This morning, pre-orders for the limited edition Astro Bot DualSense controller went live, and it didn’t take long for them to vanish. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon are already out of stock, with only Sony’s Direct online store left with any chance of having a few units remaining.
So, what’s driving all the buzz around this controller? It’s all about the design. The controller is modeled after Astro Bot, the lovable robot hero from the popular 3D platformer series. With its sleek white and blue color scheme and touchpad “eyes,” it’s a piece of hardware that clearly stands out. Just to clarify, despite some early rumors, the eyes on the controller don’t blink—they’re simply part of the custom paint job. IGN may have jumped the gun on that one.
If you’ve got your hands on one, the Astro Bot DualSense is priced at $79.99 and will ship alongside the game on September 6. Speaking of the game, Team ASOBI’s latest project looks like it’s going to be a big one—a full-blown 3D platforming adventure that harkens back to the golden days of the genre in the ‘90s. There’s no need for a virtual reality headset this time, and it’s not just a bundled title; it’s a standalone game with the potential to become a new fan favorite.
Judging by the trailer, this game is set to build on everything that made Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro’s Playroom so beloved. There’s even talk that this could be the start of a 3D platforming revival. While Crash Bandicoot 4 sold a respectable 5 million copies, the cancellation of Crash Bandicoot 5 left fans wanting more. But the buzz around the new Astro Bot title—and the rapid sell-out of its themed controller—shows there’s still a strong appetite for top-notch platformers.
For those still hunting for the Astro Bot DualSense, keep an eye on Sony’s Direct store for any possible restocks as we inch closer to the game’s release. With the excitement building around both the game and the controller, this is shaping up to be a big win for fans of the genre.
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