The digital world and real world collide for a third time as Nike drop the limited edition EA Sports x PhantomVSN in a maelstrom of X, Y, O glory. As well as being able to lace up in them from the comfort of your favourite old gaming chair while playing FIFA for the thirtieth straight hour, you'll also see them on pitch on the feet of Man City's playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne.
Acknowledging the love that is shared by millions for the beautiful game both on the pitch and through the countless hours lost to FIFA, Nike’s collaborations with EA Sports have been huge hits in the past two years, so it’s no surprise to see a third version dropping this year. This time it’s the turn of the PhantomVSN, and the upper features a reflective graphic treatment, which is inspired by console controllers – and you’ll find no favouritism here with both Xbox and PS4 represented. A crimson Swoosh and studs finish the boot, along with a gold EA Sports logo on the tongue.
This launch follows the debut Mercurial Superfly IV crossover in 2016 and the Hypervenom 3 follow up a year later in 2017 (both below), both tying in with the launch of the computer game in September. This year, though the wait was a bit longer. Where the Mercurial had a pixelated pattern that gave it a strong link to the gaming world (probably still the best from the three-pack), the Hypervenom simply featured some additional branding, so it’s good to see the PhantomVSN once again having a clear influence from the console world.
EA Sports have been busy flirting with the two leading sports brands this week as the PhantomVSN follows the adidas Limited Edition EA Sports Fourth shirts – the gaming brand playing the field with serious style. Unlike the shirts though, the boots will feature both in the game and on-pitch on the feet of Juventus’s winger Federico Bernardeschi, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby as well as the aforementioned Kev De Bruyne. Here he is holding a pair to prove it.
The Nike EA Sports x PhantomVSN will be available from 12 December at prodirectsoccer.com
