Key Facts
- ✓ The original white DualSense controller was released alongside the PlayStation 5 console on November 12, 2020, establishing the standard design for the system's launch.
- ✓ PlayStation's first new color options, Midnight Black and Cosmic Red, arrived on June 11, 2021, marking the beginning of the company's space-themed naming convention for controllers.
- ✓ The Grey Camouflage controller, released in October 2022, was the first and only patterned option available for the standard DualSense, breaking from the lineup's solid color history.
- ✓ A special 30th Anniversary collection was launched in November 2024, featuring an iconic grey color scheme that pays homage to the original 1994 PlayStation console.
- ✓ The most recent additions include the Hyperpop collection, which launched on March 12, 2026, introducing three new controllers with vibrant fading color effects.
A Spectrum of Options
Since the PlayStation 5's debut in November 2020, the standard white DualSense controller has become an iconic symbol of the new generation. However, for gamers looking to personalize their setup or collectors seeking rare designs, that single option was just the beginning.
PlayStation has methodically expanded its controller lineup, drawing from a 30-year history of accessory releases. The company has introduced a diverse array of colors, finishes, and patterns, transforming the DualSense from a simple peripheral into a canvas for personal expression.
This evolution has created a vibrant ecosystem of choices, ranging from subtle, classic hues to bold, experimental designs. Each new release tells a part of the console's ongoing story, reflecting both technological advancements and shifting aesthetic trends.
The Early Expansions
The first wave of new colors arrived in 2021, seven months after the console's launch. On June 11, 2021, PlayStation released two controllers that catered to different tastes: the Midnight Black and Cosmic Red DualSense controllers.
Midnight Black offered a return to a classic, familiar aesthetic, reminiscent of previous PlayStation generations. In contrast, Cosmic Red introduced a vibrant, berry-toned hue that established the space-themed naming convention for many controllers to follow.
The following year, the "Galaxy Collection" further expanded this cosmic theme. This trio of controllers, released on January 14, 2022, included:
- Starlight Blue - A bright, striking blue
- Galactic Purple - A deep purple with matching buttons
- Nova Pink - A bold, neon-inspired pink
Later in 2022, PlayStation broke from its solid-color tradition with the Grey Camouflage controller on October 14, 2022, offering the first and only patterned option in the standard lineup.
Metallic Finishes & Iridescent Hues
In late 2023, PlayStation shifted its design focus toward the planet itself with the "Deep Earth Collection." This series, released on November 3, 2023, introduced metallic finishes inspired by rich minerals. The collection featured the Cobalt Blue and Volcanic Red controllers, the latter boasting a deep red hue and a distinctive metallic sheen.
The collection was completed in early 2024 with the Sterling Silver controller, which released on January 26, 2024. This model added a sleek, metallic silver option to round out the earth-inspired trio.
Following the metallic trend, the "Chroma Collection" introduced a new visual effect. Launching on November 7, 2024, these controllers feature iridescent colors that shift at different viewing angles. The initial release included Chroma Pearl and Chroma Indigo, with the latter beautifully shifting between rich blues and deep purples.
The Chroma lineup was finalized on January 23, 2025, with the addition of Chroma Teal, a controller featuring vibrant, shifting shades of green.
The Hyperpop Era
The most recent addition to the DualSense family arrived on March 12, 2026, with the launch of the "Hyperpop" collection. This new trio of controllers is defined by its vibrant, gradient-like color schemes that fade into black toward the bumpers.
The collection includes three distinct options, each offering a unique take on the fading effect:
- Techno Red - A vibrant red that fades into black
- Remix Green - A chartreuse-like green with a similar fade
- Rhythm Blue - A particularly light and bright blue
This collection also includes matching PS5 console covers, allowing for a fully coordinated setup. The Hyperpop series represents the latest evolution in PlayStation's design language, moving toward more dynamic and visually complex aesthetics.
Pro Models & Special Editions
Beyond the standard controller, Sony has also offered premium and limited-run options. The DualSense Edge, a pro-style controller with customizable features, was first released in White on January 26, 2023. It features glossy highlights and black face buttons to distinguish it from the standard model.
A second color option for the pro controller, Midnight Black, was released on February 20, 2025, giving competitive players a darker alternative.
PlayStation has also celebrated major game releases and milestones with limited edition controllers. These highly sought-after items are often manufactured in limited quantities, making them prized collector's items. Notable releases include controllers for:
- God of War: Ragnarok
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Astro Bot
- The Last of Us
- Death Stranding
The most significant limited edition release was the 30th Anniversary collection in November 2024, which featured an iconic grey color scheme across the entire PlayStation hardware lineup, including a standard DualSense and a DualSense Edge.
A Controller for Every Gamer
From the initial white launch model to the latest Hyperpop designs, the DualSense controller has become a platform for creative expression. PlayStation's strategy of releasing controllers in themed collections has given gamers a structured way to build their collections, whether they prefer classic, understated looks or bold, eye-catching statements.
The variety ensures that every player can find a controller that matches their personal style. As the console's library continues to grow, so too will the options available for personalizing the primary interface between player and game.
With a history of over a dozen standard colors and numerous special editions already released, the future of DualSense design promises even more innovation and variety for PlayStation fans worldwide.










