It’s nice to see the Astro Bot character, who has existed in the PlayStation ecosystem mostly as a tech demo mascot for a decade, finally getting the respect he deserves. He’s got a new, full-fledged video game hitting shelves and PS5 digital stores on September 6, and it looks like Sony is putting a little more marketing power behind it with a new DualSense controller. Oh, and it’s available for pre-order. Right now. Go, go, go!
The Astro Bot DualSense controller is available for pre-order on the PlayStation Direct store, GameStop, and Target for $79.99, and it’s definitely one of the more distinct versions of the controller Sony has put out to promote an upcoming game. The touchpad has Astro’s distinct, pixelated blue eyes, like the little guy is living inside the device and watching you. But the mostly white controller also includes sleek blue finishes on the side which further distinguish it from your average DualSense controller. It’s really cute. So if you’re a fan of Astro Bot, head on over to the PlayStation store and pre-order one. It will launch alongside the game on September 6.
Astro Bot started out as a character in The Playroom, which was a tech demo pre-installed on every PlayStation 4 in 2013. The character then got his own PSVR game with Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, and was used again in the PlayStation 5 pack-in game Astro’s Playroom, which acted as tech demo for the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers as well as a tribute to PlayStation history. Dozens of characters from throughout the brand’s lifetime appeared as robot versions of themselves, and it looks like Astro Bot will carry on these homages when it launches next month. We’ve already spotted several references and cameos in the game’s trailer, so check that out if you feel like getting nostalgic. Crossing my fingers for a Sly Cooper appearance, as I’ll take any indication that Sony hasn’t given up on my kleptomaniac son.
Astro Bot is a PlayStation Exclusive
Astro Bot promises to be one of the biggest PS5-exclusive games of the year, with adorable robots and over 80 levels of colorful platforming. To go along with the game, Sony is releasing a new Astro Bot-themed PS5 DualSense wireless controller. It’s set to come out the same day as the game, on September 6, but you can preorder it now for $79.99 (see it at Walmart).
The controller is white and blue, just like the adorable robot it’s based on. The touchpad lights up with animated Astro Bot eyes that blink and show various emotions. The shapes on the face buttons and the arrows on the D-pad are done in a lighter blue color that looks quite nice, if you ask me.
As for the game itself, it’s a continuation of the world and character created for a mini-game included in The Playroom VR for PS4. Developer Team Asobi followed this up with the PSVR-exclusive Astro Bot Rescue Mission, followed by the PS5 pack-in game Astro’s Playroom. Apparently the people demanded more, which brings us to the full-sizezd upcoming PS5 game (you can preorder Astro Bot now).
Astro Bot is a much bigger game than its predecessors, with dozens of levels to run, jump, and hover your way through. Like the previous installments, it will feature lots of PlayStation Easter eggs, with robot versions of characters like Kratos and the hero of Bloodborne showing up.
From our Astro Bot hands-on preview: “Astro Bot sends our little hero cruising through space atop a giant DualSense controller, hopping from planet to planet in search of his lost bot buddies. I’m told Astro Bot has around 80 levels to visit, all bursting with hidden bots, puzzle pieces, boss battles, goofy power-ups, coins, and little challenges leading to delightful secrets.
“I saw five levels in my playthrough. One, a lush area with clear pools, pink flamingos, and rolling green hills in the distance, was full of water-based mechanics. I swam through little reefs of colorful fish, slid down a giant water slide, and unzipped giant water bubbles to unleash the flood inside.”
The New Astro Bot DualSense Controller
If you like the look of the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense controller, you need to know where to pre-order it. Astro Bot's next big PS5 adventure drops later this year, and it might actually be one of the most hyped PS5 releases in a long time. Not only are people excited for the next Astro game, but they're also loving the look of its official DualSense skin - and rightly so!
