Use the contents below to jump to specific areas of the game. If you want to jump to a specific game, use the search feature of your web browser!

Flower

In the very first area of Gusty Gateway, just before the DualShock Cable, will be a Bot with a flower bud on his head with a trail of flower petals flying around him. This references 2009’s Flower on PS3, made by thatgamecompany. It received a PS4 port in 2013.

Ape Escape

At the Checkpoint overlooking the first mud pit, you’ll two a Bot with a Net looking for a Bot with a siren on his head hiding in a bush. This references 1999’s Ape Escape on PS1, made by SCE Japan Studio. Ape Escape is notable for being the first PlayStation game to require a Dual Analog/DualShock controller; you couldn’t play it using the launch gamepad.

MediEvil

In the first mud pit in Gusty Gateway, look in the right-hand corner for a skeleton swinging a sword around with a distinctive shield. The shield reveals that this is a reference to 1998’s MediEvil on PS1 by SCE Cambridge, about the knight Sir Daniel Fortesque being brought back to life so he can live up to his own falsified legacy.

Death Stranding

In the second mud pit of Gusty Gateway you’ll find a Bot carrying several crates while being surrounded by crabs. This is a reference to 2020’s Death Stranding by Kojima Productions on PS4, which stars Norman Reedus as courier Sam Bridges in a post-apocalyptic America.

Tearaway

Just before you jump onto the cloud platforms made by the cloud, you’ll find a Bot wearing an envelope on his head with a green leaf on the back. This references 2012’s Tearaway for the PS Vita, developed by Media Molecule. It received a port/remake for the PS4 in 2015.

Tearaway is also references in the PlayStation Labo area, where it’s on the PlayStation Vita Game Pack artwork, and the Vita itself will boot to “Botaway” if you hit it.

Ico

While riding the cloud platforms described above, you can jump up some ledges on a cliff: at the top will be a pair of Bots, one of which is wearing a horned helmet. This is a reference to 2001’s Ico for the PS2, made by Team Ico.

Ico is also referenced in the “Ico-nic” Trophy, awarded for finding all the Puzzle Pieces in Memory Meadows. A third reference is the disc art on the PS2 DVD Artefact you can find for the PlayStation Labo area.

Everybody’s Golf VR

Up the same cliff as the Ico easter egg, on the opposite side you can find a crowd observing a Bot teeing off with a golf club while wearing a PS VR headset. This references Everybody’s Golf VR by Clap Hanz, released in 2019. Up until the 2017 game, Everybody’s Golf was called Hot Shots Golf in North America.

The Last Guardian

When you first enter the rainy section of Gusty Gateway, far in the distance to the right is a giant bird harassing/helping a Bot with a giant feather. This is a reference to the infamous The Last Guardian which eventually released in 2016 and was made by Team Ico. The Bot holding a feather refers to the game’s boxart, while the moment where he falls off and is saved by the bird references the E3 2015 gameplay demo.

Heavy Rain

Appropriately located in the rainy section that ends Gusty Gateway, next to a shelter you can find a Bot on the ground with an origami crane on him. This references 2010’s Heavy Rain on PS3, developed by Quantic Dream. In it, a serial killer known as the Origami Killer uses long periods of rain to drown his victims, and uses origami as his calling card.

Heavy Rain gets a second reference in the “Jason!” Trophy, awarded for standing in the nearby shelter. This is a reference to the Jason meme born through a section where you have to find him in a crowd of people and press X to constantly call out his name.

Fastlane Fields

MLB: The Show

In the opening pink fields section of Fastlane Fields, you can find a pitcher and a batter playing baseball to the right of the path. This references SIE San Diego’s MLB: The Show series, which started in 1997 as MLB ’98 before using its current name in 2006. Up to the 2020 edition, MLB: The Show was exclusive to PlayStation consoles.

Jumping Flash!

In the second pink field area you’ll find a large rabbit-like robot jumping over the play area. This references Robbit from Jumping Flash!, released in 1995 on the PS1 and made by Exact and Ultra. It holds the Guiness World Record as the first platform video game in true 3D, beating out Super Mario 64 by an entire year.

The game is also referenced in the “Jumping Splash!” Trophy, awarded for jumping into one of the water fountains at the end of Hotel Hopalot in Cooling Springs.

Electrocloud

Air Combat (Ace Combat)

Very early into the Electrocloud level, you’ll spot a jet fighter flying about on the right-hand side of the level. This is the R-C01 from the cover of Air Combat, the first game in the Ace Combat series released on the PS1 in 1995 and developed by Namco. Air Combat was originally an arcade game released in 1993, but the port was scrapped and a new game was made using the same name.

