Sony is currently preparing a Mario-style adventure game for PS5 inspired by its adorable mascot Astro Bot. That title is coming on September 6th and looks to be a blast. Following Nintendo's lead, the company also just announced a Themed DualSense controller to commemorate the release. It's pretty adorable.
The limited-edition Astro Bot DualSense wireless controller is an homage to the game’s namesake ray cube, which first appeared in a collection of virtual reality minigames released in 2013. Sony says the controller is a “true work of art,” and it’s easy to see why. This thing is really pretty. There are a pair of robotic eyes on the touchpad. The handles and buttons have Astro Bot’s signature blue detailing.
The company has also explained how the upcoming 3D platformer takes advantage of the DualSense controller's many features. The developer has increased the number of textures players can feel through the controller using haptic feedback. Adaptive trigger response has been refined to take advantage of the protagonist's new powers. Sony describes being able to “feel the thruster rattle” when using a jetpack, as an example.
He says that each new power-up in the game “has received the same special treatment.” This includes the Dual Speeder gadget, which literally turns the controller into a motion-controlled spaceship. These new features are for all DualSense controllers, and not just the one that looks like a robot.
The themed controller costs $80 and ships the same day as the game, September 6. We played a demo of Astrobot Last June, we were impressed. We said it “feels fantastic” and that everything is “infused with childlike joy.” Mario should watch out.
