With the 30th-anniversary celebration of the PlayStation brand just around the corner, Sony has finally revealed several limited-edition products showcasing its rich gaming history. These include the highly hyped PS5 Pro and a retro-themed PS5 that capitalizes on said nostalgia with bleeding-edge technology. Suffice it to say, this will no doubt be some kind of collector’s edition, with only a couple of units being made available and a preorder date looming over them.
A nostalgic effect
The PlayStation brand first saw light in Japan in December 1994 and gaming was never the same. It grew into one of the most iconic brands within this industry and a family of millions around the world. In honor of this big date, Sony is announcing some products that pay homage to the original form factor of the PlayStation console. Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro and the regular PS5 have a color scheme that takes a lot from the old, especially gray and black hues to please gamers new to this or those who have been with PlayStation since day one.
Now, the kitty contains not just the PS5 Pro in the 30th Anniversary Collection but a bundle of PS5 Slim Digital Edition, themed controllers, and accessories. Needless to say, all these have indeed been designed with retro flair-a no doubt feat for collectors who love appreciation in game history. This naturally makes the limited edition PS5 Pro bundle in very high demand owing to uniquely designed accessories, which remind one of the original console.
Limited availability and pre-order details
But arguably the coolest factor with this 30th Anniversary Collection is just how little of it will actually be in existence. Sony confirmed it will only produce 12,300 units of the PS5 Pro bundle worldwide. That kind of scarcity is sure to send demand through the roof-meaning fans will have little choice but to act fast when pre-orders go live on September 26, 2024.
In addition to the PS5 Pro, other items in this lineup include:
- PS5 Slim Digital Edition Bundle
- PlayStation Portal Remote Player
- DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
- Standard DualSense Wireless Controller
Each of them bears a distinct set of design elements, along with bundled accessories as part of the campaign to move PlayStation history forward. The PS5 Pro bundle, for example, is said to include specially themed versions of the DualSense controllers, a charging station, and a vertical stand, along with such collector items as cable ties styled after PlayStation symbols and a limited edition poster.
Pre-orders will go live on September 26 for these products through the PlayStation Direct and at “participating retailers.” While the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection will officially launch November 21. Those eyeing the PS5 Slim Digital Edition, however, will have to wait until October 10 for their pre-order window.
Pricing expectations
With Sony not having officially announced pricing for these limited edition products, estimates based on existing models are that they will be high-end, premium-priced items. The regular PS5 Pro alone is expected to sell in the neighborhood of $699.99, with various accessories driving well over the $1,000 price point when one bundles those components together. This hints not just at the state-of-the-art technology comprising them but also partly at the collectible aspect that these anniversary editions represent.
For many fans, this placed the original PlayStation console in a special place in gaming history, and most will go to great lengths to invest heavily in these collectibles. The sweetest set is due to a combination of nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
A collector’s dream
More than new hardware, the drop of PS5 and PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Collection marks something more-a celebration of three continuous decades of gaming excellence. Boasting a retro design with limited availability, this will surely be the centerpiece for any serious gamer or collector.
Pre-orders arrive on September 26, and excitement across the gaming community continues to build. Get ready for what is sure to be an overwhelming buying experience as fans clash for their chance at taking home a piece of PlayStation history. For both the avid, long-time fan and the newest gamer alike, these limited-edition consoles will no doubt capture hearts and imaginations in paying homage to the legacy of one of the most beloved brands in gaming.
