PlayStation officially celebrates its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, it has brought players numerous game series, consoles and peripherals. However, PlayStation did not use the conventional method to commemorate this special moment. Instead, it launched a surprising limited edition item for loyal players - a commemorative watch.
Normally, PlayStation and other manufacturers celebrate anniversaries with products that players can actually use. For example, this 30th anniversary series includes the following collectible items:
- Limited edition PS5 console with PS1 theme
- PS5 Pro console with the same theme design
- Matching PS1 themed DualSense controller
- DualSense Edge elite controller with the same design
- PS1 themed PlayStation Portal handheld console
- 30th anniversary photo album
- PS1 themed sneakers
Since the console and controller are highly sought after and sold out quickly, players had expected to launch more matching items to end the anniversary celebrations (such as PS1-themed Pulse headsets), or to replenish the existing series. But in the end, everyone can only welcome this special watch. Only 300 pieces of this watch are available in the world, and the number of each piece is engraved on a special commemorative card - this clever design shows the fine details of the collection.
This watch is indeed beautifully designed. It is a product co-branded with the well-known watchmaking brand Anicorn. However, the brand positioning also determines its high price: players who want to buy it need to pay $780, which is more expensive than the PSVR2 headset, the new PS5 console, and even more expensive than the 25th anniversary set a few years ago. In terms of design, the number "30" is printed on the back of the watch to highlight the anniversary theme. The numbers on the dial are replaced by PS's classic four-color action buttons, with the PlayStation logo in the center. The strap is covered with small classic logos, and the hands adopt the shape of the "Start" and "Select" keys on the old DualShock handle that make players feel more friendly. The overall color scheme is consistent with the PS1 console, and again echoes the theme through clever design.
Interestingly, this watch will not be wearable until after the 30th anniversary - although pre-sales will start next week, shipments will be delayed until June 2026. As for why Sony did not go all out to create this milestone commemorative event, there may be the following reasons: First, it believes that the new 30th anniversary set and the 25th anniversary products are too close, which may bring too much consumption pressure to players; second, this is actually only the 30th anniversary of PS1 in Europe and the United States (it was released in Japan in 1994, strictly speaking, PlayStation has actually been born for 31 years).
Regardless, this unexpected collaboration may not be suitable for all gamers, but watch collectors will undoubtedly be delighted with this rare PlayStation peripheral. Its design is indeed eye-catching, but players need to weigh whether they are willing to pay more than one console for this eye-catching accessory.