The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection may be the most exciting PlayStation announcement in a while, but there’s one big downside to a conceptually fantastic venture. Revealed as a celebration of the nearly three decades that have passed since the debut of the original PlayStation, the 30th Anniversary Collection rebrands the lineup of PlayStation 5 products to honor the style of the original system. The white and black contrast that defines the current range is traded for a more muted balance of gray, while the face buttons and PS logo return to their original multicolored style.
While the collection is obviously somewhat self-serving, it should theoretically be something that fans could widely celebrate. Unlike some nostalgic products, The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection looks fantastic without rose-colored glassesHow the classic color scheme translates surprisingly well to the system and proves the timelessness of some classic Sony design choices. Participating in this celebration comes with a caveat, however, and it’s one that exemplifies both the frustration generated by many collector’s items and exacerbates the current divide between Sony and many PlayStation fans.
The PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection is limited
A capped production run is a frustrating choice
The flagship of the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection lineup is the variant of the new PlayStation Pro, but as indicated in the official PlayStation Blog Post about the 30th anniversary collection, The Pro will be released in a limited run of 12,300 units. It’s an identically sized run to the 20th Anniversary PS4, which followed a similar design concept but implemented the color scheme in an arguably less enticing way. The 20th Anniversary PS4 sold quickly upon its release in 2014, and today, PriceCharting indicates the signed. Anniversary console Goes over ten times as much as the standard 500GB PS4.
It makes sense that the console will not only be produced for years to come, and limiting the run grants the system greater appeal as a unique celebration and increased value for collectors. At the same time, it mostly feels like a gimmick to drive PS5 Pro purchases to those who are afraid of missing out. Loyal PlayStation fans who don’t have the money ready or lose purchases from resellers and bots are the ones who will end up being punished, which is not a very good way to celebrate.
Limited production runs are not dear to PS5 fans
Artificial scarcity does not benefit the right people
Print runs limited to specific numbers are a common tactic in the collector’s market, but they rarely feel like choices with consumers’ best interests at heart. Small projects for niche physical media or unique creative works can be more feasible to get off the ground with a planned cap for the print run, so there are certain scenarios when it is justifiable. For a company like PlayStation, however, Imposing a limitation that artificially is in no way necessary to make the 30th anniversary PS5 Pro a viable product.
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The frenzy surrounding the release of the NES Classic is a classic example of the annoyance of artificial scarcity, but compared to PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary strategy, it actually provides a lesson in how to do limited runs that are at least equally beautiful . Nintendo did not set a specific limit to how many NES Classics would be produced, and after the initial rush of reselling, the company released more products to eventually give everyone a fighting chance. The subsequent SNES Classic increased its production run, and while acquiring at launch took effort, both were easy enough to buy with patience.
Other 30th Anniversary PS5 products may be better buys
Price & supply vary throughout the lineup
Of course, the PS5 Pro isn’t the only part of the 30th anniversary lineup, and considering its exorbitant price, the other options may actually be more appealing. The standard PS5 Slim is the most attractive version of the console yetAnd probably still the better choice for someone investing in a PS5 for the first time. A gray PlayStation Gate is easier on the eyes than the white version, even if the design is as Frankenstein as ever, and the DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers are the purchases that would make the most sense for the average PS5 user.
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PlayStation has not provided details on how many units will be available from the other offerings in the lineup, and it is possible that the approach to their supply will be less awkward. They are all limited editions, so it would be nice to have some clarification on what the overall plans will look like. The fact that the reveal came shortly after an increase in the price of DualSense controllers also stings, because nothing that PlayStation released this generation was cheap to begin with.
As for the pro, the package includes several bonuses. A gray cover for a disc drive makes it possible to attach a disc drive without ruining the look, but considering the $700 price tag of the PS5 Pro, it’s still a little insulting that there isn’t a disc drive included. The package also boasts two controllers, a vertical stand and minor treats like a sticker, paper clip, cable ties and 1 of 30 possible posters. The pricing was not revealed, however In light of the extras, it’s safe to say that it will cost more than the standard PS5 Pro.
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Considering the cost, it’s possible that the 30th Anniversary Pro won’t sell as quickly as the 20th Anniversary PS4, but the prevalence of reselling still stacks the odds. Looking at the whole affair along with the slow rate of recent interesting PlayStation exclusives, it’s hard not to feel like PlayStation is resting on its laurels and allowing past heights to carry the company forward. There is probably still a lot to be excited about PlayStations destiny, but as far as the 30th anniversary collection goes, it’s a shame things weren’t handled differently.
Sources: PlayStation Blogprice charting (1, 2)