Sony Channels '90s Transparent Trend With New Prism Collection of DualSense Controllers and PS5 Covers

PlayStation is bringing back the '90s transparent trend with the Prism Collection, a spread of DualSense controllers and matching PS5 covers in three new colorways.

Preorders open on November 10 at 10am local time ahead of the collection's full launch next year. The Prism Collection DualSense controllers, available in Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray, are releasing globally with a recommended retail price (RRP) of $84.99 USD (€84.99/£74.99). Matching PS5 console covers have an RRP of $74.99 USD (€74.99/£64.99).

A PlayStation blog post offers a closer look at the new see-through designs. The images are accompanied by insights from the design team, who were particularly “excited to bring a transparent appearance to PS5.”

"We wanted to bring back the iconic see-through trend of the late '90s in a fresh, modern way that complements the PS5’s industrial design," said PlayStation designer Leo Cardoso. The blog post also highlights that the see-through casing offers a “closer look at the design and craftsmanship behind our DualSense controllers and PlayStation 5 consoles.”

Fellow designer Satoshi Aoyagi describes the three colors the team chose to showcase the transparent mould: “A vibrant orange that subtly takes on a rosy hue where the transparent material overlaps, a deep hunter green that gains depth through its transparency, and a cool-toned storm gray.”

The full Prism Collection will be available to preorder from PlayStation Direct and select retailers starting November 10, with the full release scheduled for February 4.

Sony has released over a dozen DualSense color variants in the PS5 generation on top of limited-edition controllers tied to specific game releases like Astro Bot and Death Stranding.

While the company is expanding the reach of its hardware collaborations, like a new DualSense controller with Kpop star Lisa, its most popular release of late was the 30th Anniversary PlayStation collection. With the Prism Collection, the design team appears to be doubling down on audience demand for retro designs that tap into nostalgia for classic gaming eras.

PlayStation as a whole continues to be embroiled in controversies stemming from Sony's decision to cut disc production as well as a number of studio closures. Despite the backlash, Sony saw a 22% increase in PS5 sales during the past month, likely tied to the release of Insomniac’s Wolverine and the lead-up to GTA 6.

Phantom Blade Zero is the next (sort of) PlayStation exclusive set to hit consoles, and according to our reviewer, it’s looking pretty darn good.