Channeling the design of the PS1, which turns 30 in December, the batch of goodies includes a PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim Digital Edition. Both will come with the old-school DualSense controller (also sold separately) and its accompanying connector cable.
If you haven’t forked out for Sony’s latest handheld, you’ll be happy to learn that the PlayStation Portal is also part of the cosplay collection.
The full range of consoles and accessories included in the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection
Sony
Styled after Sony’s iconic first console, which helped bring gaming to a wider adult audience, the revamped hardware sports a sleek, minimalist design in classic grays and blacks.
In another wink to the PS1, the PlayStation logo ditched from current consoles has been swapped for the multi-colored original. Even the packaging looks vintage, with the iconic gray box design reminiscent of the PlayStation’s first launch.
It’s enough to make you feel like you’re back in your childhood bedroom, the walls adorned with Lara Croft posters, sitting on a carpeted floor strewn with copies of the official PlayStation Magazine UK.
The special edition version of the portable PlayStation Portal, which allows you to stream games directly from your PS5
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In reality, you’ll probably struggle to afford the new hardware. With only 12,300 PS5 Pro units on offer, each one engraved with its limited edition number, the upcoming console will be nearly impossible to buy at launch.
Scalpers are likely to swoop in, driving up resale prices and making it even harder for regular buyers to get their hands on one.
What is included in the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection?
Here’s the full range of products that Sony is offering as part of the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection:
PlayStation 5 Pro Console – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle
- The limited edition PS5 Pro with 2TB of storage
- DualSense wireless controller special edition
- Special Edition DualSense Edge Controller, DualSense Charging Station, and a Disc Drive Console Cover (Disc Drive sold separately).
- Vertical stand
- Collectibles: Classic PlayStation controller cable sleeve, four PlayStation Shapes cable ties, PlayStation sticker, limited edition poster (1 of 30 designs), and a PlayStation paper clip.
Those who can’t find or afford limited edition consoles may have to settle for a throwback DualSense Edge controller.
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PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle
- PS5 Digital Edition console with 1TB of storage
- Special edition DualSense wireless controller and Disc Drive Console Cover (Disc Drive sold separately).
- Vertical stand and collectibles listed above.
PlayStation Portal Remote Player – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone)
DualSense Edge Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone)
DualSense Wireless Controller – 30th Anniversary Limited Edition (standalone)
Even the packaging mirrors the original PS1 box
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When are the new consoles coming out?
Pre-orders for the collection begin on September 26th from the PlayStation Direct online store, and October 10th everywhere, with prices not yet announced.
That’s the same date the standard PS5 Pro goes on sale. Don’t be surprised if the limited edition version costs more than its £700 price tag, especially as it comes with extra accessories.
A closer look at the special edition PS5 digital console and accompanying DualSense controller
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Are consoles too expensive?
As such, Sony will not fight the allegations that the prices of many consumers out of their latest hardware. Some industry experts I believe the ultra high-end PS5 Pro, a graphics powerhouse that can enhance the visuals on new and old titles, indicates the future of Sony’s game business.
While rivals Nintendo and Xbox try to appeal to a wider range of gamers with wallet-friendly and multi-platform game subscriptions, analysts say Sony is prioritizing profit margins over mass-market appeal.
Targeting hardcore gamers with deep pockets, Sony is betting that this younger, more dedicated contingent is willing to pay for premium performance, signaling that the era of affordable mainstream PlayStation consoles may be coming to an end.
In addition to budget-conscious gamers, owners of the original PS5 are also willing to miss out on the new collection. It probably wouldn’t be hard to create PS1-style swappable panels for the older console, but they wouldn’t cost that much.