Sony unveils transparent DualSense ‘Prism Collection’ for PS5, echoing late‑90s see‑through trend

Overview

Sony announced a new line of transparent DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 5, branded the Prism Collection. The controllers feature a high‑gloss clear finish that reveals the internal components of the gamepad, a design cue that harks back to the see‑through gadgets popular in the late 1990s.

Design and Color Options

The Prism Collection will be sold in three colorways – orange, green, and gray – each with the same clear‑back finish. According to a Sony representative, the goal was to “bring back the iconic see‑through trend of the late ’90s in a fresh, modern way that complements the PS5’s industrial design.” The clear coating runs across the back of the controller, allowing owners a visual peek at the circuitry and mechanics that drive the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Matching Console Covers

Alongside the controllers, Sony is releasing console plate covers that match the three colorways. Unlike the controllers, the plates are not transparent; they simply sit over the PS5’s exterior to provide a coordinated aesthetic. The covers do not expose internal hardware.

Pricing, Pre‑order, and Shipping

• DualSense Prism controller: US $85 each
• Console plate cover: US $75 each

Pre‑orders open directly through the PlayStation Store on November 10, 2024, with the first shipments slated for February 2025. No bundle pricing was announced; each item must be purchased separately.

Historical Context

Sony first experimented with translucent gamepads during the PlayStation 1 era, and each subsequent console generation has featured at least one see‑through controller variant. The Prism Collection marks the first time the PS5 receives an official transparent DualSense model, extending the tradition that includes the PlayStation 2’s “Clear” controller, the PlayStation 3’s “Crystal” edition, and the PlayStation 4’s “Neon” series.

Practical Implications for Gamers

• Aesthetic customization: The clear finish and matching console plates give owners a way to personalize their PS5 setup without altering the hardware.
• Potential wear visibility: Because the internal components are exposed, any scratches or discoloration on the circuitry may become more noticeable over time.
• No functional changes: The controllers operate identically to standard DualSense units; the transparent finish does not affect haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, or battery life.

Confirmed Details vs. Open Questions

| Confirmed | Uncertain / Not disclosed | |-----------|----------------------------| | Three colorways (orange, green, gray) | Whether the transparent coating will affect long‑term durability or susceptibility to fingerprints | | High‑gloss clear finish on the back | Exact materials or coating process used | | Prices: $85 (controller), $75 (cover) | Availability in regions outside the United States or any retailer‑specific bundles | | Pre‑order start date (Nov 10) and shipment window (Feb 2025) | Potential future limited‑edition variants or additional accessories |

How Readers Can Verify the Announcement

The information above is drawn from Sony’s official announcement posted on Engadget, which reproduced the press release and included a statement from a Sony spokesperson. Readers can verify the details by visiting the original article at [https://www.engadget.com/2300152/sonys-new-see-through-dualsense-controllers-let-you-game-like-its-1999/](https://www.engadget.com/2300152/sonys-new-see-through-dualsense-controllers-let-you-game-like-its-1999/) and checking the PlayStation Store for the pre‑order listing on November 10.

--- This article is based solely on the verified press release and publicly available information. No original interviews were conducted.