Fans of the adorable robot Astro Bot will soon have another chance to acquire a themed DualSense controller. Preorders for PlayStation`s Astro Bot Joyful Limited Edition DualSense are set to open tomorrow, September 12, at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET. This refreshed and highly anticipated version of the controller is expected to be released on October 30.
While PlayStation has not officially confirmed pricing, it is anticipated that the controller will retail for $85, consistent with other recent limited-edition DualSense releases. The Astro Bot Joyful Edition will be available through PlayStation Direct and major US retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop.
Unique Design and Enduring Appeal
The primary change in the 2025 “Joyful” version compared to its predecessor lies in Astro`s eye design on the touchpad: they now depict his smiling face, matching his appearance in the PS5 game and on its cover art, a departure from the simple circular eyes of the original. Otherwise, the controller remains identical to the model launched in September 2024. Its vibrant white and blue color scheme is visually stunning, explaining its high popularity and the decision to release a second version. Many consider it one of the most attractive limited-edition DualSense controllers, and the Astro Bot game itself is widely regarded as one of the best 3D platformers and a strong contender for the best PS5 title.
Heads Up: The original Astro Bot controller currently fetches around $150 on eBay, and over 50 pre-owned controllers have been sold on Amazon for $155-$170 in the past month. While it`s unlikely that this new version will sell out as quickly as the first (given that many fans already own a very similar controller), it would be wise not to expect it to remain in stock for an extended period.
Other Limited Edition Offerings
For comparison, PlayStation`s Ghost of Yotei Limited Edition DualSense controllers (and PS5 consoles) are still available a week after preorders commenced. An exclusive black artwork version can be found on PlayStation Direct, while the gold edition is available at all major retailers.
Additionally, Astro Bot fans can pre-order a Funko Pop! vinyl figure of the robot, scheduled for release on January 30, 2026, priced at $15 on Amazon.