Sony unveils new Icon Blue DualSense controller to celebrate the PlayStation’s heritage

Sony has launched a new Icon Blue Special Edition DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, and it feels like a proper nod to the brand’s history. The new controller pays homage to the deep blue tones that have become synonymous with PlayStation since the PS4 era. The color choice is striking but not overdone, and it’s clear that the company wants this one to carry emotional weight for longtime fans.

The Icon Blue DualSense launches on October 20 in the US and Canada, followed by Mexico and Chile on October 28. It will retail for $84.99, 109.99 Canadian dollars, 1,899 Mexican pesos, and 93,490 Chilean pesos. For now, it will be sold exclusively through Walmart stores and Walmart’s website in these regions, with no confirmation yet on whether other markets will get it later.

Design-wise, the grips and lower shell feature layered shades of blue, creating a subtle gradient that gives the controller depth without going overboard. The touchpad has a glossy finish with faint PlayStation button symbols patterned across it, a small detail that adds texture and familiarity. On the back, you’ll notice Katakana characters spelling out “PlayStation” in Japanese, a quiet but deliberate tribute to the company’s roots.

Leo Cardoso, from Sony’s design team, described it as capturing “the feeling of anticipation and immersion that begins the moment the console powers on and the signature blue light appears.” It’s a poetic way to frame something as simple as color, but it makes sense when you think about how strongly people associate that blue light with the start of a new gaming session.

Functionally, the Icon Blue controller is identical to the standard DualSense model. It supports adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, motion controls, a built-in microphone, and a USB-C charging port. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack, and it works seamlessly with both PlayStation 5 consoles and supported PC or mobile devices. You’re not getting any new hardware upgrades or performance tweaks here, which means if you already own a DualSense, this version won’t feel any different in use. The appeal is entirely visual, and Sony is making no attempt to pretend otherwise. Sony has also partnered with brands like Reebok to launch limited-edition merchandise tied to the same milestone, though availability for those items also varies by region.