Ghost of Tsushima

During the side-path to the PSone LCD Monitor, you’ll find a Bot in samurai attire next to a tree. This refers to Jin Sakai and the tree in his childhood home, as seen in 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima on PS4, developed by Sucker Punch. Ghost of Tsushima was the last first-party PlayStation game developed exclusively for the PS4, after which the PS5 released.

inFamous

After crossing the first Shock Platforms in the heavy rain section, you’ll see on the right a Bot grinding back and forth on a cable. This references inFamous, released on the PS3 in 2009 by Sucker Punch. Protagonist Cole McGrath has electric superpowers one of which is the induction Grind that lets him accelerate along metal cables.

Siren

At the end of the short side-path to the Multi-Tap, you’ll spot a Bot with a flashlight stalked by a Bot in a straw hat. This references 2003’s Siren on PS3, developed by SCE Japan Studio. The story is set in rural Japan, hence the straw hat. In 2016, Siren was ported to the PlayStation 4 with added Trophy support.

Bumper Broadway

Doko Demo Issyo

At the very end of the level, check the left-hand side of the CRT pile to find two dancing cats in front of a PocketStation. These reference Doko Demo Issyo, released for the device in 1999 only in Japan, and developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It’s most famous for starring Toro Inoue, also known as the Sony Cat, who wishes to become human. The black cat is Toro’s sidekick, Kuro.

Ridge Racer

On the right-hand side of the CRT pile at the end of the level are some Bots huddled around gaming on a CRT. The game they’re playing references Ridge Racer, released in 1997 for the PS1 and made by Delphine Software International. The title screen has close similarities to the original Ridge Racer and sequel Revolution, particularly the latter with a full-screen chequered flag.

Turbo Trail

Gravity Rush

After first using the Hang Glider, check the side of the column on the left side of the landing zone to see a Bot walking on a wall. This references Kat of Gravity Rush, released on PSVita in 2012 and developed by SIE Japan Studio. As should be evident, Kat has the ability to change the direction of gravity. In 2015, it was remastered on the PlayStation 4 by Bluepoint Games.

Gravity Rush is also referenced in the Trophy “Gravity Daze!”, which is the game’s title in its native Japan.

Final Fantasy VII

After the second use of the Hang Glider, on the left you’ll find a massive sword stuck in the ground. This is an unmistakable reference to Final Fantasy VII for the PS1, released in 1997 by Square Enix. In particular, the use of the Buster Sword under a spotlight makes this is a reference to the game’s title screen.

PAIN

After the third and final use of the Hang Glider, on the right you’ll find a Bot in a slingshot, which you can Punch to send flying into some boxes. This references the 2007 game PAIN on PlayStation 3, developed by Idol Minds. It’s notable for becoming the most popular downloadable game on the PlayStation Network at the time.

Another reference to the game is in the “Pain!” Trophy, awarded for getting hit by flying rubbish in Memory Meadow.

Silent Hill 2

Also right after the third Hang Glider use, look for a lower area to jump down to near the ramp with the Wires sticking out. Here you’ll see a Bot with a triangular object on its head pulling a hapless victim. This is Pyramid Head from 2001’s Silent Hill 2 on PS2, developed by Team Silen in Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. Pyramid Head is a manifestation of the protagonist James Sunderland’s guilt and want for punishment.

Ratchet & Clank

On the right-hand side of the rocket launch pad at the end of Turbo Trail, you’ll find a Bot with yellow ears, a tiny bot on his back, and nuts and bolts in his arms alongside a wrench. This references the 2002’s Ratchet & Clank on PS2, developed by Insomniac Games. The wrench refers to Ratchet’s melee weapon, the Omniwrench, while the Bolts refers to the currency in the Ratchet games.

Killzone

The squad of black soldiers with orange eyes references 2004’s Killzone on PS2, developed by Guerrilla Games. The soldiers are soldiers of the Helghan Empire, the primary antagonists of the Killzone franchise. Guerrilla Games would eventually make Horizon: Zero Dawn in 2017.

Resistance: Fall of Man

To the left of the Helghan Empire soldiers is a skill with a military helmet. This references 2006’s Resistance: Fall of Man, a launch title for the PS3 developed by Insomniac Games. The skull-with-helmet in particular references the game’s cover, showing an alien Chimera skull with an old World War II helmet.

Caching Caves

Vib-Ribbon

After reaching the first Checkpoint in Caching Caves, look for a box frame structure in the ground you can drop into. In addition to a Puzzle Piece, you’ll see a Bot prancing down a line and clearing various shape-based obstacles. This refers to 1999’s Vib-Ribbon on PS1, developed by NanaOn-Sha. Vib-Ribbon was unique in that it loaded entirely into the PS1’s RAM, allowing players to insert their own music CDs to play levels to.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Once you encounter the first Shock Walls, make your way South-East into a pink area filled with spider webs you can thrust through. At the end you’ll find an Artefact, as well as a Bot hanging upside-down from the ceiling by a web. This is a reference to 2018’s Spider-Man, developed by Insomnia Games. Its sequel, Miles Morales, would be a launch title alongside Astro’s Playroom.

The pink love-themed spiders in this cavern are also a reference to the Swingin’ Sister boss in the original Astro Bot Rescue Mission.

