The PlayStation 5 is sorely lacking in cosmetic variety. Compared to its predecessors, which offered a vast array of different colors for both consoles and controllers, the hard-to-find system so far only comes in a two-toned, black and white color scheme, and so does the PlayStation 5's revolutionary controller, the DualSense.
Fans have long been speculating about the possibility for new DualSense colors since the controller was revealed last April, which is why Sony's recent announcement that the DualSense will be receiving two new color variants is certainly a welcome one. Before they hit store shelves this summer, fans will want to be ready to get them, as well as know all about them.
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Both controllers shown maintain the PS5's two-toned design approach. The first one announced is a color palette that fans have been clamoring for since the DualSense was unveiled — Midnight Black. Featuring two shades of black, Sony claims the controller "[reflects] how we view space through the night sky." However, long-time PlayStation fans might find this specific controller so special for a different reason.
The color black has a history with PlayStation, dating back to the PlayStation 2. Black is often considered the unofficial "default" color of the PlayStation brand, as the launches of the PS2, PS3, and PS4 were all headlined by black consoles. Despite each PlayStation console having their fair share of color variants, it's almost always the black design that pops up in marketing, promos, and the like.
The other controller introduces a black and red design titled Cosmic Red, which Sony attributes to being a nod to "the unique vivid shades of red found throughout the cosmos." While these colors aren't likely to garner nostalgia in the way that Midnight Black does, it's worth noting that this new controller does a bear a resemblance to Miles Morales' black and red Spider-Man suit seen in Insomniac's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which launched on the PlayStation 5 last November.
Sony claims that the controllers' names and color palettes are galaxy-themed, but it's also possible that the colors chosen were done so for their specific ties to PlayStation. Regardless of the reasoning, it's safe to assume that fans are just happy that more colors are on the way.
According to Sony, the colors will start rolling out on June 11, 2021. Midnight Black will be releasing for $69.99, which is standard fare for a DualSense controller. Oddly enough, the Cosmic Red variant will run a little more at $74.99 for no discernable reason beyond its color scheme, so those looking for a controller to complete their DualSense collection or to pair with Spider-Man: Miles Morales are going to have to cough up a little more.
It bears mentioning that Sony admitted the newly announced colors arose through "an extensive selection process," implying that DualSense variants are something Sony has been considering for a while, and that the creative team behind them has spent plenty of time brainstorming. Hopefully, this announcement won't be a one-and-done deal; it'd be nice to see Sony continuously refresh the DualSense with all manner of colors throughout the PS5's lifecycle.
As exciting as the new colors are, it's admittedly a little odd for Sony to start pushing new controllers for a console that many people can't even get their hands on. However, rumors of a PS5 redesign began popping up last week, which if true, could hopefully alleviate the console's massive supply shortage. Getting more consoles into players' homes means that more people would probably be inclined to purchase more controllers, which is surely a high priority for Sony.
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller color variants "Midnight Black" and "Cosmic Red" will be releasing on June 11, 2021.
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