A Look at Various Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 PS4 Console and DualShock 4 Skins

With the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 scheduled for November 6, 2015, PlayStation 4 owners had several ways to customize their hardware to match the game’s aesthetic. Beyond official hardware bundles, a number of third-party companies produced vinyl skin decals for both the PS4 console and its DualShock 4 controllers. These skins provided a non-permanent way to celebrate the launch of what was expected to be one of the year’s best-selling titles.

The game’s release marked a significant shift in the console space for the franchise. For the first time, Sony partnered with Activision for Call of Duty, securing marketing rights and timed exclusive access to future DLC packs. This partnership also resulted in official system bundles, giving players a choice between modifying a standard console or purchasing a fully themed machine.

Third-Party Skin Decals

For players who already owned a PS4, adhesive vinyl skins were an accessible customization option. Several manufacturers listed products online, each offering a take on the Black Ops 3 visual identity. The designs typically featured the game’s signature orange and black color scheme, the iconic “III” logo, and imagery of the futuristic soldiers from the game’s campaign and multiplayer modes.

Among the available options were sets from brands like Beyone, CloudSmart, and GOOOD. Another listing, titled “Playstation 4 Console Skin Decal Sticker Black OPS 3 COD,” also offered a similar package. These kits generally included precision-cut decals to cover the top and sides of the PlayStation 4 console, along with matching skins for two DualShock 4 controllers. The goal was to provide a comprehensive cosmetic overhaul that was both striking and easy to apply or remove.

Official Limited Edition PS4 Bundle

As part of the new Sony and Activision partnership, an official Limited Edition Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 PlayStation 4 Bundle was also released. This offered a more permanent and integrated design than the third-party sticker kits. The console itself was primarily black but featured the game’s orange emblem and power button accents. The matching DualShock 4 controller was grey and black with orange thumbsticks and D-pad, plus the “III” logo on one of the grips.

This bundle was notable for including a 1 TB hard drive, providing more storage than the standard 500 GB model common at the time. The package also included a physical copy of the game and the bonus multiplayer map, Nuk3town. This official offering presented a premium alternative for dedicated fans who were purchasing a new console for the game’s launch.

Platform Versions and Release Details

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 was developed primarily for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. While versions were also released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, they were significantly scaled down. To the disappointment of some players on older hardware, the last-generation ports did not include the game’s main story campaign and other features available in the current-generation release. The game was set for a worldwide launch on November 6, 2015.