Detroit: Become Human

At the very end of Caching Caves, land the Ship Suit and then drop off the side to land at the bottom of the room. Spin the camera around to see Bots with lights on their temples lined up like display units. This refers to 2018’s Detroit: Become Human on PS4, developed by Quantic Dream. It’s another in a line of adventure games by the studio such as Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls.

Deep Dataspace

Devil May Cry

At the start of Deep Dataspace, check the right-hand side for a lower area where a Bot in a red trench coat is constantly firing on a jester-looking Bot. This references 2001’s Devil May Cry on PS2, developed by Capcom Production Studio 4. This scene depicts protagonist Dante keeping a Marionette enemy in the air by constantly shooting at him, showcasing the franchise’s famous juggling mechanic.

LittleBigPlanet

When you get to the first silver Bounce Pillow, use it to get on top of the wall, then drop off the other side. Look left to see a Bot on top of a globe with badges on it. This references 2008’s LittleBigPlanet on PS3, developed by Media Molecule. The globe is LittleBigPlanet itself, covered in badges that represent levels from players around the world.

WipEout

Use the second silver Bounce Pillow to get on top of the wall, then go left down the thin plank. Ahead will be a small globe with three ships flying around it. These reference 1995’s WipEout on the PS1, developed by Psygnosis. The three ships represent three of the teams from the original game: AG Systems, Pirhana and Qirex.

WipEout gets a second reference in the “Wipeout!” Trophy, awarded for getting a strike on the bowling pins in the Fastlane Fields section of Memory Meadows.

Farpoint

To the right of the corridor where you first start mowing down enemies with the Gatling Gun, you’ll spot a Bo wearing a PS VR headset and using an Aim Controller. While the game he could be playing is vague, we’ve gone for Farpoint, a creepy VR game set in space that was a showcase for the Aim Controller. It was released in 2017 for PS4 and was developed by Impulse Gear.

Farpoint gets another reference in “The Very Far Point…” Trophy, awarded for standing on the end of the Aim Controller in the PlayStation Labo room.

Resogun

After going down the long DualShock Cable, look right to spot a ship made out of blocks. This is the Ferox ship from Resogun, a 2013 launch title for the PS4 developed by Housemarque. It was one of the most well-received titles for the console, and a year later it would be ported to PS3 and PS Vita.

Orbital Obstacles

Street Fighter

After going through a small round room with Shock Orbs in it, you’ll go up a tall shaft with fans trying to push you into Shock Walls. When you get to the very top, look in the background to spot two bots playing “Bot Fighter”. This is a reference to Street Fighter, Capcom’s famous fighting game franchise that debuted in 1987. While the original Street Fighter never came to PS1, Street Fighter II and Super Street Fighter did.

God of War (2005)

When you get to the very end of the level, you’ll land on a Sacred Symbols rainbow bridge. Turn around and run to the start of the bridge to see two bots at the title screen of “Bot of War”. This title screen references 2005’s God of War for the PS2, developed by SIE Santa Monica Studio. Every single PS2 God of War was released in a PS3 collection in 2009, while the PSP duo were in 2011.

Bot Beach

God of War (2018)

When first arriving on Bot Beach off the slide, head right and look for the orange boat in the water with a bearded man and a small Bot in it. This references the 2018 God of War on PS4, also developed by SIE Santa Monica Studio. The composition of this easter egg is specifically mimicking the box art of the game.

A second reference to the game is the “Adequate, Boy…” Trophy, awarded for shooting all the rabbits at the end of Mt. Motherboard level in GPU Jungle. The name is a reference to Kratos always referring to his son as “boy”, as well as his habit of faint praise.

LocoRoco

Further along the beach from the God of War easter egg is a giant Bot head. This is a reference to 2006’s LocoRoco for PSP, developed by SIE Japan Studio. Punching it will cause it to split into many tiny heads that then merge together, referencing the signature ability of the LocoRoco. Both it and its sequel were ported to PS4 in 2017.

LocoRoco is also referenced on the PSP Artefact in the Labo area: punching the original PSP will display a “BotoRoco” title screen. This fake game is also present on the disc art for the UMB Artefact.

Concrete Genie

Also on the Bot Beach, this time head to the North-East corner and swim into the water; look for a wooden platform between the two blue pillars, where you’ll find a Bot in a red beanie painting the Sacred Symbols onto the wall. This references Concrete Genie, a 2019 PS4 game developed by Pixelopus. The main character Ash uses a paint brush that can bring his creations to life.

PS2 Rubber Duck

Throughout the game you’ll encounter yellow rubber ducks floating in the water, such as in the pool at the start of Springy Spa. These aren’t related to a specific game: these instead originate from a 1999 PS2 tech demo at the Tokyo Game Show that demonstrated how a rubber duck floated and interacted with a sink of water. At E3 2005, a bathtub was used to demonstrate the power of the PS3, only with hundreds of ducks. This imagery may have inspired the 2007 PS3 game Super Rub ‘a’ Dub.

