Sony takes over Oxford Circus Tube station with its distinctive button symbols in stunt to mark launch of its new PS5 console tomorrow
- The London underground sign has been replaced by Sony’s controller icons
- The tube station’s tunnels, entrances and platforms have all been transformed
- The clever marketing stunt will be live today and tomorrow
Sony’s iconic PlayStation button symbols have taken over one of London‘s busiest tube stations, Oxford Circus, ahead of the new PS5 launch in the UK tomorrow.
The gaming giant has partnered with Transport for London (Tfl) to celebrate the launch of the new PlayStation 5 by giving a new look to Oxford Circus Tube station.
Outside the four entrances of the station the characteristic London underground sign has been replaced by Sony’s controller X, triangle,circle and square button icons.
The PlayStation button symbols have taken over Oxford Circus Tube station
As well as the the tube’s roundels, its tunnels, entrance/exits, Victoria, Central and Bakerloo line platforms have also been transformed and now feature the four PlayStation shapes.
The marketing stunt which will last 48 hours is ironically located right in front of the Microsoft store.
PlayStation celebrates the launch of the new PS5 tomorrow
The characteristic London underground sign has been replaced by Sony’s controller icons
Warwick Light, Vice President at PlayStation UK said, ‘The launch of the PlayStation 5 marks another defining moment in the history of the brand.
‘We wanted to make the UK launch an unmissable event and celebrate it in a playful way with our fans by bringing together a British icon, the London Underground sign, with the iconic PlayStation shapes.
‘Similarly, we’re thrilled to be able to bring some of our most loved franchises to stations across London and truly celebrate the latest additions to these fan favourites.’
Oxford Circus Tube station’s new look will last 48 hours
The station’s tunnels, entrance/exits, Victoria, Central and Bakerloo line platforms have all been changed
Julie Dixon, Head of Customer Information, Design & Partnerships at Transport for London (TfL) said: ‘We’re delighted to have been able to work with PlayStation to support the launch of the new PlayStation 5 console.
‘This fantastic partnership is a great example of how brands can work with us to use our stations and globally recognised roundels in a fun and creative way.
‘Activities like this help us invest in the transport network for the benefit of all of our customers.’
The Oxford Circus reimagined signs are not the only stunt to mark the PS5 launch tomorrow.
Another four Underground stations across London have undergone some changes as Mile End station has become ‘Miles End’, paying homage to Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Lancaster Gate is renamed to ‘Ratchet and Clankaster Gate’, Seven Sisters has turned ‘Gran Turismo 7 Sisters’ and West Ham station has become ‘Horizon Forbidden West Ham’.
The new PS5 will be launched in the UK tomorrow
The changes will be live until December 16.
It comes as a report reveals that the UK’s video games and consoles maret has had a spike in sales because of the pandemic by 50 per cent taking it to almost £2 billion.
According to the research, as millions of Britons have been stuck at home, the game time has rocketed during the lockdown.
Market analyst Mintel reveals that sales have reached £1.8 billion in 2020, an increase of 55% since 2019 and by 2021, the market is expected to top the £2 billion mark.
Zach Emmanuel, Mintel Technology Analyst, said: ‘COVID-19 has had a monumental impact on the sales of video games and consoles as Brits looked to stay entertained at home.
‘While consumers’ concerns over finances are expected to have led to a decrease in purchases of technology products overall, it has not been the case for consoles.
‘The market has already benefited from the introduction of the new Nintendo Switch Lite in the first half of the year and the recently launched Xbox Series X, and the upcoming PS5 will provide a further boost to the market. ‘