via Computer and Video Games


The PS3's already massively customisable themes had so far only allowed for changes to the background image, menu fonts and symbols, but Sony's latest themes come with one extra surprise - new sounds.

By default, the PS3 makes a nice little swooshing sound as you browse through its menus. But a new Heavenly Sword theme swaps that out with the clashing of oriental-style symbols.

The Ratchet and Clank theme takes it one step further, applying a selection of four different futuristic sound effects to the dashboard, each one chiming out depending on what you're doing.

Now, things will get even more interesting if Sony updates its custom theme tool to allow for users to apply their own sounds. Think gun shots for a Call of Duty theme, various "D'oh" chants for a Simpsons theme, or, if you're a fan of irony, the Xbox 360 dashboard sounds.

The new themes can be downloaded for free via the US PSN Store.