Hardware Review · Purchased September 12, 2026 · $114.99 CAD via PlayStation Direct
The Setup
I already own the original Astro Bot DualSense from the game’s 2024 launch, so buying the newer Joyful Limited Edition when it showed up on PlayStation Direct this month was purely a case of not being able to resist a second colorway. This one leans into a brighter, more playful palette than the original’s launch design, tying into the game’s ongoing post-launch content rather than the base release itself.
Living With It
Functionally it’s identical to every other DualSense on the market, which is exactly what you’d expect and exactly what you want from a cosmetic special edition. The adaptive triggers and haptics work as well as ever, and the only real difference between this and my existing Astro Bot controller is the paint job and the accompanying box art. The new design does read as more vibrant and toy-like in person than the original’s cooler blue-and-white scheme, which fits Astro Bot’s tone better if I’m being honest with myself about which one I actually like more.
Buying essentially the same controller a second time purely for a different paint job is not a purchase I can really defend on practical grounds, and I’m aware of that. But between this and the original, I now have a small matched pair that looks great sitting side by side on my shelf, and sometimes that’s just the whole point of a purchase like this.
What I Liked
- Brighter, more playful colorway than the original Astro Bot DualSense
- Same excellent adaptive trigger and haptic feedback as any other DualSense
- Looks great displayed alongside the original as a matched pair
What I Didn’t
- Zero functional difference from a standard DualSense, purely a style purchase
- Hard to justify owning two Astro Bot controllers on any practical grounds
The Verdict
Rating: 4/5
A great-looking controller if you’re already invested in the aesthetic, but there’s no pretending this was a necessary purchase.
