Sony has officially introduced its DualSense wireless controller designed specifically to be used with the PlayStation 5 (PS5) which is set for release this year.
The tech giant made the announcement through a post in the PlayStation blog. PlayStation also took the opportunity to disclose the news through its official Twitter page:
A first look at DualSense, PS5’s new wireless controller.
More details and images: https://t.co/SuaUVDkyvD pic.twitter.com/ot5R1u5hsz
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) April 7, 2020
Building on the DualShock’s success
Although Sony’s new PS5 wireless controller rocks a new name, it certainly builds on the previous design of the company’s hit DualShock lineup of controllers.
For instance, this latest generation game accessory sports a similar overall button arrangement as old PlayStation controllers.
But obviously, Sony wanted to make another major leap forward when it comes to offering a new controller for the upcoming PS5.
“When PS4 launched in 2013, the DualShock 4 wireless controller garnered a lot of positive feedback from gamers and developers for being the best PlayStation controller yet, and for introducing forward-looking features like the ‘Share’ button,” the company said.
“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.”
So what’s new with the PS5 DualSense controller?
Perhaps the most notable improvement this time around is the introduction of haptic feedback.
While it is true that DualShock already came with vibrations, DualSense’s haptic feedback will take those sensations to another new level. For example, when players maneuver a vehicle through rough terrain, they’ll really feel how uneven the driving surface is on their hands.
The DualSense wireless controller also offers adaptive triggers on its L2 and R2 buttons. According to Sony, players who are preparing to shoot arrows will definitely sense the tension of drawing their bow.
The adoption of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers also compelled Sony’s designers to make small but strategic adjustments to the controller’s physical design.
For instance, the angle of the hand triggers has been changed, the grip has been fine-tuned, and the overall weight has been reduced.
Playing with friends
Some will notice that the “Share” button present on DualShock 4 is no longer visible on the DualSense controller.
Sony is quick to assure everyone that it’s introducing a new “Create” button that promises even more sharing and gameplay-creating capabilities for players.
For good measure, the PS5 controller also comes with its own microphone array which should allow users to chat conveniently with their gaming buddies without having to use a headset.
Color upgrade
Now there is nothing wrong with the all-black aesthetic being sported by past DualShock controllers. But the new DualSense controller, with its two-tone color scheme (think Stormtrooper), is a fresh and sleek take on the controller’s design.
Sony has also decided to shift the location of the light bar. It used to sit on the top, as seen on the DualShock 4. But for the new DualSense controller, the light bar has been moved to the sides of the touch pad.
Upcoming release of the PS5
The unveiling of the new DualSense wireless controller should yet give PlayStation fans another reason to get excited about the upcoming release of the PS5.
Just a few days ago, Sony had revealed fresh new details about the console. And last month, the company had earlier made the full specs public during a virtual keynote presentation at this year’s Game Developers Conference.
Images courtesy of PlayStation.