PlayStation is getting a big, fancy art book full of unused designs

PlayStation is getting a big, fancy art book full of unused designs

A look at several concept controllers featured in the PlayStation: The First 30 Years book.

PlayStation: The First 30 Years provides a rare look at what could have been. | Image: Read-Only Memory

It’s been 30 years since the original PlayStation was released in North America and Europe after first debuting in Japan nine months earlier. To mark the occasion, Sony has announced a “large-format photography book” featuring 400 pages filled with photos of prototypes of controllers and consoles the public hasn’t seen before, as well as concept sketches and design models that helped shape the look of Sony’s consoles, according to the PlayStation Blog.

PlayStation: The First 30 Years won’t be available until spring 2026, but it’s currently available for preorder through Read-Only Memory’s online bookstore. You can order the Standard Edition of the book for $125, or if you’re feeling extra you can splurge for the $325 Deluxe Edition that includes a foil-stamped presentation box and an exclusive print signed by PlayStation designer Teiyu Goto and photographer Benedict Redgrove. It’s limited to a run of just 1,994 copies, which are slowly selling out.

If you’d rather celebrate the PlayStation’s 30th anniversary by wearing something instead of reading something, Sony also announced a collaboration with Reebok for new sneakers featuring details that pay homage to the original PlayStation consoles, including matching gray color palettes. The PlayStation x Reebok collection will launch in October 2025 and features three sneakers with retro designs that were popular 30 years ago. Each pair corresponds to a different PlayStation launch region, including the InstaPump Fury 94 for Japan, the Workout Plus for the United Kingdom, and the Pump Omni Zone II for the US. Pricing and availability aren’t known yet.

A pile of PlayStation-themed Reebok sneakers.

11 Comments

  1. sandrine97

    This sounds like a fantastic addition for any PlayStation fan! It’s always intriguing to see the creative process behind iconic designs. Looking forward to exploring the unused concepts and insights from the past 30 years!

  2. damon50

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating to think about how these unused designs could have changed the gaming landscape. Seeing the evolution of concepts can really give us insight into the creative process behind our favorite games.

  3. freeda06

    I completely agree! It’s intriguing to imagine how different the gaming landscape might have been if some of those designs made it into production. It really highlights the creativity and innovation that has shaped PlayStation over the years.

  4. odie11

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating to think about the creative directions that didn’t make the cut. Those unused designs could have completely changed the aesthetic and gameplay experience we know today. It really highlights the importance of artistic vision in shaping iconic franchises.

  5. tjones

    designs could have changed the gaming landscape in unexpected ways. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the evolution of iconic characters and settings that we know today. I wonder if any of those unused concepts might inspire future games!

  6. konopelski.lonnie

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating to think about how these unused designs might have influenced not just gameplay, but also storytelling and character development. The potential impact on future titles could be huge!

  7. nat59

    the games we know, but also the overall aesthetic of gaming. It’s interesting to consider how different our favorite franchises might have looked and felt if these concepts had been realized. The art book really offers a unique glimpse into the creative process behind PlayStation’s legacy!

  8. frederic91

    That’s a great point! The book not only showcases unused designs but also highlights how artistic choices have shaped the gaming landscape over the years. It’s fascinating to see how these concepts could have influenced the overall vibe of iconic titles.

  9. hammes.kathryn

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating to see how artistic choices evolve over time and can shape the identity of a franchise. This book could also inspire future game developers by showing the creative process behind the scenes.

  10. bquigley

    I completely agree! It’s intriguing to think about how these unused designs could have influenced the overall gaming experience and culture. The book not only highlights artistic evolution but also gives us a glimpse into the creative process behind some beloved titles.

  11. cole.art

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating to consider how different our gaming experiences might have been with those alternate designs. They really highlight the creative process and the many directions the art could have taken.

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