With the PlayStation 5 just a few months away from release, Sony has revealed the controller that will come with the console.
Named the DualSense, the new controller was announced by PlayStation on their blog, and the video game maker provided an overview of the upcoming controller. Similarly to the DualShock 4, the DualSense is wireless and looks rather similar to its predecessor at first glance. It features similar looking directional and shape buttons, along with thumbsticks and speakers in the controller’s base. There is no longer a share button, but instead, something called a ‘create’ button, which PlayStation says will pioneer the way that gamers can share their gameplay content.
Continuing on with the iteration, the DualSense features touch integration in the form of haptic feedback, which PlayStation says will create further immersion for gamers. This integration involves feeling powerful sensations on the controller when gaming and the example that they used was a gritty slowness while driving through mud. In addition, the L2 and R2 triggers also feature adaptive triggers that aim to bring tension to actions such as drawing back a bow and launching an arrow. DualSense also includes a built-in mic that enables players to talk with their friends without the need for a headset, although PlayStation still recommends using a headset for longer chat periods. President & CEO of PlayStation Interactive, Jim Ryan looks at the DualSense as a significant upgrade from the company’s previous controllers.
“DualSense marks a radical departure from our previous controller offerings and captures just how strongly we feel about making a generational leap with PS5. The new controller, along with the many innovative features in PS5, will be transformative for games – continuing our mission at PlayStation to push the boundaries of play, now and in the future,” said Ryan.
Visually, the DualSense features a mostly white base, with a small section of black around the control sticks. This is a departure from the DualShock 4 which featured a one-tone-look. The light bar is also slightly different and rests on either side of the touch bar, which is meant to give it a larger look and feel.
The final product is the result of several hundred design concepts and mockups, which PlayStation has gone through over the past few years. Their aim with the DualSense is to, “give gamers the feeling of being transported into the game world,” and have them, “feel like the controller is an extension of themselves when they’re playing.”
Jim Ryan also thanked fans for their continued support of PlayStation and the journey to the release of the PlayStation 5. He also teased that more information about the PS5, including the actual console design will be coming at some point in the coming months.
Are you digging the DualSense’s paint job? And does this make you more excited for the PS5? Let us know in the comments below!