Fat Princess

On the right-hand side of the pool at the very end of Bot Beach is a bloated Bot with a crown on its head and a cake on its belly. This is a reference to 2009’s Fat Princess for the PS3, developed by Titans Studios. The game was a twist on Capture the Flag where you feed your Princess cake to make her heavier, and thus harder for your opponents to steal.

Frigid Floes

Metal Gear Solid

In the small room that starts Frigid Floes, look to the right to spot a Bot hiding in a cardboard box: punching it will cause him to pop out. This references 1998’s Metal Gear Solid for the PS1, developed by Konami. Metal Gear Solid was one of the system sellers for the PS1 that pushed the boundaries of what narratives and presentation were possible in video games. The box has a further reference: it has a Solid State sticker on it. This is a pun, referring to both the PS5’s Solid State Drive as well as Solid Snake, Metal Gear’s protagonist.

Until Dawn

When entering the first wide open area, jump to the island on the left with a circle of Bots on it, one of which is wearing a purple beanie. This references 2015’s Until Dawn on PS4 by Supermassive Games. The purple beanie refers to character Ashley Brown, while the one next to it with classes is Christopher Hartley.

Resident Evil

After the melting snow platform section down the river, on the right side you can see two Bots by a door with a Bot further on in a lab coat. This refers to 1996’s Resident Evil on the PS1, developed by Capcom. The two characters are Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, while the lab coat Bot is series villain Albert Wesker. The door is a reference to show the game hid loading times, by showing a shot of a door opening to disguise the load between rooms.

Hotel Hopalot

PS VR Worlds

Immediately to the left of the Wires that start this level is a water tank showing a Bot in a shark tank that’s circled by two dangerous Pirhanas. This references 2016’s PlayStation VR Worlds for PS4, developed by SIE London Studio as the launch game for the PS VR. This scene in particular references Ocean Descent level. The London Heist level would be expanded into a full game called Blood & Truth in 2019.

Puppeteer

When you get to the section where you have to hop along a rolling hexagon, at the start will be a Bot using a pair of golden scissors inside a frame. This references Puppeteer, a 2013 PS3 game developed by SIE Japan Studio. The game takes place entirely within a stage, with main character Kutaro who uses Calibrus, a magic pair of scissors.

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus

At the very end of the level, turn around to find a Bot wearing a blue cap trying to crack a safe, who retreats when you get close. This is a reference the Sly Cooper franchise that first appeared in 2002 on PS2, developed by Sucker Punch. This scene refers to his safe cracking skills, and this setup in particular serves as the cover for the European version of the game, where it was known simply as Sly Raccoon.

PaRappa the Rapper and Um Jammer Lammy

On the right side of the giant pool at the end of Hotel Hopalot, you can find some Bots dancing next to two cardboard cutouts. These reference 1996’s PaRappa the Rapper and 1999’s Um Jammer Lammy for the PS1, both developed by NanaOn-Sha. PaRappa in particular is famous for being the first rhythm game ever created. They’re cut-outs because all the characters were 2D in their games.

Um Jammer Lammy gets a second reference in the “It’s All in the Mind” Trophy, awarded for beating three enemies quickly with Punches. This is a reference to Chop Chop Master Onion, who gives Lammy this piece of advice early in the game.

Renderforest

Monster Hunter

At the start of GPU Jungle, check along the left-hand side between two trees for a lower section with four Bots with various weapons on their backs huddled around a campfire. This is a reference to 2002’s Monster Hunter on PS2, developed by Capcom. The use of PSPs however refers to an expanded 2006 PSP port, Monster Hunter Freedom, which was even more popular than the original. The skull sword appeared on the cover of both games.

Crash Bandicoot

On the right-hand side at the start of GPU Jungle is a lower platform of a Bot dancing in an orange head with blue jorts. This references 1996’s Crash Bandicoot on the PS1, developed by Naughty Dog and often considered the PlayStation’s earliest mascot-type character. The dance is the Crash dance created for Japanese ads of the game (specifically the modified one from the N-Sane Trilogy on PS4), while the mask is Aku Aku, Crash’s protector.

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Further along the right-hand side of the starting area, right at the second Checkpoint, you can find another larger area to drop down on the right to. Near the pool will be a Bot with long orange hair firing a bow, referencing 2017’s Horizon: Zero Dawn on PS4 by Guerilla Games. The character is Aloy, a skilled archer of the Nora tribe.

Horizon has a second reference with the “Ready for the Proving” Trophy, awarded for shooting a Spitter’s shot with the bow and arrow in Raytrace Ruins. The Proving is a Nora rite of passage featured in the game.

Dreams

Nearby the Horizon easter egg is an island with a bot making a blocky T. Rex with a blob cursor. This references 2020’s Dreams on PS4, developed by Media Molecule. The game is about making assets and even entire games from scratch.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Further along the area where the Horizon and Dreams easter eggs are will be some vines you can move by blowing into your microphone. Inside the cave on the right is a coffin, which if you punch will cause a blonde figure to emerge and pull the lid back on. This references the Castlevania series, specifically 1997’s Symphony of the Night on PS1, by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo.

