The limited-edition Astro Bot DualSense controller, designed for the PlayStation 5, has become an instant hit, selling out across multiple U.S. retailers within hours of its pre-order launch on August 9, 2024. This new controller, inspired by the upcoming PS5 exclusive Astro Bot, was first revealed during Sony’s State of Play event in May 2024 and quickly generated significant buzz.

Astro Bot DualSense Controller Quickly Becomes a Hot Commodity

The Astro Bot-themed DualSense controller became available for pre-order at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET on August 9, and it didn’t take long for the demand to outstrip supply. By the late afternoon of the same day, major retailers such as GameStop, Target, and Walmart had already sold out of their pre-order allocations. Notably, Amazon and Best Buy have yet to begin accepting pre-orders, leaving many fans waiting anxiously for another chance to secure this collector’s item.

As of 5 p.m. ET on August 9, the PlayStation Direct online store remains the only place in the U.S. where the controller is still available for pre-order. Given Sony’s history with limited-edition releases, it’s unlikely that third-party retailers will reopen pre-orders before the official release date on September 6. However, Target has indicated that additional stock will be available on release day, advising customers to check back then.

Current Pre-Order Status for Astro Bot DualSense Controller

RetailerAvailablePrice
Amazon❌$79.99
Best Buy❌$79.99
GameStop❌$79.99
PS Direct✅$79.99
Target❌$79.99
Walmart❌$79.99

The Astro Bot DualSense controller’s overwhelming pre-release popularity is reminiscent of the PlayStation Portal’s launch in November 2023, which also saw high demand leading to limited availability. Like the PlayStation Portal, the Astro Bot controller is currently limited to one per customer on the PlayStation Direct store to prevent scalping and ensure more fans can get their hands on the device.

A Unique Controller for a Unique Game

The Astro Bot DualSense controller isn’t just a collector’s item; it’s designed to enhance the gaming experience in Astro Bot, Sony’s latest platformer. The game will fully utilize the controller’s advanced features, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and the touchpad, allowing players to feel the game’s world in a way that few other controllers can replicate. These features will enable actions such as feeling surface textures and squeezing water out of a sponge, making the gameplay more immersive.

Final Thoughts

With the Astro Bot DualSense controller selling out so quickly, it’s clear that this limited-edition release has struck a chord with PlayStation fans. If you’re looking to get your hands on one, the PlayStation Direct store may be your best bet, but with demand this high, even that may not last long. Be sure to check back on September 6, when more units are expected to be available, and keep an eye on other retailers that might restock for the official launch.

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