The New PS5 Marathon DualSense Controller and Headset Are Here — And They Actually Look Worth Buying
Sony and Bungie have officially teamed up to drop a limited‑edition Marathon DualSense controller and Pulse Elite wireless headset, and for once, the hype feels justified. These aren’t the usual “slap a logo on it and call it a day” accessories — they’re clean, sharp, and surprisingly stylish for hardware inspired by a game about bio‑cybernetic Runners fighting for scraps on Tau Ceti IV. Both peripherals launch alongside Marathon on March 5, and pre‑orders open January 29 at 10 a.m. local time.
If you’ve been waiting for a PS5 accessory that doesn’t look like it was designed by a committee of neon‑obsessed aliens, this might be your moment.
A First Look at the Marathon DualSense Controller
Let’s start with the star of the show: the limited‑edition Marathon DualSense controller. Sony has released plenty of themed controllers over the years, but this one actually feels like it belongs in the world Bungie is building. It’s subtle, clean, and doesn’t scream “limited edition” in the tacky way some special‑run controllers do.
The controller features Marathon’s minimalist iconography and typography, blending into the DualSense design so naturally that it almost looks like it shipped with the console. Even Kotaku — a publication that has roasted more than a few special‑edition controllers — called it their favorite limited‑edition DualSense yet.
The price lands at $84.99, which is pretty standard for Sony’s themed controllers these days. Pre‑orders open January 29 on PlayStation Direct and participating retailers, so expect the usual scramble from collectors, fans, and people who just want their setup to look a little cooler.
The Pulse Elite Headset Gets the Marathon Treatment
Alongside the controller, Sony is releasing a Marathon‑branded Pulse Elite wireless headset, priced at $169.99. This one is a PlayStation Direct exclusive in the U.S., so if you want it, you’ll need to be ready when pre‑orders go live.
The headset carries the same sleek Marathon aesthetic, though reactions have been mixed. Some fans love the clean branding; others think the Pulse Elite’s design is still… well, the Pulse Elite’s design. But if you’re already invested in Sony’s audio ecosystem and want your gear to match your controller — and the game you’ll be sinking dozens of hours into — it’s a solid pickup.
Why Sony Is Going All‑In on Marathon
The timing isn’t subtle. Marathon launches March 5 after years of anticipation, delays, leaks, and Bungie’s ongoing quest to reinvent the extraction shooter genre. Sony clearly wants to make the launch feel like an event, and themed hardware is one of the easiest ways to do that.
This isn’t just merch — it’s marketing. It’s a signal that Sony believes Marathon is going to be a major pillar in their ecosystem, not just another shooter fighting for attention. And honestly? The accessories look good enough that the strategy might work.
A Clean Fit for the Marathon Aesthetic
What makes these accessories stand out is how well they match the tone of Marathon. Bungie’s reboot leans into a sleek, bio‑cybernetic sci‑fi vibe — clean lines, sharp symbols, and a color palette that feels more “mysterious alien megastructure” than “loud gamer gear.”
The controller and headset reflect that. They’re understated in a way that feels intentional. They don’t scream for attention; they just look like they belong in the same universe as the game.
If you’re the kind of person who likes your setup to look cohesive, this is the rare themed drop that won’t clash with everything else on your desk.
Should You Buy Them?
If you’re a Marathon fan, a Bungie loyalist, or someone who appreciates a controller that doesn’t look like it was dipped in a bucket of Skittles, the DualSense is an easy yes. It’s stylish, it’s limited, and it’s tied to a major launch.
The headset is more of a personal call. At $169.99, it’s an investment — but if you’re already eyeing the Pulse Elite, you might as well get the version that matches your controller and your game.
Either way, Sony and Bungie have delivered something rare: limited‑edition hardware that actually feels thoughtfully designed.
Conclusion
The limited‑edition Marathon DualSense controller and Pulse Elite headset arrive March 5, with pre‑orders opening January 29. They’re clean, stylish, and surprisingly tasteful for game‑themed hardware — a perfect match for the sleek sci‑fi world Bungie is building.
If Marathon is about to become your next obsession, your PS5 setup might as well look the part.
