PlayStation Service Update: January 2026 Catalogue Changes and Profile Customization Guide
Subscribers to Sony’s PlayStation Plus service are facing a significant catalogue shake-up next month. Sony has officially confirmed the list of titles departing the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium libraries, and users have a limited window to finish these games before they are locked behind a paywall. Just as new content rotates in, older entries must inevitably make way, and the upcoming removal date is set for January 20, 2026.
Departing Titles and Last Chances
The most notable exit in this wave is Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This title is a crucial narrative bridge in the saga, connecting the history of Kazuma Kiryu with the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. For fans who enjoyed the previous entries or need to see what happened to Kiryu after Yakuza 6, prioritizing this game is essential. Also on the chopping block is the critically acclaimed Sayonara Wild Hearts, a rhythm-action masterpiece that is widely considered a must-play.
Rounding out the list of departures are the family-friendly Monopoly Plus and the mech-action brawler SD Gundam: Battle Alliance. If you had plans to utilize Monopoly Plus for digital family gatherings over the holidays, you should get those sessions in now. Once January 20 arrives, these four titles will disappear from the service until further notice, meaning your only option to access them afterward will be a direct digital or physical purchase. While it is always unfortunate to see games leave, Sony is expected to announce the incoming January lineup shortly.
Customizing Your Console Experience
While players have little control over licensing agreements and catalogue rotations, there are aspects of the PS5 experience users can take into their own hands, albeit with some difficulty. One of the most persistent complaints regarding the console is its lack of customization compared to previous generations. The PS5 is a powerhouse for running high-end software, but it lacks native support for custom system wallpapers, relying instead on dynamic themes that shift based on the currently selected app.
However, there is a workaround. While you cannot change the main home screen background, you can force a custom cover image onto your profile page to give your setup a more personal touch. Since the console does not feature a dedicated, easily accessible web browser app, achieving this requires a specific “backdoor” method involving the messaging system.
Navigating the Workaround
To start this process, press the PS button on your controller to access the Game Base. Select the Messages option and open a thread with a friend. You will need to type and send the message “Google.com” to the recipient. Once sent, this text converts into a functional hyperlink. Clicking this link launches the system’s hidden web interface, allowing you to browse the internet.
From here, search for the specific wallpaper you want. It is best to find an image with a resolution equal to or higher than your screen’s output for clarity. Once the image is loaded, press the Create button on your controller to take a screenshot. You will then need to open the screenshot menu, select the image, and use the edit tool (indicated by a brush icon) to crop the picture to your preference. We recommend replacing the original file when saving to keep your storage organized.
Finalizing the New Look
With the image prepped, return to the main menu and navigate to your Profile icon. Select “Edit Profile” and then choose “Cover Image.” From this menu, you can upload the screenshot you just manipulated. The system will provide a preview of how the background looks; if you are satisfied, simply hit save. While this is a convoluted hoop to jump through for a basic feature, it remains the only viable way to break away from the standard dynamic themes. Between clearing out your backlog before the January deadline and tweaking your profile aesthetics, it looks to be a busy start to 2026 for PlayStation enthusiasts.
