For anyone who regretted missing out on last year’s special release of the limited-edition Astro Bot DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, there is finally welcome news. Sony has officially announced that it will be introducing a brand-new version of the gamepad, charmingly called the ‘Joyful’ edition. This fresh iteration is set to launch on October 30th at a retail price of $84.99, and eager fans can already place their preorders directly through the PlayStation Store. With this new release, Sony is providing a rare second chance for players and collectors alike to secure a themed controller that celebrates one of PlayStation’s most beloved mascots.
To provide context, the original Astro Bot controller was unveiled in collaboration between Sony and Team Asobi, the studio behind the widely popular Astro Bot game. That earlier controller was crafted as a commemorative piece for the launch of the title and came adorned with a variety of delightful details that gave it immediate collector’s appeal. Among its most eye-catching touches were the polished light-blue accents on both the grips and face buttons, as well as an especially whimsical design choice: the addition of playful cartoon-style eyes placed directly on the touchpad, which instantly made the controller appear as if it were smiling back at the player. Unsurprisingly, the accessory proved extremely popular and disappeared from shelves almost instantly, selling out not only in its initial run but also in subsequent restocks. As a result, many gamers were left empty-handed after trying unsuccessfully to acquire one.
The newly announced Joyful Astro Bot DualSense controller carries forward much of the visual identity of that original design, ensuring continuity and familiarity for fans. The device once again employs the striking blue-tinted grips and buttons that became a hallmark of the first edition, and it retains the intricate sci-fi-inspired etchings that carved delicate futuristic lines into the chassis. However, there is also one very deliberate and charming change that distinguishes this new controller from its predecessor: the expression of the stylized eyes on the touchpad. Instead of being drawn wide open as before, these eyes are rendered in a slightly squinting style, which lends the controller a lighthearted and more endearing aura, as though Astro itself were grinning joyfully. Importantly, just as with the original model, the eyes are purely decorative illustrations etched onto the surface rather than any sort of animated or responsive element, so they do not physically ‘emote.’
Beyond these aesthetic embellishments, the Joyful edition retains the exact same technical capabilities as the standard DualSense controller that ships with the PlayStation 5. Owners can expect the full suite of advanced features that define the DualSense experience: highly nuanced haptic feedback that translates in-game environments into subtle vibrations, adaptive triggers that dynamically adjust resistance to mirror the tension of gameplay scenarios, sophisticated motion controls, and the convenience of an integrated microphone for in-game communication without the need for an external headset.
It is worth noting that demand for the first Astro Bot-themed controller has kept its resale value conspicuously high, with listings across secondary marketplaces such as eBay still carrying significant markups well above the original retail price. This inflated resale market has made it practically unattainable for fans unwilling to pay far beyond the intended cost. The positive development with the Joyful edition, however, is that it arrives unaffected by Sony’s recent increases in the pricing of some PlayStation accessories. That means enthusiasts can purchase it at its intended $84.99 price point, provided they act promptly before supplies inevitably diminish.
Given the historical precedent of rapid sell-outs, it would be unsurprising if this edition follows a similar trajectory of scarcity. For those who either miss out again or prefer a different aesthetic theme, Sony’s catalog fortunately contains several other attractively designed DualSense controllers. Options include special variants inspired by popular titles such as *Helldivers 2* and *Spider-Man 2*, as well as the sleek black-and-gold accented *Ghost of Yotei* version. Each of these models, like the Joyful Astro Bot controller, is priced at $84.99, offering fans ample variety while maintaining consistency in value.
Ultimately, the arrival of the Joyful Astro Bot DualSense represents both an opportunity for collectors to enrich their setups and a celebration of PlayStation culture, distilling charm, nostalgia, and advanced console technology into a single iconic accessory.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/773522/astro-bot-joyful-dualsense-wireless-controller-preorder-price-release-date-ps5
