Mascots

Often cute but very collectible, check out PlayStation’s major merch movers

LITTLEBIGPLANET

If you were to buy a cuddly toy of any mascot on the list, Sackboy would likely be the most true to form. The star of Media Molecule’s DIY platformer is aptly the most customisable hero. Did we say Sackboy? It’s so easy to customise, you can have a Sackgirl, or anyone you want.

DRAGON QUEST XI

This long-running series’ most iconic creatures are also the most disposable. Slimes were designed as weak, common enemies, but their easiness to kill also makes them quite lovable – the cute tear shape probably has something to do with it too. Their role has expanded over time, from friendly NPC to the occasional boss. King Metal Slime is no pushover.

CRASH BANDICOOT N. SANE TRILOGY

He may be no longer a Playstation exclusive, but Crash Bandicoot was originally conceived by Naughty Dog to compete directly with Mario and Sonic. While many iconic platforming heroes’ careers ended the PS1 and PS2 eras, it’s interesting to see how the marsupial’s legacy has endured, making for last summer’s successful return.

MEGA MAN 11

Capcom’s Blue Bomber has gone through various iterations over the decades, from 8-bit to 16-bit, even 3D, before going back to 8-bit again. The newest outing, coming later this year, keeps Mega Man a side-scroller but with cel-shaded visuals that finally makes him look faithful to his character art.

PERSONA 5

In the battle of the JRPG buddy mascots, Morgana would come out on top. First your guide to the Metaverse, this pint-sized feline becomes a wind-based healer in your party and, with a Studio Ghibli nod, can even transform into a cat bus. He’s also less pervy than Persona 4’s Teddy, though he’d probably rather be on Ann’s lap than yours.

FINAL FANTASY IX

Part feline, part koala, and cuddlier than either, moogles are a staple of the JRPG series. Sadly, as later games have veered more towards realism, they’ve become less prominent than the chocobos. But it’s the ninth entry where they truly shine, showing up as imaginative save points, a letter-delivery side quest, and even your tutorial guide. Kupo!

DEATH STRANDING

A somewhat leftfield entry, given we don’t know if Kojima Productions’ mascot will even have a role in the game, he makes a cameo in the latest teaser as a key ring dangling from the baby pod Norman Reedus is holding. Bearing the studio flag, futuristic explorer Ludens represents technology and the frontier spirit.

SUPER MEAT BOY

We’d imagine an authentic Meat Boy plushie, when squeezed, would ooze a lot of red. Gross, as well as being one of the most daring and challenging platformers of modern gaming, Meat Boy’s optimistic expression makes him the perfect indie poster child. After all, when you’re dying every few seconds, it’s good to have a character you can root for.

SONIC MANIA

Sega’s blue hedgehog has gone through a number of evolutions over the decades, most notably his transition to 3D, slimmed up with green eyes. (We’ll try to forget that weird werehog phase.) But as the faithfully retro Sonic Mania shows, the hedgehog with attitude is at his best in his classic 2D 16-bit form, with a bit of belly.