PS5 30th Anniversary Console: Everything Included in the Box

At long last, the PS5 30th Anniversary collection shipped into the hands of lucky gamers who were able to secure pre-orders back in September 2024. To celebrate its systems’ three decades of market availability, the Japanese hardware giant decided to pay homage to its first-ever home console, the PlayStation (later referred to as the PS One) for the PS5.

The PS5 Pro got this treatment, with only 12,300 models being distributed worldwide, but the PS5 Slim 30th anniversary model was more widely available. Both the Slim and the Pro editions received some interesting bonus items, as well as the retro aesthetic, and we’re going over everything in the box for the Slim model so you can see for yourself.

PS5 30th Anniversary Packaging

One thing that the PS5 30th anniversary console really nails from first impressions is the packaging, which faithfully remakes the gray and yellow box of the PS1 system. This is apparent from the front of the box, which displays the original PlayStation logo instead of the slick white PS5 branding that we’ve been used to seeing for the last four years.

Topping this off is the utilization of the original PlayStation logo, complete with its iconic color scheme instead of the standard black. It’s present on the side of the PS5 30th anniversary Digital Edition system, as well as the DualSense, which really looks like the part. While an ultimately superficial detail, it adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia for anyone who got a PS1 back at launch (at least before the PSOne redesign).

PS5 30th Anniversary Extras

I’ll start by showcasing some of the PS5 30th anniversary inclusions before going too in-depth on the hardware, as there are a couple of interesting things to talk about. Once you’ve opened the box, you’re greeted with a smaller “gift box” with the extras, which includes four colored cable tidies that display the four face button symbols of Triangle, Square, Cross, and Circle in their respective original colors of green, pink, blue, and red.

Far more interesting to me was the included table cover, which accurately recreates the original PS1 controller connector USB-C. While it’s a touch smaller than the PS1 connector, it serves the same aesthetic purpose as the Type-C connector disappears completely. It’s a small and subtle detail, but considering I grew up playing PlayStation 1 games, it is something that I really appreciate and a big reason behind me putting my own money down in the first place.

One thing I was particularly excited about seeing was which of the 30 PS5 30th anniversary posters would be included in the box. So far, there have only been a couple that have been showcased in the hands of gamers around the world, sporting designs based on the PS5 console, the evolution from the base PS1 controller to the PS5 DualSense, and a teardown on the latest gamepad innovations. A Reddit thread has compiled a few designs so far.

One disappointing feature of buying a PS5 Slim is that you do not get a disc drive included in the package as standard. Unfortunately, that’s true here, and it is even a factor when buying the $700 PS5 Pro console. However, included in the package is a grey disc cover for if/when you decide to buy a disc drive, which gives you the choice to retain the looks while boosting the versatility.

With that said, you do get a 30th anniversary PS5 vertical stand included in the total package, which you do not get with the standard PS5 Pro. It’s a nice inclusion, especially because it sells for $29.99 on its own directly from PlayStation. Instead of the usual black design, this one is the PS1 gray, with the 30th anniversary branding continuing underneath it.

PS5 30th Anniversary Controller

Arguably, the biggest reason for picking up the PS5 30th anniversary collection is the inclusion of a PS1 accurate DualSense controller, which absolutely delivers on the style front. This isn’t the first time that Sony has paid homage to its prior consoles; 10 years ago, there was the 20th anniversary PS4 set in a limited number with a DualShock 4. However, I believe the ergonomics of the DualSense better give off the vibe and feel of the original DualShock.

From the gray colorway to the time-period accurate PlayStation logo and old-school coloring on the face buttons, this is among the best PS5 controllers on the market today. It was available separately for pre-order alongside this collection and the limited PS5 Pro set, and it lives up to the hype.

PS5 30th Anniversary Console

Finally, we get to the 30th anniversary PS5 console itself, and it doesn’t disappoint. As well as the gray color, there’s the original PlayStation logo adorning the top left, and it’s etched onto the side plate itself. This is in direct contrast to the original “fat” PS5, which has its PlayStation logo carved out completely, with the black that can be seen actually being the middle of the system instead.

This system revision looks beautiful, especially when paired with the USB-C cover and DualSense, too. It almost feels like a completely new video game console, perfect for playing PS1 games via PlayStation Plus Premium.

The Bottom Line

The PS5 30th anniversary collection is finally here after pre-orders originally opened briefly for gamers worldwide in September 2024, and it largely impresses. While limited (the PS5 Slim is less so), the paint job and the included extras are a great way for Sony to celebrate three decades of its five console generations.

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