It’s a reference to Symphony of the Night thanks to the blonde hair. In one of the animations, the Bot will check a clock, referencing how Dracula only returns from the dead every 100 years. Castlevania is a very important game, as it alongside Super Metroid helped establish the Metroidvania genre.

Bloodborne

After the second Checkpoint you’ll get up to an elevated area: check the left-hand side near a tree to find a Bot in a hat swinging a weapon around. This references 2015’s Bloodborne on PS4, developed by FromSoftware. The Bot is dressed as player character The Hunter, wielding the Saw Cleaver and Hunter Pistol from the game’s cover.

The Last of Us

After jumping up the trigger platforms and tripping a Checkpoint, check the right-hand side for tow Bots hiding from a third with mushrooms on its head. This references 2013’s The Last of Us on PS4 by Naughty Dog. The mushroom Bot refers to a Clicker, a human taken over by parasitic fungi, while the two characters are Joel and Ellie. Joel is holding a brick, a common weapon and means of distraction in the game.

Uncharted

After crossing a DualShock Cable, look to the right to see a Bot hanging from some yellow ledges next to a plane. This references 2007’s Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune on PS3 by Naughty Dog, by way of the plane. The yellow ledges are a nod to how Uncharted often makes ledges brightly coloured so that the player can find them and knows that they can be used.

Uncharted gets five more easter eggs throughout the game, making it the most referenced game in Astro’s Playroom. First, the PS3 Game Disc Artefact has “Botcharted” disc art mimicking the key art for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Second, in the Hotel Hopalot level, some Bots can be seen playing a game called Dude Raider: Dude Raider was the derogatory name for Uncharted when it was first announced, summed up as “Tomb Raider with a Dude”.

Third, the “Charted!” Trophy is named after the Trophy in every Uncharted game for beating the game. Fourth, the “No No No Noooooo!” Trophy is named after the sound Nate makes when something screws up. And finally, “The Found Legacy” Trophy refers to 2017’s Uncharted: The Lost Legacy on PS4.

Patapon

When you get to the Checkpoint just after the Uncharted easter egg, head around the corner of the cliff to find a reporter pointing out a black painting on the rock. This references 2007’s Patapon on PSP by SIE Japan Studio. The symbols above the soldiers refer to the rhythm-based nature of the gameplay to help take on large beasts.

Patapon is also referenced on the PSP Go Artefact: punching it in the PlayStation Labo room will make it boot into “Botapon”.

Days Gone

In the final shaded section of the level with the long wooden bridge, look down on the left-hand wall to see a Bot on a bike escaping a swarm of Bots. This references 2019’s Days Gone on PS4 by Sony Bend. The Bots chasing the bike refer to the huge swarms of zombies featured in the game.

Teraflop Treetops

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

The only easter egg of this level is at the very start: look up the right-hand wall to spot a Bot on a rick wearing a brown scarf and a blue cape. This references 1999’s Legacy of Kain on PS1 by Crystal Dynamics. Crystal Dynamics would eventually work on the Xbox One Tomb Raider games, while writer Amy Hennig would write for the first three Uncharted games.

Raytrace Ruins

The Playroom

At the very start of Raytrace Ruins, there are some Bots on the right playing Ninja Bots. This was a free add-on to 2013 PS4 pack-in title The Playroom by SCE Japan Studio, which is the originator of the Bots and actually precedes the creation of Astro.

Tomb Raider

Directly above the Playroom easter egg is a Bot in a teal shirt jumping across two ledges wielding dual pistols. This references 1996’s Tomb Raider for the PS1 by Eidos Interactive. Tomb Raider is heavily associated with the PlayStation 1, however nowadays it’s made by Crystal Dynamics under Microsoft Studios.

Shadow of the Colossus

At the second Checkpoint, look left to spot a giant white robot with a rock club, and a Bot with a sword and tunic on a tiny pinnacle in front of him. This references 2005’s Shadow of the Colossus on PS2 by Team Ico. In 2018, the game received a PS4 remake by Bluepoint Studios.

Demon’s Souls

Also at the second Checkpoint, head left along the cliff to find a Bot kneeling in front of a lad with a staff. This references 2009’s Demon’s Souls by FromSoftware for the PS3. The Bot with the staff is the Maiden in Black, a demon who uses souls collected by the player character to help them level up in the Nexus. Demon’s Souls got a PS5 remake in 2020 for the launch of the console.

The Order: 1886

Just after the above cameo, you’ll defeat two a Knocker and a Spiky before reaching a Checkpoint.. On the right in some grass is a Bot in a trench coat with an electricity gun. This references 2015’s The Order: 1886 on PS4 by Ready at Dawn. The two Bots in the bushes are werewolf enemies that protagonist Galahad fights throughout the game.