This might be one of the freshest takes on the DualSense controller we've seen since the PS5 launched in 2020. God of War Ragnarok's Limited Edition pad comes close, but this actually looks a little bit like its titular character. The design really is well thought-out, and adds some more personality to an accessory we use every day. Is this the best PS5 controller? Who's to say, but with all the excitement around it, we thought it best to tell you where you can get your paws on one.
Where to Find the Astro Bot DualSense Controller
The Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense Wireless Controller is now available for pre-order in both the US and UK, but retailers are a little slow on the uptake. You'll find it live at Very in the UK, though Currys has already sold out of the gamepad. It'll cost a little more than the regular DualSense, going for $79.99 / £69.99. We've been told through the PlayStation Blog that that “Limited Edition” title will be for good reason, as the gamepad will be in short supply, so you'd better be on the ball if you'd like to grab this keepsake.
Below, you'll find the best places in the US and UK to pre-order the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense controller.
US Retailers
- PlayStation Store | In Stock - $79.99
The PlayStation Store is the first US retailer to launch stock of the limited edition controller, with free delivery to boot.
- Amazon | Check Stock
Amazon is usually a little slower on the uptake when it comes to limited edition releases, but does pack a massive warehouse full of them. That means once stock does land it will last.
- Best Buy | Check Stock
Best Buy is often one of the speedier retailers, so I'm expecting Astro Bot DualSense stock to show up here first. Check back at 10am for the initial wave!
- Walmart | Check Stock
Walmart generally filters its new pre-orders onto the shelves a little after Best Buy, but be wary of marketplace sellers. I'd recommend only going with Walmart-sold devices at this point.
UK Retailers
- Very | In Stock - £69.99
Very is holding firm in its stock this morning, after Currys already ran out. You'll find the Astro Bot DualSense available for the regular £69.99 going rate, with delivery set for September 6.
- Game | In Stock - £69.99
Game does have the Astro Bot controller in stock, but I would be wary of those lofty delivery fees. I've been stung by a £5 charge per item in the past - even when everything was shipped together.
- Argos | Check Stock
Argos doesn't currently have the Astro Bot DualSense available for pre-order, but we'd keep a close eye out here. This retailer sorts its inventory by post code, so your area could have more stock shortly.
- Currys | Check Stock
Not only did Currys have stock of the Astro Bot controller this morning, but it was £10 less than other retailers. It's all flown off the shelves now, but could return - especially considering you'll still see its product page pop up briefly when you search in the text box.
- PlayStation Direct | Check Stock
PlayStation has run out of its own controller, with the Astro Bot DualSense having been run off the shelves this afternoon.
Astro Bot DualSense: Worth the Price?
This official DualSense is a perfect accessory for the upcoming Astro Bot game that drops on September 6. Astro's Playroom, which comes pre-loaded on every PS5 console, is probably still the best use of the DualSense's innovative features. There have definitely been some great uses of Haptic Feedback and Trigger resistance, but I'm not sure anything has made them such a central aspect of playing like Astro has.
For that reason, an Astro controller makes so much sense, and goes hand-in-hand with the franchise's love of showing off cool PlayStation hardware from the brand's past.
The Astro Bot controller is a little bit pricier than a regular version of the DualSense, coming in at $79.99 / £69.99. While it is just a reskin of the stock PS5 gamepad, and doesn't offer any of the pro features of the DualSense Edge, it's looks, high demand, and ties to the Astro Bot PS5 games is worth paying a little extra for.
Astro's Playroom is free-to-play for anyone purchasing any version of the PS5 console. It'll be pre-installed out of the box, and gives you a perfect introduction to the PS5's bespoke controller features. Astro's upcoming adventure isn't free, however, since it's a larger project that will have cost Asobi studio a lot of time and resources to make. The full-sized game dropping in September will cost $59.99 / £59.99.
A lot of VR fans are upset that the new Astro Bot game won't have a VR port, following on from the success of the franchise's instalment on the first PSVR. You won't reap any benefits playing Astro Bot with PSVR 2, but you will be able to play it in the headset's cinematic mode - which is a great way to experience any game on PS5.
