Mini PlayStation controllers and handhelds released as capsule toys for PlayStation’s 30th anniversary
Those who want to carry around a piece of PlayStation history will be interested to know that Bandai Namco has released a “PlayStation Signature Accessories” collection of PlayStation-inspired keychains as Gashapon/capsule toy prizes. Each keychain is priced at 300 JPY (roughly $2 USD) and will be available at special Gashapon machines nationwide in Japan. A comprehensive list of locations can be found here.
Post translation: “PlayStation Signature Accessories” are now available as Gashapon! The lineup features 9 types in total, including past controllers, PlayStation Vita, and Astro Bot! If you come across the Gashapon machine, please give it a spin!
Coinciding with PlayStation’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the 9 unique keychains feature iconic controllers, game handhelds, the PlayStation Portal PS5 add-on , and everyone’s new favorite PlayStation mascot, Astro Bot (sorry, LittleBigPlanet’s Sackboy). Each keychain measures about 1.8cm in height and comes with a lobster clasp chain that allows you to clip it onto essential items like your bag and water bottle.
Unlike the Nintendo “Controller Button Collection” capsule toys that Bandai Namco released earlier this year, the miniature PlayStation keychains do not have working parts that can be used as replacements in the real controllers. This is a shame, considering PlayStation controllers have been known to suffer from issues like stick drift and unresponsive shoulder buttons.
Still, the accessories are a nice way to commemorate 30 years of PlayStation. Younger generations would be surprised to know that the original PlayStation controller didn’t have any analog sticks, and that succeeding controllers didn’t deviate much in terms of design until the PlayStation 4. It would have been nice to see a keychain that features the infamous boomerang controller for the PlayStation 3, but seeing as the design was canceled, it’s probably for the best.
