The 30th anniversary of PlayStation is just around the corner, and Sony has lined up a special release to mark the milestone. With a slew of retro-themed PS5 consoles and accessories, PlayStation fans are eagerly awaiting their chance to get their hands on these collector’s items. However, ahead of the official release date on September 26th, pricing for some of the upcoming 30th Anniversary products has been leaked. In this article, we’ll dive into what these products are, their prices, and what else fans can expect from Sony’s anniversary celebrations.
The 30th Anniversary Collection
The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection is set to include several items modeled after the original PlayStation console, which was first released in December 1994. Sony is celebrating this milestone with a nostalgic look, applying the classic gray color scheme and design aesthetic to a range of its current products.
The collection will feature:
- PS5 Slim
- PS5 Pro
- DualSense controller
- DualSense Edge controller
- PlayStation Portal
All of these items will pay homage to the original PlayStation’s iconic look while boasting the cutting-edge technology and design of the PS5 era.
Price Leaks: What to Expect
Thanks to a report from Dealabs, we now have a clearer idea of what these items will cost. For fans who were concerned about possible steep price hikes due to the limited-edition nature of these products, the leaked information provides some relief—though there are some notable exceptions.
PS5 Slim 30th Anniversary Bundle
The standard PS5 Slim 30th Anniversary console bundle is expected to retail for $499.99. This price is about $50 more than the current PS5 Digital Edition, which suggests that Sony is adding a slight premium due to the exclusivity of the anniversary edition. Given that this is a limited-time release with a nostalgic design, many fans may find the price bump reasonable, especially for collectors and long-time PlayStation enthusiasts.
DualSense Controller
The DualSense 30th Anniversary controller is expected to be priced at $79.99, which aligns with the standard retail price of most DualSense controllers. Despite the special-edition design, Sony doesn’t seem to be increasing the cost of this controller, making it a more accessible option for fans looking to add a piece of PlayStation history to their collection without breaking the bank.
PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Bundle: The Big Ticket Item
Perhaps the most highly anticipated item in the collection is the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary bundle, which has raised the most questions about pricing. According to the leaks, this bundle will be sold exclusively and will only be available in limited quantities—12,300 units worldwide.
The PS5 Pro bundle will come with several accessories, including a DualSense Edge controller and a DualSense charging station. Together, these items would typically retail for over $900 if purchased separately. Due to the limited nature of this bundle and the inclusion of high-end accessories, some PlayStation fans speculate that it could be priced at $1,000 or more. While the exact price hasn’t been confirmed, the premium nature of the bundle suggests it will be positioned as the centerpiece of the anniversary collection.
DualSense Edge and PlayStation Portal
As for the DualSense Edge controller and PlayStation Portal, it’s speculated that their prices will remain consistent with their regular versions. The standard DualSense Edge retails for $199.99, and there’s no indication that the 30th Anniversary edition will be more expensive. Similarly, the PlayStation Portal, a newly announced handheld streaming device, could also maintain its $199.99 price point. While nothing is set in stone, this pricing strategy aligns with Sony’s decision to keep the standard DualSense controller at its usual price.
Limited Quantities and Pre-Orders
The 30th Anniversary PS5 collection will be a limited release, and it’s expected that these items will sell out quickly. Given the hype surrounding the 30th anniversary and the unique appeal of the retro design, demand is anticipated to be high.
For those looking to secure these items, pre-orders are expected to open on September 26th, 2024. Fans should be prepared to act quickly, especially for the more exclusive products like the PS5 Pro bundle. With only 12,300 units available, collectors will need to be ready when pre-orders go live.
What Else to Expect from Sony This Week
In addition to the 30th Anniversary PS5 collection, this week promises more exciting news from Sony. Rumors are swirling that a State of Play event will take place on Tuesday, September 24th. This event is expected to bring updates on upcoming games, hardware, and possibly even more details about the 30th Anniversary products.
Sony’s presence at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 later in the week adds another layer of anticipation. The PlayStation team is likely to make a significant appearance at the event, where fans can expect more announcements, trailers, and perhaps some hands-on opportunities with the new 30th Anniversary gear.
Sony’s 30th Anniversary celebration for PlayStation is shaping up to be a major event for both the company and its fans. The leaked pricing details give us a clearer idea of what to expect when pre-orders go live, and it seems that while some items may come with a premium price tag, others will be more accessible.
For long-time fans of PlayStation, this anniversary collection represents not just a piece of gaming hardware but a piece of history. Whether you’re eyeing the PS5 Slim, the exclusive PS5 Pro bundle, or one of the special-edition controllers, this is a rare opportunity to own a part of PlayStation’s legacy. Stay tuned for the official release on September 26th, and be ready for what is sure to be an exciting week in the world of gaming.