PlayStation fans, get ready – Sony is bringing back its sleek, nostalgia-packed PlayStation 30th Anniversary Gear, and this could be your final chance to grab it. The limited-edition lineup, styled after the original PS1’s retro grey aesthetic (feeling old yet?), is returning to PlayStation Direct with restocks for the PS5 Slim, the DualSense 30th Anniversary controller, and the PlayStation Portal handheld.
This isn’t just a mere reskin, though. It’s a full throwback experience. Every item in the collection features that classic light-grey shell, complete with multicolored PS branding and minimalist design details that scream 1994. But under the hood? Pure modern power. You’re getting the same next-gen tech, wrapped in a collector-grade, old-school package.
Originally released in limited quantities in late 2024, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary gear sold out in a flash and has been nearly impossible to find since – unless you’ve been trolling resale sites for double the price. Thankfully, Sony is giving fans one last window to lock in a preorder before the collection disappears for good.
As a die-hard collector or even just someone who grew up with a PS1 under the TV, this drops hits all the right buttons, if you catch our drift. Here’s everything you need to know to score your very own piece of PlayStation history in 2025.
Retro Redesign, modern Power – What’s in the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Gear Bundle?
In our humble opinion, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Gear bundle is the crown jewel of the restock. Crafted with nostalgic care, this bundle is a collector’s dream. The console comes with a vertical stand and a textured inner shell imprinted with PlayStation shapes – only this time, there’s an added 30th Anniversary logo engraved prominently. This recolored console mirrors the disc-drive cover’s design, though the bundle itself remains the Digital Edition, meaning no Blu-Ray drive is included.
It still remains a faithful homage, however. The multi-colored “PS” button echoes the original branding, while haptic feedback and adaptive triggers remain intact – no specs were sacrificed for style, is what we’re saying.
Priced at $79.99, it’s fully functional as you’d expect and feels identical to a standard DualSense wireless controller, only with a decidedly retro paint job. The PlayStation Portal remote player is also back in its limited PS One Gray hue. Featuring an 8″ 1080p LCD screen, DualSense-like controls, and support for adaptive triggers/haptics (when streaming locally), it offers near-console quality gameplay whenever strong Wi-Fi is available.
The handheld retails for about $219.99, standard for premium models – making it both a utility and collectible.
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Gear Timelines & Regional Timing
For anyone already salivating at the prospect of owning the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Gear, Sony’s restock kicks off with PlayStation Plus early access on July 21 at 7 a.m. PT/ 10 a.m. ET (US) and 10 a.m. BST (Uk). All users can place pre-orders two days later on July 23, also at 10 a.m. local time. Items are listed as pre-orders now but will ship mid-September, aligning with the actual anniversary. For example, the DualSense is scheduled to ship by September 9.
Availability varies by region: In the UK, all three items—console, controller, and Portal—are confirmed to return in stock, with no indication of rushed sellouts yet. In the US, only the DualSense appears confirmed, with the console and Portal still uncertain. Canada is expected to mirror the US launch for controllers and console options.
Restock Strategy: Beating Bots & Scalpers
Sony is aiming to minimize scalping this time around. Each PS Direct account is limited to one item per SKU, and 2‑factor authentication (2FA) is required at checkout. This proactive approach follows prior restocks that sold out in minutes, but today’s response has been smoother—particularly in the UK, where servers haven’t crashed and the queue remains steady.
That said, global hype hasn’t waned. Reddit users noted past mark-ups:
“They sold out instantly … on eBay later that same day for ($250 – for the controller)”
So PS Plus early access is shaping up as a real edge for dedicated fans. If you haven’t subscribed yet, your chances of snagging one may drop fast once general access opens.
Why This Drop Still Resonates in 2025
This restock isn’t as much about specs, as it is about nostalgia with a pulse. The grey color scheme and multi-hued buttons tug at PS1-era memories, while modern internals drive home that you’re still living in 2025. The console’s textured interior taps into collectibility, and the Portal appeals to remote players who want that vintage vibe with functional value.
Even the controller gets credit: it’s among the few standalone relics with retro design but no performance compromise. At $80, it’s practically the most accessible piece of collector hardware here—and likely to sell out quickest.
Pro Tips to Score the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Gear Drop
- Log into PS Direct ahead of pre-order windows, ensure 2FA is set, and have your payment info saved.
- Use desktop and mobile simultaneously—stock can appear early in one channel.
- If you’re in North America, focus on grabbing the controller; the console and Portal may face region delays.
- Know your shipping window: don’t expect delivery until September, so patience is key.
