DualSense reveal for Playstation 5

The controller for the Playstation 5 has been revealed on the Playstation blog, dubbed the “DualSense”. The post mentions that they’re starting to ship out the final design controller to developers to utilize its unique features. The controller is meant to “captivate more of your senses”, in combination with the DualSense and the Playstation 5 Tempest 3D AudioTech for a new feeling of immersion. 

The DualShock 4 had been considered the best Playstation controller yet, with the PS4’s launch in 2013, so they wanted to build on that success. The new controller looks pretty similar to the DualShock 4, but with new functionality and a refined design. In discussions with developers, touch hadn’t been utilized much within gameplay, as well as audio, so this was brought in to the DualSense. Haptic feedback will provide a variety of powerful sensations, and adaptive triggers have been incorporated into the L2 and R2 buttons to feel the “tension” of actions. 

The challenge was there to design a controller based on the previous generation while also including the new features, without making it too bulky. Considerations for the loo, feel and weight, as well as the battery life for the wireless controller all had to be done too. The “Share” button is no longer there, but it’ll become a “Create” button feature to allow players to create and/or share content. More details on Create will be available closer to launch.

A built-in microphone array is available in the DualSense so that you can chat quickly, but the blog post still recommends a headset for longer periods. It has been confirmed that the DualSense does indeed have a headphone jack, according to product manager Toshimasa Aoki.

The base controllers have typically been a single colour, but the DualSense will sport a two-toned design. The light bar’s position has been changed, to give it an extra pop. It’s now on either side of the touch pad, to give it a slightly larger look and feel.

To close off, the post also mentions that the DualSense has been tested with a wide range of gamers and hand sizes for the best comfort level and ergonomics. Last but not least is a message from SIE President & CEO, Jim Ryan, to the community:

“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. 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. We look forward to sharing more information about PS5, including the console design, in the coming months.”

Jim Ryan, President & CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment

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