Astro Bot promises to be one of the biggest PS5-exclusive games of the year, with adorable robots and over 80 levels of colorful platforming. To go along with the game, Sony is releasing a new Astro Bot-themed PS5 DualSense wireless controller. It’s set to come out the same day as the game, on September 6, but you can preorder it now for $79.99 (see it at Amazon).
Preorder the PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller Astro Bot Limited Edition
- Get it at Amazon – $79.99
- Get it at Target – $79.99
- Get it at PS Direct – $79.99
- Get it at GameStop – $79.99 (Pro membership required)
The controller is white and blue, just like the adorable robot it’s based on. The touchpad lights up with animated Astro Bot eyes that blink and show various emotions. The shapes on the face buttons and the arrows on the D-pad are done in a lighter blue color that looks quite nice, if you ask me.
As for the game itself, it’s a continuation of the world and character created for a mini-game included in The Playroom VR for PS4. Developer Team Asobi followed this up with the PSVR-exclusive Astro Bot Rescue Mission, followed by the PS5 pack-in game Astro’s Playroom. Apparently the people demanded more, which brings us to the full-sizezd upcoming PS5 game (you can preorder Astro Bot now).
Astro Bot is a much bigger game than its predecessors, with dozens of levels to run, jump, and hover your way through. Like the previous installments, it will feature lots of PlayStation Easter eggs, with robot versions of characters like Kratos and the hero of Bloodborne showing up.
From our Astro Bot hands-on preview: "Astro Bot sends our little hero cruising through space atop a giant DualSense controller, hopping from planet to planet in search of his lost bot buddies. I’m told Astro Bot has around 80 levels to visit, all bursting with hidden bots, puzzle pieces, boss battles, goofy power-ups, coins, and little challenges leading to delightful secrets.
"I saw five levels in my playthrough. One, a lush area with clear pools, pink flamingos, and rolling green hills in the distance, was full of water-based mechanics. I swam through little reefs of colorful fish, slid down a giant water slide, and unzipped giant water bubbles to unleash the flood inside."
Sounds like a good time. And if you're in the market for another PS5 controller, the Astro Bot limited edition one looks like a winner.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads.
