with interests spanning sports sims, RPGs, and a penchant for gacha games.
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- Author profile: https://www.pushsquare.com/authors/get2sammyb
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Thought-provoking takeaway: Do you think Sony’s gradual, theme-first hub updates are enough to sustain momentum for Marathon, or should the company push more dynamic visuals and audio to amp anticipation? Share your stance in the comments.
Would you like me to tailor this rewrite to a specific audience (console enthusiasts, general readers, or industry insiders) or adjust the tone to be more casual or more formal?
