My PS Vita dashboard looked the same for over a decade until this open-source app fixed it

For years, the familiar blue bubbles of Sony's original PS Vita home screen greeted me every time I powered up the handheld. Despite installing emulators, overclocking the device, and engaging in countless homebrew projects, the interface remained stubbornly unchanged. That all changed when I discovered VitaOS, an open-source project that revolutionizes the handheld's interface entirely.

With VitaOS, the default LiveArea, previously unchanged despite the proliferation of games and apps, now displays a sleek, tab-based layout inspired by the PS5 interface. Tabs for Home, Play, Movies, Apps, and Downloads offer a fresh, intuitive way to access games, media, and homebrew projects. The Play tab sorts games by collection tool, complete with box art and gameplay previews, while the Movies tab presents films in a cover flow view with brightness and volume controls.

Homebrew apps sit neatly in a grid under the Apps tab, all of which can be rearranged to suit personal preferences. VitaOS also boasts a live, tilt-aware background and support for seven languages, demonstrating the dedication of its single developer. Installing the open-source replacement doesn't require altering existing games, apps, or emulators, but it does provide a more modern, user-friendly experience.

While still early in development, VitaOS promises a smooth installation and removal process, offering a significant upgrade to the console's dashboard without compromising the device's existing functionality.