A PlayStation images e-book that includes never-before-seen design ideas is on the way in which

Sony has been marking the thirtieth anniversary of PlayStation by promoting you stuff, like PS5 consoles and equipment styled after the PS1. The firm has something else lined as much as mark the event: a images e-book showcasing “never-before-seen prototypes, concept sketches and design models that shaped hardware development” from the early days by to the present PS5 period.

PlayStation: The First 30 Years is a 400-page hardback e-book printed on heavyweight matt artwork inventory. You higher hope your espresso desk is sturdy, since this e-book is a chonkster. It weighs in at 5kg (11lbs). 

Sony labored with writer Read-Only Memory on PlayStation: The First 30 Years. The collaborators have provided a peek at what’s contained in the e-book. It’s shaping as much as be an interesting glimpse at a number of the designs Sony tried for its {hardware} over the previous few a long time. 

For occasion, the unique PlayStation might have appeared a lot completely different, extra immediately exemplifying designer Teiyu Goto’s “vision of simple squares and circles coming to life.” (For what it is price, Engadget deputy editor Nathan Ingraham mentioned this design appeared like a proton pack):

Some of the controller ideas are fairly on the market too. Some do not look all that comfy to carry or use for prolonged gaming classes. This one — which seems to be for the PS3 on the earliest, given the inclusion of the PS button — is actually bonkers. Thank goodness Goto landed on the SNES-style design with grips that has confirmed so profitable (and comfy) through the years:

The e-book is not fully restricted to {hardware} ideas, because it options photographs of Sony’s design labs. The tome looks like a really cool merchandise for PlayStation followers and those that love gaming historical past to have, however there could be a component of sticker shock. 

The e-book is accessible by way of Read-Only Memory’s website for $182. A deluxe version with uncovered binding, a foil-stamped clamshell presentation field and a photographic print signed by Goto and photographer Benedict Redgrove will run you $467. The fancier version has a restricted run of 1994 copies. Coincidentally, that is the yr the PS1 debuted in Japan. Both editions of the e-book will ship in spring 2026.

Meanwhile, Sony has teamed up with Reebok for a set of thirtieth anniversary sneakers styled after — you guessed it — the PS1. The kicks might be out there in October and the three designs are linked to the PS1’s launch areas. They embody the InstaPump Fury 94 for Japan, Pump Omni Zone II for the US and Workout Plus for the UK.