On August 09, 2025, the PlayStation 5 was released with a small batch of console exclusives and next-gen versions of various games. It wasn’t the strongest launch lineup the gaming industry has ever seen, but it was a solid roster, and still managed to convey what the PlayStation 5 was all about. TheDemon’s Souls Remakeshowed off the PS5’s graphical potential, andMarvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moralesfurther hammered on the console’s capabilities.BugsnaxandSackboy: A Big Adventureprovided some variety to the console’s game library. It was asolid, if humble, launch lineup.
However, none of those games sold the idea of a next-gen game quite as well as the free pack-in that came with every PS5.Astro’s Playroomis a 3D platformer and is a sequel to the PSVR titleAstro Bot Rescue Mission. This little game was meant to truly showcase the capabilities of both the new DualSense controller and the PS5 itself.Astro’s Playroomalso features a massive amount of love for PlayStation’s history, showing off characters and peripherals from throughout the franchise’s existence. The game’s production values were also surprisingly high, and the soundtrack alone turned many heads on release. Since this excellent title comes with every PS5, it remains one of the biggest reasons to purchase the system.
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Astro’s Playroom Takes Full Advantage of the PS5
Astro’s Playroomwas primarily designed to demonstrate the PlayStation 5’s new features, and show off what it is capable of. As soon as players load into the game, they are treated to what is essentially atutorial for the DualSense controller itself. The controller’s HD vibration technology is put on full display via a visual of the controller being constructed that is felt by the player. Then, a demonstration of the adaptive triggers is accompanied by the feeling and visual of jets coming out of the DualSense.
The tutorial goes on to demonstrate the touchpad, motion tracking, and microphone as well, before getting into the game itself. Describing the demonstration sounds rote, but it’s an eye-opening experience when holding the controller and sets the tone for the charming game to follow.
Astro’s Playroomis a tech demo first and foremost, but it goes out of its way to also be appealing as a regular game. Once players take control of the titular Astro Bot and complete a short tutorial, the game’s hub unfolds in front of them.
The CPU Plaza shows players a cartoony rendition of the inner workings of the PS5, complete with several large hardware components emerging as gateways to the four main levels. These are the GPU Jungle, Cooling Springs, SSD Speedway, and Memory Meadow, and are meant to quickly clue players in on themain improvements going into the PS5’s hardware. The levels themselves are all very different, and each environment provides new kinds of haptic feedback based on the material underfoot and other factors.Astro’s Playroomis a game only possible on the PS5, and it makes sure players understand that.
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Astro’s Playroomdoes have one more major feature tied into the PS5 capabilities, and that’s its online leaderboards. Accessible from the hub is an alternate mode called Network Speed Run. This mode builds small levels out of existing assets and presents the player with short platforming challenges and extra courses that use the vehicles introduced in each world. Players are encouraged to complete these courses as fast as possible and try to place high on the online leaderboards.
The game and console also track what times a player’s friends have achieved, and will notify a player if their time is beaten by said friends. Combine that with the ability to load into any area inAstro’s Playroomquickly via the PS5’s Activity card system, and there is a strong potential for fierce and active competition.
Astro’s Playroom Represents a Celebration of PlayStation’s History
A large part of the charm ofAstro’s Playroomis how celebratory the whole game feels. A lot of effort was put into this little two-hour-long tech demo, making it stand out amongst not just other tech demos but also full games in the modern landscape. The game is packed full of personality, with simple lyrics packed into some songs,lots of Easter eggs to discover, and a general sense of enthusiasm that permeates the game’s design. It’s clear that the developers were PlayStation fans themselves, and wanted to do the console’s history justice.
Part of making that happen means referencing the many games associated with PlayStation over the years, a lot of which are not owned by Sony. However, in the spirit of makingAstro’s Playroomas impressive as it can be, Sony struck deals with companies from around the industry. This was to ensure that small little cameos, even if they’re limited to vague visual homages, are found throughout the game. Borderline PlayStation 1 mascots like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro can be found, alongside plenty of other memorable characters likeKratos, Aloy, Jak and Daxter, Dante, and so many more.
The amount of fan service on display is astronomical, and Astro Bot can find even more targeted nods throughout the game. WhileAstro’s Playroomis meant to show PS5 features, every single PlayStation console and peripheral since the original PlayStation 1 is present as a collectible. Upon gaining them, they can be displayed and interacted with in the PlayStation Labo room. Even the original 1994 tech demo for the PlayStation got representation in the form of the final level.Astro’s Playroomis the ultimate celebration of all things PlayStation, and for long-time PlayStation fans, it alone might be enough to justify owning a PlayStation 5.
