Enthusiasts of the charming Astro Bot universe will soon have another opportunity to acquire a unique DualSense controller inspired by the beloved character. Preorders for PlayStation’s Astro Bot Joyful Limited Edition DualSense are scheduled to commence tomorrow, September 12, at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET. This refreshed iteration of the popular DualSense controller is anticipated to be released on October 30.
While PlayStation has not yet made an official announcement regarding the specific retail price, it is widely expected that the controller will be priced at approximately $85, aligning with the cost of other recent Limited Edition DualSense models. Similar to its previous availability, the Astro Bot Joyful edition will be offered for sale through PlayStation Direct and various major participating retailers. In the United States, this typically includes prominent stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop.
The Astro Bot Joyful Limited Edition DualSense Controller, showcasing its distinctive design.
Design Enhancements
True to its “Joyful” designation, the primary design update in this edition focuses on Astro`s eyes depicted on the touchpad. Unlike the original controller, which featured simple circular eyes, this version displays eyes that reflect Astro’s cheerful, smiling expression, mirroring his appearance in the PlayStation 5 game and its cover art. Aside from this subtle yet noticeable alteration, the controller maintains the same core design as the version originally launched.
The controller’s distinctive white and blue color scheme has consistently received high praise, making its return for a second limited release unsurprising given its widespread popularity. It is frequently regarded as one of the most visually appealing Limited Edition DualSense controllers available. Furthermore, its appeal is undoubtedly boosted by Astro Bot’s reputation as one of the finest 3D platformers ever created, often cited as a strong contender for the best overall game on the PS5 platform.
Market Trends and Availability
It is important to note the significant demand for the original Astro Bot controller in the secondary market, where it has frequently fetched prices around $150 on platforms like eBay. Data from Amazon indicates that more than 50 preowned Astro Bot controllers were sold for $155-$170 within the last month alone. While it might be a surprise if this new edition sells out with the same rapid pace as the first—considering many fans may already own a very similar controller—it is still advisable not to expect it to remain readily available for an extended period.
In contrast, PlayStation’s Ghost of Yotei Limited Edition DualSense Controllers (and accompanying PS5 consoles) remained in stock for a full week after their preorders initially opened. This particular line includes an exclusive black artwork edition available only through PlayStation Direct, alongside a gold edition offered by all major retailers. This situation suggests that market demand can vary significantly among different special edition releases.
Other Astro Bot Merchandise
For those looking to expand their Astro Bot collection, an upcoming Funko Pop vinyl figure is also on the horizon. This collectible, slated for release on January 30, 2026, is currently open for preorder at an anticipated price of $15.