Stepping back a few weeks ago, the technological architecture for the PlayStation 5 was revealed and not showing much differences in contrast to the competing Xbox Series X. And despite the hardware even lacking in certain specifications alongside backward compatibility, the system’s SSD actually topped the custom built component for Microsoft’s console. However, unlike the Xbox Series X, we still do not know what the PlayStation 5 looks like or even the controller.
That was until this afternoon as Sony introduced the DualSense, the upcoming gamepad made specifically for PlayStation 5. Although Microsoft has introduced additional tweaks to the Series X controller like USB-C support, matte finishing, and a new D-Pad, the design does not break the sound barrier like Sony’s.
After thoughtful consideration, we decided to keep much of what gamers love about DualShock 4 intact, while also adding new functionality and refining the design. Based on our discussions with developers, we concluded that the sense of touch within gameplay, much like audio, hasn’t been a big focus for many games.
Hideaki Nishino, PlayStation Senior Vice President for Platform Planning & Management
The most evident change in comparison to the DuslShock 4 from the DualSense is the color scheme: using a white layout for the top and handles of the gamepad while the under grip and analog sticks hone a black finish below. And while we are accustomed to the location of the current controller’s light bar on the front, Sony now has relocated the light bar to both sides of the touch pad on the surface.
Moving onto the interior of the controller itself, Sony disclosed that both Design & Engineering departments worked on the architecture of the gamepad. One new addition is Adaptive Triggers which unlike the DualShock 4 will allow players to “truly feel the tension of your actions.” What that means exactly is that the triggers have a sort of vibration mechanism inside for more intuitive effect on the player; similar to rumble triggers on the Xbox One controller.
Other additional features implemented into the DualSense is the Create button to replace the already familiar share button and a built-in microphone array has been added to the new controller as well. Sony tells that more on the matters for the Create button will be disclosed closer to the console’s release.
The structure of the controller is said to be more compact and awkward, but the teams behind the final product managed to not compromise the design aside from the adjusted angle of the handles for more comfortable positioning for your hands. The rechargeable battery also received an upgrade with a more efficient lifespan and the overall weight is lighter in contrast to its predecessor.
Reflecting on the leaked patent for the controller does correspond with what was revealed today such as smaller triggers and explains what exactly happened to the light bar. While not a carbon copy of the discovery from last year, Sony did share that the controller has went through several changes to the final product that we see before us.
One concern that players deciding to pick up PlayStation 5 might be worried about is the lack of support for the DualShock 4 alike the Xbox Series X is confirmed to implement at launch for Xbox One controllers. Regardless, the controller surely is an exciting addition to the new PlayStation and grows excitement for more to be revealed later in 2020. Noted, the design/coloring for the gamepad could foreshadow what we might expect for the retail unit for the PlayStation 5.
Sony Interactive Entertainment President & CEO Jim Ryan also reaffirmed the previously made suggestion by Sony that the PlayStation 5 will in fact be arriving at the end of the year. “To the PlayStation community, I truly want to thank you for sharing this exciting journey with us as we head toward PS5’s launch in Holiday 2020.
Source: PlayStation Blog
