iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
PlayStation: The First 30 Years is not simply a commemorative art book. It is a 400-page, 5-kilogram hardcover built as a display object, with heavyweight paper, foil finishing, an embossed case and, in the Deluxe Edition, an exposed binding, clamshell box and signed photographic print. Read-Only Memory currently lists shipping for November 2026, at £95 for the Standard Edition and £245 for the Deluxe Edition. US launch coverage in September 2025 listed $125 and $325 respectively, so prices should be treated as market- and date-specific rather than interchangeable.
What is PlayStation: The First 30 Years?
PlayStation: The First 30 Years is a large-format visual history produced in direct collaboration with PlayStation and published by Read-Only Memory. Its scope runs from experimental hardware prototypes through the forms of the PS5 era, documenting the design work behind the consoles rather than presenting only a release timeline.
Sony’s announcement describes previously unseen prototypes, concept sketches and design models that influenced hardware development. Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s vice president of global marketing, called it “Sure to become a coveted collectors item” in the company’s September 29, 2025 announcement. The current publisher listing changes the originally announced spring 2026 timing to November 2026 shipping.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Why is the book so expensive?
The price reflects a substantially manufactured physical object, not just the number of pages. The publisher specifies a 375 × 295 mm hardback weighing 5 kilograms, printed in CMYK with silver ink on heavyweight matt art stock and shipped in a custom heavy-duty mailer carton by courier.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- The Standard Edition has an embossed and debossed case, foil typography and four ribbon bookmarks.
- The Deluxe Edition uses exposed binding, a foil-stamped clamshell presentation box and a five-colour neon-ink lining inside the box.
- The Deluxe package includes a 365 × 285 mm photographic print signed by Teiyu Goto and Benedict Redgrove.
Those choices explain why the book occupies more space, weighs more and costs more to manufacture and transport than a conventional trade hardcover. They also make the object itself part of the subject: the book treats industrial design history as something to display and handle, not merely read on a screen.
Is this a physical-media collectible or just an art book?
It is both a visual history and a deliberately engineered collector object. The page count and archival material make it a substantial reference, while the stock, finishing, bindings and packaging are designed for ownership and display. Calling Sony’s approach “uncharacteristic” is an interpretation of those production decisions, not a claim that Sony has formally compared this project with its usual publishing practices.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is the difference between the Standard and Deluxe editions?
| Feature | Standard Edition | Deluxe Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher-listed price | £95 (current listing) | £245 (current listing) |
| US launch price reported in September 2025 | $125 | $325 |
| Book | 400-page hardcover | 400-page hardcover |
| Presentation | Embossed/debossed case, foil typography, four ribbon bookmarks | Exposed binding, foil-stamped clamshell box, five-colour neon-ink box lining |
| Signed print | Not included | 365 × 285 mm print signed by Teiyu Goto and Benedict Redgrove |
| Documented quantity | Not stated | Limited to 1,994 copies |
Both editions provide the same documented 400-page visual chronicle. The Deluxe premium is concentrated in scarcity, presentation and the signed print, so it is aimed at buyers who value display and collecting rather than simply gaining access to the history.
How many Deluxe copies were made?
The Deluxe Edition is limited to 1,994 copies, a number that references PlayStation’s 1994 launch year. The publisher’s product page is the practical source for remaining inventory, and availability can change before the November 2026 shipping month.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When does the book ship?
Read-Only Memory currently lists November 2026 shipping. Sony’s earlier announcement said spring 2026, so older stories and preorder pages may show a date that is no longer current. Check the publisher listing at checkout for the delivery estimate that applies to your territory and edition.
Is £95 or $125 worth paying?
That depends on what you want from the purchase. At the Standard price, the case, foil work and large-format production make it a premium physical reference for someone interested in PlayStation industrial design. The Deluxe price is harder to justify as a reading copy alone; its rationale is the limited run, distinctive binding and signed print.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Currency figures cannot be converted into a universal price verdict. The £95 and £245 amounts are the publisher’s current UK listings, while $125 and $325 were US launch prices reported in September 2025. Taxes, shipping and later inventory changes can alter the amount a buyer actually pays.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What should buyers check before ordering?
- Confirm that the listing is for the desired edition; the visual history is shared, but the packaging and signed print are not.
- Verify the currency, delivery territory, shipping charge and estimated November 2026 dispatch date.
- For the Deluxe Edition, confirm that the listing still identifies it as part of the 1,994-copy limited run.
- Plan shelf or cabinet space for a 375 × 295 mm, 5-kilogram book and retain the protective packaging for storage or relocation.
What does the book say about PlayStation design history?
The project is organized around the physical evolution of PlayStation hardware: early experiments, development models and sketches, then the recognizable machines that followed through the PS5 generation. The emphasis on prototypes and design models gives readers access to stages that normally remain inside a company’s development archives.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
That combination explains the book’s appeal to physical-media fans. Its subject is hardware, and its own construction mirrors that subject through industrial scale, tactile materials and presentation packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the UK and US prices so different?
They are figures from different markets and dates: the publisher’s current UK listing is £95 or £245, while US launch coverage from September 2025 reported $125 or $325. Exchange rates, taxes, shipping and inventory timing can all affect a final checkout total.
Can I assume a preorder will arrive in spring 2026?
No. Spring 2026 was the timing in Sony’s original announcement, but the current publisher listing says shipping November 2026. Use the date shown on the active listing for your order.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhat signatures come with the Deluxe package?
The included 365 × 285 mm photographic print is signed by Teiyu Goto and Benedict Redgrove. The Standard Edition does not include that print.
How should I store a book this heavy?
Use a shelf rated for substantial loads, keep the book supported rather than leaning at an angle, and save the heavy-duty mailer or presentation packaging for moves. Its large footprint also means measuring the intended storage space before delivery is sensible.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