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

About halfway into the level you’ll cross over a DualShock Cable that is then blown by a fan. Use the fan to Beam Glide right to a platform where a Bot with goggles and a small rabbit are standing. They reference 2001’s Jak and Daxter, made by Naughty Dog for the PS2. This is specifically a reference to the first game thanks to the lush setting and the Bot’s crossed arms, just like the cover art for that game.

Tekken

After defeating the stone dragon boss and reaching the start of Mt. Motherboard, look to the left to spot two fighters, one victorious over the other. They reference 1995’s Tekken for the PS1, developed by Namco. The scene depicts the canon ending of the game where Kazuya Mishima victorious over his father Heihachi.

Mt. Motherboard

Journey

Once you get to the very top of Mt. Motherboard, on the right you can see a Bot in a white cloak fighting against the wind. This references 2012’s Journey for PS3 by thatgamecompany. The character is a White Cloak, unlocked by finding all the Symbols in the game, and the struggle against the snow refers to the famous snowstorm finale of the game.

The Playroom VR

Also on top of Mt. Motherboard, up the hill on the left are four bots playing Monster Escape.  This is a minigame from 2013’s The Playroom VR, SIE Japan Studio’s sequel to The Playroom and available for free with PS VR. The Playroom VR is notable for the Robot Rescue game: this is where Astro originated, and the game proved so popular that the team expanded it into Astro Bot Rescue Mission.

Knack

In the PlayStation Labo area is a Bot sadly trying to make sense of a pile of shapes. This is referencing PS4 launch title Knack, released in 2013 and developed by SCE Japan Studio. The shapes are what Knack is made of, and he was designed to showcase the power of the PlayStation 4 by being made up of thousands of objects.

Ridge Racer

In the Labo area is a Bot using a PS1 controller to drive a red car around him. This references Ridge Racer, released on the PS1 in 1994 and developed by Namco. The car being driven is the one of the game’s boxart, the F/A Fiera, also known as the Kamata Fiera.

Singstar

In the PlayStation Labo area are two Bots in VR with a third listening to music, with two microphones behind him. The mics reference 2004’s Singstar for the PS2, developed by London Studio. Singstar was a very popular franchise on the PS2, and came packed with blue and red microphones, as referenced in the Labo area.

Beat Saber

One of the rewards in the Gacha game is a Bot playing with two Move Controllers and a PS VR headset. The movement of the Move Controllers are incredibly similar to 2019’s Beat Saber on PS4 by Beat Games. Beat Saber is one of the premiere games of PS VR, alongside Astro Bot Rescue Mission.

Beyond: Two Souls

On a desk in the Labo area is a Bot playing with blocks while a blue sprite knocks the blocks over. This is a reference to 2013’s Beyond: Two Souls for the PS3, developed by Quantic Dream. The sprite is Aiden, a spirit who accompanies protagonist Jodie. The game was ported to the PS4 in 2015.

Spyro the Dragon

On another table in the Labo area is a purple dragon surrounded by red Gems. This is a reference to 1998’s Spyro the Dragon on PS1, developed by Insomniac Games. If you punch him, he’ll flame the Bot looking at him! Spyro’s wings notably use the inaccurate anatomy present in the original game; later titles gave it correct bat anatomy.

Dance Dance Revolution

In the Labo Room will be three Bots cheering on another Bot using a dance mat. This references Dance Dance Revolution, a popular arcade game developed by Konami that was ported to the PS1 in 1999 exclusively in Japan. The game came bundled with a dance mat, but could also be played using a controller.

Demo 1 Manta Ray

Throughout the Labo area are monitors depicting an orange T. Rex or a Manta Ray, with the latter being unlockable as a decoration via the Gatcha Game. The manta ray was the second tech demo available on the pack-in Demo 1 disc to showcase the console’s prowess, depicting a manta ray swimming in the ocean with a school of fish.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Once you pick up the PlayStation VR Artefact from Mt. Motherboard in the GPU Jungle, stand where the lenses are and punch it, showing the trailer for a VR game and getting you the “I Recognise You…” Trophy. The trailer is for Astro Bot Rescue Mission, the previous game in the series.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is referenced a second time on the PlayStation Game Disc Artefact, which has a fictional Astro Bot game label on it and a very low-polygon version of Astro on it.

This section only lists games whose only easter eggs were in the Trophy list. Games who had others within the game itself are listed above instead.

Cool Boarders

The “Cool Hoarder” Trophy, awarded for getting all the Puzzle Pieces in Cooling Springs, is named after 1996 PS1 game Cool Boarders, developed by UEP Systems. Cool Boarders was one of the most popular PS1 games, spawning four sequels.

Omega Boost

The “Omega Boster!” Trophy, awarded for finding all the Puzzle Pieces in SSD Speedway, is named after 1999’s Omega Boost for the PS1, developed by Polyphony Digital, the team behind Gran Turismo. The game is a wave-based shoot ‘em up that is comparable to Zone of the Enders.

