Sony is releasing a “Limited Edition 30th Anniversary PS5 Collection” on November 21, pre-order window is Sept. 26 and it’ll surely sellout, but is it worth it?
If you’re a Nike fan, you know the drill: give a nod to the past with a retro colorway, keep it limited, charge a premium for said nostalgia, and…underdeliver.
My two biggest beefs:
How can you release a PS5 that harkens back to the OG PlayStation and not include a disc drive? (It will be sold separately, no bueno.)
Where’s the backwards compatibility? How cool would it have been to be able to play games from the PS1, 2, 3 and 4 on the PS5?
Here are some other issues I have with this retro ‘Anniversary’ collection:
1. Limited Availability
- Extremely Low Supply: With only 12,300 units of the PS5 Pro available globally, the collection’s limited availability has frustrated many fans. The scarcity has led to concerns about resellers buying up consoles and reselling them at inflated prices, making it difficult for genuine collectors and long-time PlayStation fans to get their hands on one.
- Pre-Order Process: In regions where PlayStation’s direct store isn’t available, fans have to rely on participating retailers, which can be unpredictable in terms of stock availability. This could lead to people missing out, sound familiar Nike fans?
2. Lack of Significant Hardware Upgrades
- No Major Technical Advancements: While the Limited Edition PS5 is nice to look at with its nostalgic design, there are no significant hardware improvements over the standard PS5. Some fans expected a bit more, like new features, improved cooling, or additional system enhancements beyond the increased storage and Wi-Fi 7 support.
- Not a “True” Pro Version: Even though it’s labeled as the “PS5 Pro Console” in the collection, this edition doesn’t feature any performance upgrades that justify the “Pro” title. Some users are disappointed that this is more of a cosmetic re-skin than an actual next-gen performance boost.
3. Price Point
- High Cost for Aesthetic Changes: While currently unknown, the price of the Limited Edition PS5 will most likely be significantly higher than the standard versions of the console, but the differences are mainly aesthetic. Some consumers feel that paying a premium for nostalgia and branding rather than added value or functionality, especially since the additional accessories and collector’s items don’t necessarily what is sure to be a the steep price increase, I’d expect a 4-digit price.
4. Bundled Items Are Underwhelming
- Lackluster Collectibles: While the collector’s items (like the original PlayStation-style cable connector, stickers, and paperclips) are a thing, they have been seen by some as underwhelming, especially given the anniversary milestone. Fans expected more exclusive and unique memorabilia for such a significant release—items like custom artwork, unique in-game content, or more sophisticated collectibles would have better captured the spirit of the occasion.
5. Nostalgia Over Functionality
- More Focus on Nostalgia than Innovation: While the retro-inspired design is a nice tribute, some fans feel Sony leaned too heavily into nostalgia rather than offering new, innovative features for the PS5 experience. They were hoping for something more groundbreaking, like new gameplay mechanics or additional capabilities that tie back to the classic PlayStation days.
6. Digital Edition Lacks Distinction
- Fewer Features in the Digital Edition: Some criticism is aimed at the Digital Edition of the console, which lacks some of the high-end features seen in the PS5 Pro version (like 2TB storage or Wi-Fi 7). While this is expected given the nature of the Digital Edition, some consumers feel that the Digital version doesn’t offer enough bang for the buck, especially considering its high price.
7. Design Not for Everyone
- Polarizing Retro Aesthetic: While the retro-inspired colorway appeals to long-time PlayStation fans, not everyone is a fan of the design. Some younger gamers or those who prefer modern, sleeker aesthetics may not appreciate the throwback gray look. It’s a specific design that may feel dated or out of place for those not nostalgic about the original console era.
8. Missed Opportunities for In-Game Content
- No Exclusive In-Game Content: For a 30th-anniversary celebration, some fans expected the collection to include exclusive in-game content, such as special skins, themes, or early access to certain games. Including some digital goodies to match the physical collectibles could have elevated the overall value.
