# False Alarm: Unexpected Ads on the PS5 Resulted from a Technical Glitch
Recently, PlayStation 5 (PS5) users were surprised to find unanticipated ads showing up in the console’s main interface. This situation emerged after a new system update, leading to significant worry among gamers who speculated that Sony had implemented ads as a default feature. Nevertheless, Sony has clarified that these advertisements were due to a technical glitch, which has now been corrected.
## **What Occurred?**
After a firmware update for the PS5, several players reported that instead of the usual high-quality visuals of the chosen game, advertisements were appearing in the background. These advertisements varied from new game promotions to outdated announcements, including events that had already occurred.
For example, when players selected *Star Wars Battlefront II*, some noticed an ad for Star Wars Day, an event that takes place annually on May 4th. This was particularly unusual, as the celebration had already passed by the time the issue surfaced.
It is important to note that not all players or titles were impacted by this glitch. Some users experienced no ads whatsoever, while others encountered them only for select games. Titles such as *Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree*, *Space Marines II*, and *Final Fantasy VII* experienced the issue.
### **No Option to Disable the Ads**
One of the most exasperating aspects of the glitch was the inability for players to turn off the advertisements. The only workaround was to disconnect the PS5 from the internet, which prevented ads from being displayed. This led to numerous complaints flooding social media, with players sharing their frustrations and experiences.
For instance, one user on X (formerly Twitter) tweeted:
> “Turns out that the recent PS5 UI update that allowed you to disable all ads on the dashboard was too good to be true. Now EVERY SINGLE GAME on your homescreen shows you an ad in the background with no chance to remove them lol.”
> — Earl Turlet (@alfredobofa), September 29, 2024
## **Sony’s Reaction: Glitch Resolved**
Sony acted quickly to tackle the issue. By Monday, the company recognized that the emergence of ads was a mistake. On September 30, 2024, Sony’s official support account, Ask PlayStation, confirmed via X that the glitch had been resolved:
> “A technical error with the Official News feature on the PS5 console has been fixed. There have been no changes to how game news is presented on PS5.”
> — Ask PlayStation (@AskPlayStation), September 30, 2024
This announcement assured gamers that the unexpected flood of ads was unintentional and that the typical game backgrounds would be reinstated. Sony stressed that no lasting changes had been made to how game-related information is displayed on the PS5.
## **What Does This Imply for PS5 Users?**
The glitch has been resolved, and players should no longer see advertisements in the background while selecting games. The PS5’s user interface should revert to its standard format, showcasing high-resolution imagery relevant to the chosen game, rather than promotional materials.
However, the incident has ignited a larger dialogue about the presence of advertising on gaming consoles. While this specific occurrence was a mistake, it raised player concerns about the potential for ads to become a more enduring aspect in the future. Many gamers expressed annoyance at the thought of advertisements interfering with their gaming experience, particularly without any option to disable them.
## **The Larger Discussion: Ads in Gaming**
The emergence of ads on the PS5, even if accidental, has rekindled the conversation regarding the role of advertising in gaming. Some players contend that ads are an unwelcome disruption, especially on a high-end console like the PS5, which comes with a hefty price. Others are more amenable to ads, as long as they are unobtrusive and pertinent to the gaming experience.
While Sony has not signaled any intentions to implement permanent ads on the PS5, the situation has left some players feeling cautious. The gaming industry, like many other fields, is increasingly examining new sources of revenue, with advertising being a possible option. However, finding a balance between monetization and user experience will be vital for companies like Sony to uphold player satisfaction.
## **Conclusion**
The unexpected appearance of advertisements on the PS5 was a technical glitch rather than a planned alteration to the console’s interface. Sony has corrected the issue, allowing players to once more enjoy their games without the annoyance of unsolicited ads. Although the problem has been addressed, it has spurred a larger conversation about the role of advertising in gaming and whether players can anticipate more of it in the future.
### **Have You Encountered Ads on Your PS5?**
If you were impacted by the recent glitch, or if you have opinions on the presence