Sony Unveils Icon Blue DualSense Controller for PS5 – Launching October 20 with Katakana-Inspired Design

Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially unveiled the Icon Blue Special Edition DualSense wireless controller, a brand-new peripheral for the PlayStation 5 launching on October 20, 2025. This special edition pays tribute to the PlayStation brand’s rich history and unmistakable color palette, arriving as part of the ongoing celebrations surrounding the 30th anniversary of PlayStation’s debut in North America.

🎮 A Tribute to PlayStation’s Legacy

The Icon Blue DualSense controller captures the essence of PlayStation’s legacy through a deep blue gradient design inspired by the brand’s signature glow. From the moment the console powers on and the controller’s light bar ignites, that recognizable shade of blue evokes nostalgia and excitement among long-time fans.

According to Leo Cardoso, a senior designer on the PlayStation Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) team, the design was intentionally crafted to represent “the spark that ignites every PlayStation experience.”

“From the moment the console powers on and the DualSense controller lights up, that signature blue glow signals the start of something special,” Cardoso said. “Inspired by PlayStation’s iconic shades of blue, this design captures the anticipation and wonder of diving into a new adventure. As a nod to our origins, we engraved Katakana characters on the back that spell ‘PlayStation’ in Japanese.”

🧩 Design and Features

The Icon Blue Special Edition DualSense maintains all of the advanced functionality that has made the DualSense one of the most acclaimed modern controllers in gaming. This includes haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and motion sensors for immersive gameplay experiences across hundreds of PS5 titles.

In terms of design, the controller features:

• A striking blue gradient finish with subtle tonal transitions

• Katakana engraving spelling “Pureisutēshon” (PlayStation) on the back shell

• Minimalistic button symbols etched with PlayStation’s signature shapes

• The same ergonomic form factor and comfort that DualSense is known for

The controller will retail for $84.99 USD, $109.99 CAD, $1,899 MXN, and $93,490 CLP, depending on the region. It will be available in the U.S. and Canada on October 20, followed by Mexico and Chile on October 28.

🛍️ Part of PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary Celebration

September 2025 marked 30 years since the PlayStation brand first launched in the United States, an event that changed the gaming landscape forever. Although the anniversary date has passed, Sony’s celebration continues with new products, accessories, and collectibles that honor its legacy.

Alongside the Icon Blue DualSense, Sony announced a lineup of PlayStation-themed merchandise, including:

• An Astro Bot Lunch Box with changing facial expressions

• Meltz figures inspired by Twisted Metal

• A PlayStation baseball jersey and mini backpack modeled after Ellie’s design from The Last of Us

• A monogram backpack clip collection featuring iconic PlayStation characters such as Sly Cooper, Jak, and Atsu from Ghost of Yotei

These items will be available soon through Walmart’s online store in the U.S., though exact pricing and release dates have yet to be confirmed.

🔵 Expanding the DualSense Lineup

The Icon Blue Special Edition joins a growing family of themed DualSense controllers celebrating PlayStation’s most iconic franchises. Fans can currently find several other exclusive designs, including:

• God of War: 20th Anniversary Kratos Edition

• Astro Bot: Joyful Limited Edition

• Ghost of Yotei Edition

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Edition

Each of these limited-run controllers showcases the artistic creativity and cultural impact of PlayStation’s biggest titles, while the new Icon Blue model serves as a visual homage to the company’s origin and evolution.

⚡ A Symbol of PlayStation’s Future

With its sleek Katakana-inspired engraving and luminous shades of blue, the Icon Blue DualSense represents both the past and future of PlayStation. It bridges nostalgia with modern innovation—reminding players of where the brand began, and where it’s headed next.

For fans and collectors alike, this controller is more than just a gaming accessory—it’s a symbol of three decades of interactive storytelling, design excellence, and the community that has shaped PlayStation into one of the most beloved brands in entertainment history.