# Anniversary Racing Game Controllers Sony Puts Track Stripes on Its DualSense for Gran Turismo By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anniversary-racing-game-controllers References: [9to5toys](https://9to5toys.com/2026/10/14/playstation-first-look-new-gran-turismo-limited-edition-controller)  Sony is adding a 'Gran Turismo Limited Edition' version of its 'DualSense' controller, giving Gran Turismo players a gamepad styled around the series' car-culture identity. Built for the franchise's 30th anniversary, it features track-inspired striping, [motorsport graphics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrustmaster-t598), and a carbon-fiber-look face on a standard PlayStation controller. The controller will be sold in [limited quantities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-5-pros) for $84.99. Preorders open October 22 at 10:00 a.m. local time through PlayStation, where available, and through participating retailers. Release is set for December 10. Limited quantities and a [30-year Gran Turismo tie-in](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonys-celebrates-30th-anniversary) position the controller as much fandom merchandise as a daily input device. At $84.99, Sony frames the commemorative release as an accessory buy rather than a system-level purchase, widening the audience to players who want themed hardware without replacing anything. Image Credit: Gran Turismo ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.5/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Anniversary Gaming Hardware:** Milestone-branded peripherals turn long-running franchises into collectible hardware moments that blend nostalgia, utility, and fan identity. - **Motorsport-inspired Accessories:** Racing aesthetics such as track stripes, carbon-fiber finishes, and sponsor-style graphics create crossover appeal between gaming culture and automotive enthusiasm. - **Limited-run Controller Drops:** Scarcity-based accessory releases expand premium merchandising beyond software and consoles by making everyday devices feel collectible. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Video Game Accessories:** Branded controller editions show how peripheral makers can refresh standard hardware through franchise-specific design rather than technical reinvention. - **Entertainment Merchandising:** Collector-focused releases tied to anniversaries illustrate the growing value of functional merchandise that doubles as fandom expression. - **Automotive Lifestyle:** Car-culture design language entering gaming products highlights new licensing and co-branding potential between motorsport, simulation, and consumer electronics markets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Translucent Retro Controller Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funtastic-ice-blue.md) - [Limited-Run Racing Wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ferrari-499p.md) - [Textured Emergence Gamepads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-gears-of-war-eday-xbox.md) - [Vibrant Game Console Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperpop-ps5.md) - [Wireless Fight Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexstrike.md) - [Shimmering Neon-Shift Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dualsense-gta-vi-controllers-trend.md) - [Curated Garage Racing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curated-garage-racing-games.md) - [Integrated Steering Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swift-drive.md) - [Esports Team-Branded Game Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fnatic-genesis-controller.md)