PlayStation Unveils the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense Controller, and it Rules

Look, truth be told, the Xbox controller is good, but it's sort utilatarian (same with the Switch's Pro Controller). When it comes to the modern controller with all the right bells and whistles, Sony's DualSense number just sort of, well, has all other controllers' numbers. And today in the lead up to the upcoming Astro Bot for PlayStation 5, we've been given a glimpse at the limited edition controller that will accompany the game (and likely sell like hot-cakes), and it's kind of spectacular.

Check out a video highlighting those "bells and whistles" below:



The fact the touch pad has Astro Bot eyes is almost enough to demand money taking, but the whole thing just looks sleek and on-brand. Almost to the point that raises the question: where the heck was this controller at the PS5's launch?

Either way, here's what key info we got across our digital desk:

First, as many players would expect from an Astro game, you can feel the surfaces that Astro runs and slides on, from grass, sand, metal to more squishy textures or water. That was already the case with Astro’s Playroom, but the team have increased the number of textures players can feel through the controller.

Next, SIE doubled down on the adaptive triggers combined with haptic feedback, by tying them tightly to Astro’s new powers. For example, when using Barkster, the bulldog Jetpack, you can feel the thruster ratting against your finger in synch with the animation, giving a very dynamic and immersive feeling. Every new power up has been given that same special treatment so you will be able to experience various expressions through your fingers.

Finally, given the number of enemies and boss battles we added to this new adventure, it was important to work on battle and impacts by combining all of the above. Whether it’s stretching, pounding or pummeling hard surfaces, there are many new types of impacts that can be experienced in Astro Bot.

Unfortunately Sony still hasn't gotten the "no more waggle or gyro" memo and this controller doubles down on that specifically for the upcoming game for flying missions (and probably more). But here's hoping we can just turn it off and get on with platforming proper.

As mentioned earlier, this new controller will be in limited supply here in Australia and will set you back some %124.95 dollarydoos and will be available when the game launches on September 6, however, pre-orders can be placed from Friday, August 9 at 10am AEST at your fave brick and mortar locales.

We'll have more on this upcoming game as it nears release, so check back often with our Gaming vertical to stay up to date.