Summary

  • The rare Astro Bot controller arrived broken for one fan.
  • The Astro Bot controller has been hard for fans to get their hands on due to limited supply.
  • Sony has been criticized for its handling of the release of limited-edition hardware.

A PlayStation 5 gamer managed to get their hands on the rare Astro Bot-themed controller, but it arrived broken. To help promote its new 3D platformer Astro Bot, Sony created a special limited edition DualSense controller themed after the game. Like other limited-edition hardware, the Astro Bot controller sold out quickly, and it has been next to impossible for many fans to get their hands on it without resorting to paying ridiculous scalper prices.

Speaking from my own experience, I missed out on the initial batch of Astro Bot PS5 controller pre-orders. Then Walmart had a supposed restock, and I thought I secured my pre-order. The controller was supposed to arrive on September 6, coinciding with Astro Bot's release date. Fast-forward to the end of September, and it still hasn't arrived. I've since given up hope and canceled my pre-order, but others managed to get their hands on the highly sought-after device.

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One such individual was Reddit user SnowFloke, who managed to get the Astro Bot controller. Unfortunately, the controller has a defect where the left trigger doesn't function as it should. They noted that this was really only a problem in Astro Bot and Astro's Playroom, as those games make great use of the DualSense controller's adaptive triggers. Unfortunately, they are unable to send the controller back to the store they bought it from to get a new one, as the controller is sold out. However, they suggested that they were going to send it in to PlayStation for repair.

Astro Bot Controller Arrives Broken

Other users advised against sending the controller in for repair, as there have been times in the past where special PS5 controllers have been sent in, only for users to get a regular controller back. Another user said that they had good luck sending their God of War-themed PS5 controller in for repairs, so mileage may vary, but it may be better to play it safe.

Regardless, it's extremely disappointing when hardware arrives defective, especially when it's a limited-edition collector's item like the Astro Bot PS5 controller. The debacle with the Astro Bot controller pre-orders has led to some criticism of Sony and how it handles the release of limited-edition items. These criticisms have been exacerbated by the recently revealed PlayStation 5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition console, which sold out in mere seconds and has since been posted on eBay by scalpers hoping to get thousands of dollars for the device.

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10 /10

Astro Bot
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Platformer
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Systems
PlayStation-1
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Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
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Released
September 6, 2024
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Team Asobi
Publisher(s)
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Engine
Proprietary Engine
Franchise
Astro Bot
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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JOIN ASTRO IN A BRAND-NEW, SUPERSIZED SPACE ADVENTURE

The PS5® mothership has been wrecked, leaving ASTRO and the bot crew scattered all over the galaxies. Time to ride your trusty Dual Speeder across more than 50 planets full of fun, danger and surprises. On your journey, make the most of ASTRO’s new powers and reunite with many iconic heroes from the PlayStation universe! 

Blast off on a supersized adventure

From sandy beaches to lush jungles and piping-hot volcanoes, explore a myriad of memorable planets in search of Astro’s lost crew!

Power up your platforming

With your new powers, battle out a whole new roster of quirky baddies and huge bosses. Feel every hop, punch and crack through your DualSense wireless controller.

Join the PlayStation celebration

Reunite with over 150 iconic PlayStation heroes and celebrate 30 years of PlayStation history! 

Platform(s)
PlayStation 5
Genre(s)
Platformer
PS Plus Availability
N/A
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty