Fashion brand SuperGroupies has revealed a new Dark Souls collection, with items including a Solaire watch that will actually Praise the Sun at set times of the day. The collaboration, which also sees the launch of backpacks, wallets, and boots, will likely be unmissable for FromSoftware and Dark Souls fans.
It's been a long time since the release of a new Dark Souls game, with the most recent new title in the series, Dark Souls 3, releasing in 2016. The games, known for their challenging and difficult combat, are part of the Soulsborne canon, which includes other FromSoftware games such as Bloodborne. As some of the most respected and renowned titles in gaming, fans are still holding out hope for a new Dark Souls announcement, with many hoping for a remake of the first game similar to Bluepoint Games' PS5 Demon's Souls remake. While the original Dark Souls was remastered not too long ago in 2018, the Demon's Souls remake was a success, and PlayStation recently acquired Bluepoint Games which could make it a possibility in the future.
Dark Souls fans can pass the time until a new game announcement with the help of SuperGroupies' officially licensed Solaire of Astora watch. The made-to-order timepiece features Solaire's armor design and color scheme complete with a real leather strap. According to the company, the chronograph watch "conceals the brilliant aura of the Sun," and features Solaire's Praise the Sun pose when the watch's hands reach 6:30. The Solaire of Astora watch will retail for $280 before tax, and will be available from Oct. 13 until Oct. 31 at 8:00 PM, 2021 (Pacific Time). The timepiece is expected to ship in March 2022.
The watch recognizes one of the most iconic knights in the Dark Souls series, with Solaire not only known for his role in the game, but also for his meme status. Solaire is made famous by the Dark Souls Praise the Sun pose, in which Solaire forms a Y-shape with hands outstretched as if reaching towards the sun itself. The pose and character have become so synonymous with the games that Solaire and the Praise the Sun pose have been immortalized as collectible statues, figures, and even a Nintendo amiibo.
Gaming watches are becoming more and more popular not just among collectors, but also with fashion fanatics. What was once was a rarity for adults is now a common occurrence, with even high-end jewelry companies and watch designers partnering up with big video game franchises. Earlier this year, luxury watch brand Tag Heuer unveiled its limited-edition Super Mario watch. The watch is for serious Mario fans only with a price tag of $2150. Previous gaming watch partnerships have also seen releases like Pokémon and Baby G special edition watches, and watches are also often seen in official game stores such as PlayStation Gear.