Hallmark releases $28.99 PlayStation replica ornament with working boot chime
The latest console replica from Hallmark features detailed design elements and functional audio-visual effects, continuing the company’s trend of gaming hardware memorabilia.
Hallmark has introduced a new Keepsake ornament replicating the original PlayStation console, priced at $28.99. The release continues the company’s series of gaming hardware replicas, which previously included a model of the Xbox 360. According to reporting by The Verge, the ornament is designed to capture the aesthetic of the pre-DualShock version of Sony’s iconic system.
The replica incorporates specific design details, including ridged sides, a power plug, and an A/V port. A controller is attached to the disc lid, with its flexible cable partially secured to the side of the console. The item is not purely decorative; pressing the power button illuminates a green LED and plays the console’s signature two-part boot chime in full.
The design reflects the legacy of the original hardware, which The Verge notes is not associated with the widespread hardware issues that affected some contemporaries. The ornament celebrates the era of gaming that defined the relationship between users and technology for many, serving as a memento for collectors and enthusiasts.
Initial reviews of the unit highlight the attention to detail, though minor manufacturing imperfections were noted, such as a slightly crooked font on the power button. These flaws are reportedly difficult to discern from a distance, maintaining the overall elegance of the piece.
The $28.99 price point positions the ornament as a niche collectible. Its value is largely subjective, dependent on the buyer’s level of nostalgia for the era. For those seeking a subtle tribute to gaming history, the ornament offers a functional homage that can be displayed year-round.