Grand Tour Racing

The “A Grand Tour!” Trophy, rewarded for finding all Puzzle Pieces in the game, is a reference to 1997’s “Car and Driver Presents: Grand Tour Racing 98” for the PS1, developed by Eutechnyx Limited. Outside of America the game is known as Total Drivin, making this a rather obscure reference.

PlayStation 4 Pro

The “Project Neo” Trophy is a reference to the codename of the PS4 Pro. The PS4 Pro was a more powerful model of the original PlayStation 4 launched in 2016. It has an additional 2.3 teraflops of power, which allows it to render games at close to 4K resolutions, or in HD with better performance.

The Last Guy

“The Last Guy” Trophy, awarded for getting 20 Bots to follow Astro in the CPU Plaza, is named after the 2008 PSN game The Last Guy, developed by SCE Japan Studios. The game is about playing as a survivor of a zombie infestation who must find and lead stranded civilians to safety. It’s notable for using satellite imagery from Google Earth to render its cities.

PlayStation Home

One of the unlockable displays in the Gatcha Game is a house-shaped outline, which gets you the “Honey, I’m Home!” Trophy if you walk through it. This references SCE London Studio’s PlayStation Home, a Second Life-style experience launched in 2008 and closed in 2015. The game let you explore themed spaces and allow you to purchase items to display in your virtual home.

Helldivers

The “Hell Diver” Trophy, awarded for jumping off the tallest diving board at the end of Bot Beach. This references 2015’s Hell Divers, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios for the PS4, PS4 and PS Vita. The name of the Trophy is very similar to the game’s hardest difficulty, “Hell Dive”.

Twisted Metal

The “Twisting Metal” Trophy, awarded for jumping three times whilst Spinning on ice, is a reference to 1995’s Twisted Metal for the PS1, developed by SingleTrac. A vehicular combat game, this is the origin of the evil clown Sweet Tooth, who drives the ice cream truck featured on the game’s cover.

Katamari Damacy

The “Little Rolling Star…” Trophy, awarded for making a huge snowball at the end of Mt. Motherboard in GPU Jungle, is a reference to Katamari Damacy, a 2004 for the PS4 and developed by Namco. It refers to the “Lonely Rolling Star” track from the official soundtrack. Both the game and the Trophy involve rolling a ball around so that it gets bigger and bigger.

Wild ARMs

The “Wild Arms” Trophy, awarded for Spinning while firing the Gatling Gun in Deep Dataspace level of SSD Speedway, is a reference to 1996’s Wild ARMs on the PS1, developed by Media Vision. Wild ARMs is a Japanese role-playing game, and received a remake on the PS2 in 2003.

PlayStation Camera

At the very end of the Teraflop Treetops section you’ll come to the finish line and jump out of the Monkey Suit. The posts of the finish line are actually very short PlayStation Cameras for the PlayStation 4!

PocketStation

In the PlayStation Labo area below the entryway is a device that lets you view all your Artefacts up close. The device is a PocketStation, a peripheral for the PS1 that was part Memory Card. Sold exclusively in Japan to popular demand, it could also be used for extra functionality in games such as Final Fantasy VIII and Monster Ranch.

PlayStation Now

Next to the PocketStation described above are two cylinders containing the sacred symbols in the form of clouds. This likely references PlayStation’s cloud functionality, which serves as the backbone of the PlayStation Now service that launched in 2014. Cloud servers are also available as an option to back up game saves for PS+ members.

PlayStation Plus

Speaking of which, on a table is a Bot observing a gold plus with the Sacred Symbols on it. This is in reference to PlayStation Plus, a premium service that launched in 2010 that offered features such as PlayStation Store discounts, automatic patch downloads and save backups.

PlayStation Store

Right next to the PS + easter egg are two Bots next to eight blue shopping bags. The shopping bag is the icon of the PlayStation Store that launched in 2006, allowing PlayStation Network members to buy digital goods such as games, add-on content, console themes and even game soundtracks.

Disc Media

On one of the monitors in the Labo area is an image of a CD-ROM and a DVD. Both formats were integral to the success of the PS1 and PS2. CD-ROMs helped the PS1 because they were cheaper and held more memory compared to the cartridges used on prior systems, something which increased third-part game support and hugely bolstered the systems lineup. DVDs meanwhile aided the PS2 because its DVD drive meant that it could play DVD movies, an incredibly popular format for watching films at the time.

Analog Stick

Also on one of the “innovation monitors” is the analog stick. This control method was made standard by the Nintendo 64, and arrived on PlayStation with 1997’s Dual Analog controller, a precursor to the DualShock that had no rumble features. Speaking of…

DualShock

Another innovation monitor shows the dual rumble motors of 1997’s DualShock controller. Here the situation was reversed: the N64 used the rumble pack peripheral, whereas the PlayStation had rumble built right into the controller. It would feature a large motor in the right handle and a small motor in the left, a format that would remain up until 2020 when the DualSense was released.