Overall, while the Limited Edition PS5 30th Anniversary collection successfully taps into nostalgia and offers a visually unique console, it faces criticism for its limited availability, high price for mostly cosmetic changes, and lack of significant new features or upgrades feeling more like a collector’s novelty than a substantial offering for the gaming community.
At least the PS1-themed controllers can be purchased separately, which I suspect many people, myself included, will opt to do.
Will you try to pick up the Anniversary edition PS5? Let us know here.
Nah still out on the PS5 Pro but need some anniversary console covers for my basic ***** OG PS5.
The eyes on my Astrobot controller watching me trying to get that 30th anniversary DualSense though:
Hope Amazon or someone does pre order.
PO.
Forgot about the PS5 they gave to Jim Ryan when he left.
Same Duelsense but the fat console so there might be hope for OG plates.
Combat in this joint looks fun as hell :smokin
This gen is an interesting one for sure.
How are your My Chemical Romance stickers holding up on your ps5?
he just beat him. died like 20+ times lol. not bad honestly.
this one girl I saw died 180 times to genchiro before beating him lol
:rofl:
Somehow we're supposed to believe Concord cost $100 Million more to make than Spider-Man 2 which who also need to pay license fees to Marvel.
Also from the FTC trial, we know:
Horizon Forbidden West - $212 million
The Last of Us: Part 2 - $220 million
Concord did not cost nearly as much as 2 of Sony's biggest hitters combined.
Well. Looking for deals on Etsy for more.
The idea for the game was 8 years ago. The studio was only formed 6 years ago and even then it would've been a few devs until they go into full production mode and scale up the employees.
It's like how Final Fantasy Versus XIII was announced in 2006 but didn't go into full production until 2012.
Also, the Insomniac leak gives you a good idea of how much money scales up during production. This are the costs for Spider-Man 2:
50 people average were working on the game pre-production and it peaked at 380 people. That's a lot of salaries to pay out
Firewalk is around 150 employees so unless they outsourced most of the production . I don't see how they get to $400 Million.
Studio is dead weight though. Other studios have gone for less. They've given Sony the biggest black eye. I bet the word Concord will be banned in Sony headquarters. 😆
I can't see it coming back.
I don't believe Sony paid $400 Million for development, bought the studio and paid DEI consultants $30 Million on top for a brand new IP from an unproven studio.
That's half a billy.
When you compare the credits for both games, to include outsourced work, Spider-Man 2 has double the amount of people.
Concord credits (PlayStation 5, 2024) - MobyGames
Marvel Spider-Man 2 credits (PlayStation 5, 2023) - MobyGames
Concord didn't even get the top tier 1st party marketing treatment. Where I live, when Spider-Man, God of War, Uncharted or The Last of Us are coming out, Sony will let everyone and their aunty know. The adverts are plastered everywhere. Billboards, subways, buses, Champion's League TV spots, etc. Concord didn't get that treatment.
Only Colin is saying it cost this much. Other industry people are saying the opposite. No one is corroborating his story.
Haven’t had any time the last few weeks to play.
kai crying because he can’t get past demon of hatred 😂
:stoneface:
A few more hours and I'll get to see my two boys in complete shock that they actually got a PS5 for Christmas :nthat:
Tonal workout system came in as well.
Excuse the mess, got a couple more pieces coming and then it’ll be complete
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I'd trade my PS5 for 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
That said, Destruction Allstars is awesome and I can play while holding him.
Damn that's almost $50 in credit at Gamestop :wow:
🔥
Dats my BOY!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!
FINALLY!!!#
******* FINALLY!!!!!
I see the charge on my card and everything. Just waiting for the confirmation email.
No more playing my friends ps5
YES CONFIRMATIOIN THERE!
YEEEEESSSSSSSSSS
I ordered the Shells through CMPShells, came out pretty damn good if you ask me.
I didn't know the ps5 was the size of the actual NBA championship trophy.. :rofl: