Following a poorly received announcement of the high-priced PS5 Pro, Sony quickly regained consumer favor with the release of the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection. This limited-edition collection tapped into nostalgic sentiment by featuring a grey console and controllers with colorful buttons reminiscent of the original PlayStation design. The high demand for the collection resulted in rapid sell-outs online within seconds of its release. This collection comprised a PS5 Slim, PS5 Pro, PS Portal remote player, DualSense Edge controller, and a standard DualSense controller, all sporting the retro-inspired aesthetics. While subsequent collections haven’t reached the same level of fervent demand, they continue to sell briskly, particularly due to the inclusion of the PS Portal.
The PS Portal, a handheld remote player enabling users to stream games from their PS5 console, has proven to be a standout success for PlayStation. It consistently sells out quickly upon release and was among the first items to disappear from online stores during the 30th Anniversary Collection launch. A recent software update further boosted the PS Portal’s appeal by allowing PS Plus Premium subscribers to stream games directly to the device without needing a PS5 console, expanding its functionality and accessibility. This move solidified its position as one of PlayStation’s most popular current-generation accessories.
Capitalizing on the PS Portal’s popularity, PlayStation has unveiled the Midnight Black Collection, a new line of accessories featuring a sleek, matte black finish. The collection’s centerpiece is the Midnight Black PS Portal, mirroring the design of the existing black DualSense controller. This new color option joins the previously available grey 30th Anniversary edition and the standard white PS Portal. The collection extends beyond the PS Portal to include black versions of the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and the Pulse Elite wireless headset, providing a cohesive aesthetic across multiple accessories.
Rounding out the Midnight Black Collection is the DualSense Edge controller in the matching matte black finish. The DualSense Edge is a premium version of the standard PS5 controller, offering enhanced features and customization options for discerning gamers. While pricing details for the Midnight Black Collection haven’t been officially announced, they are anticipated to align closely with the prices of the standard versions of each accessory. Given the expected high demand, PlayStation has already announced pre-order availability starting January 16, 2025, with an official release date of February 20, 2025.
The rapid sell-out of previous special edition collections, particularly those featuring the highly sought-after PS Portal, suggests that the Midnight Black Collection will likely follow suit. Consumers interested in acquiring these new black accessories are advised to act swiftly when pre-orders open to secure their purchases. The popularity of the PS Portal, further amplified by its recent software update enabling standalone game streaming, is a testament to PlayStation’s ability to innovate and respond to evolving consumer demands in the gaming accessories market.
The Midnight Black Collection represents a strategic move by PlayStation to leverage the popularity of the PS Portal and cater to consumer preferences for stylish and cohesive gaming setups. By expanding the color options for its popular accessories, PlayStation offers greater personalization choices for gamers and provides a premium aesthetic that complements the PS5 console. The inclusion of the DualSense Edge controller in the collection reinforces PlayStation’s commitment to providing high-quality, performance-focused peripherals for dedicated gamers. The anticipated high demand for the Midnight Black Collection underscores the enduring appeal of PlayStation accessories and the brand’s ability to generate excitement within the gaming community.