PlayStation Feature Support Icons

Yet another innovation monitor shows a collection of icons on it. These icons were displayed on the back of PS1 game boxes to show what features the game supported. The icons on the monitor are, from left to right, Memory Card block requirement, Dual Analog support, Link Cable support, DualShock support, PlayStation Mouse support, Player count, and Multi-Tap support.

Hardware Port Strips

In the PlayStation Labo area, the wall skirting just above the floor contain references to various PlayStation hardware ports. In the picture above, you can spot the PSP, PS Vita and PSP Go port and button layouts from the top and bottom of the systems. The only unknown one is the one with the Ethernet port, which doesn’t match any PlayStation system.

D-Pad

The lights on the ceiling of the PlayStation Labo area are in the same shape as the D-Pads for the DualShock 4 and the DualSense.

PlayStation Eye

In-between the D-Pad lights described above is a camera on a hemisphere. This is taken from the PlayStation Eye for PS3, which is itself unlockable in the Bot Beach level of Cooling Springs.

PSone

Along the top edge of the ceiling in the Labo area are architectural elements that are from the PSone, the slim version of the original PlayStation. The pale blue circles connected with a line refer to the brightness and volume controls on the LCD monitor, while the trio of blocks with three dots inside are of course from the controller ports on the front of the system. The two blank slots reference the Memory Card ports, which have flaps on them.

PlayStation 2 Memory Card

Throughout Astro’s Playroom, notably the Labo area and SSD Speedway, you’ll find boxes of Data with 8MB printed on them. This references the PlayStation 2 Memory Card, which had a capacity of 8 Megabytes.

PlayStation Logo Development

One of the displays that you can unlock for the Labo area is a Bot with a mess of cards with various “PS” logos. These are actually all of Manabu Sakamoto’s designs for the PlayStation logo, before he landed on the one still in use today.

Sony Computer Entertainment

Another display you can unlock for the Labo area is a sign with the Sony Interactive Entertainment logo which, if punched three times, will drop down and reveal the Sony Computer Entertainment logo. This is the old name for Sony Interactive Entertainment, which changed to that name in 2016.

PS2 Clock

An unlockable display for the Labo area is a plue panel with a spoked design on it. This is actually the system clock for the PlayStation 2, only visible when you enter the System Configuration menu. It works a bit differently on PS2: the glass bars fill in with light as the hour progresses. This clock would later be released as a theme on the PS4.

Xross Media Bar

Another unlockable display for the Labo area are some canisters with white logos in them. These are the icons for the Xross Media Bar, which debuted on the 2003 PSX console in Japan, but is more known for its use on the PSP, PS3 and on Bravia TVs. The logos are still in use today, with the exception of the old PSN logo.

Boomerang Controller

Yet another unlockable display for the Labo area is a Bot throwing a blue boomerang around. The shape is a reference to the infamous “Boomerang” prototype controller, an unofficial name for the controller that was shown alongside the PS3 when it debuted. The controller would be dropped in favour of the more familiar DualShock design.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim

At the end of Hotel Hopalot in Cooling Springs, the waterfall fountains at the edge of the pool are actually PS3 Super Slims. You can unlock a model of the real thing using the Gatcha Game in the PlayStation Labo area.

1994 Throwback’s easter eggs are so incredibly cool, they’ve been listed here at the bottom and are considered SPOILERS. Read on at your own risk!

Demo 1

1994 Throwback’s primary reference is Demo 1, a pack-in demo disc packed in with the PlayStation that was updated over the course of the PlayStation’s life. It was first available in 1994 at trade shows and eventually packed in with the system itself. It would then be updated six times over the years with new games and revised menus; the logo is from the 1996 version.

Ken Kutaragi

In the PS1 at the start of the level, there’s a memory card with “Ken’s” written on it. This is a reference to Ken Kutaragi, the father of the PlayStation. It was he who developed the SNES sound chip for Nintendo, which led to the Play Station add-on for the system. When this partnership fell through, Kutaragi persevered and developed it into a standalone console, resulting in the original PlayStation.

Demo 1 Dinosaur

The main boss for this level is the Demo 1 Dinosaur, more commonly known as the Demo 1 T. Rex. This fellow was in the Dinosaur Tech demo to show the power of the PlayStation at rendering a single character. The T. Rex makes many other appearances in Astro’s Playroom, including the Dreams reference in Renderforest and some of the screens in the PlayStation Labo area.

The way the T. Rex makes his entrance at the start of his fight is a direct reference to the start of the tech demo, and the shaky textures references the PS1’s inability to draw vector points at every possible position (which is why the ground often morphs when close to the camera in those games). It’s worth noting however that this isn’t the same model from the demo.

As a final reference, the music when climbing up the Memory Cards and CD-ROMs to get to the boss fight is very similar to the music that played when viewing the T. Rex tech demo on Demo 1.