Gamers will soon have another opportunity to acquire the highly sought-after Astro Bot Joyful Limited Edition DualSense controller. Pre-orders for this special PlayStation accessory are set to begin on September 12 at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET, with the official product launch scheduled for October 30.
While PlayStation has not yet formally announced the pricing, it is widely anticipated that the controller will retail for $85, consistent with the price point of other recently released limited edition DualSense models. The Astro Bot Joyful edition will be made available directly through PlayStation Direct, as well as at major participating retailers in the US, including familiar names like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop.
The “Joyful” designation points to a subtle yet significant design refresh. Unlike the original September 2024 release which featured circular eyes, Astro`s eyes on the touchpad of this new edition will now mirror his cheerful, smiling expression as depicted in the PS5 game and its cover art. Aside from this specific cosmetic update, the controller remains otherwise identical to its predecessor.
The controller`s distinctive white and blue color scheme has been a major factor in its immense popularity, making the release of a second edition a welcome event for fans. It is frequently lauded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing Limited Edition DualSense controllers to date. The overall appeal is further boosted by the critical success of Astro Bot, which is celebrated as one of the best 3D platformers ever created and a strong contender for the title of best overall PS5 game.
It`s important for prospective buyers to be aware that the original Astro Bot controller has commanded substantial prices on the secondary market, with pre-owned units fetching between $150 and $170 on platforms such as eBay and Amazon in recent months. While this new edition might not sell out with the same rapid speed as the initial launch due to its close similarity, it is still advisable for interested customers to act promptly, as stock is expected to be limited.
For context, it is worth noting that PlayStation’s Ghost of Yotei Limited Edition DualSense controllers and accompanying PS5 consoles remained available for approximately a week after their pre-order launch. An exclusive black artwork edition was offered at PlayStation Direct, while a gold edition was widely available at all major retailers.