After a disappointing logo reveal at CES earlier this year and a repurposed GDC conference just last month, Sony has finally given gamers their first glimpse of its next-generation console, the PlayStation 5. Or more specifically, its brand-new controller. This was done via a blog post on the official PlayStation blog.
Dubbed the DualSense, the next-generation console’s redesigned controller has a few notable changes from the DualShock 4 on the PS4. This includes a unique black and white aesthetic, as well as a greater focus on touch and haptic feedback.
Much like the HD Rumble in the Nintendo Switch joy-cons, the DualSense is capable of very precise haptic feedback, so players would be able to tell the difference between driving in the mud and on tarmac in racing games, through the vibrations of the controller. The L2 and R2 buttons have also been made adaptive triggers, meaning that players can experience some level of resistance when pulling them during certain in-game contexts, such as when firing a bow and arrow.
A microphone array has also been integrated directly into the controller, meaning that players can chat in online games without the need for an additional headset. The popular “Share” button has also been replaced with the new “Create” button, although nothing was said in the blog post about any new functionality for the button outside of saving and sharing screenshots and gameplay footage; they did promise to give more details as we approach the next-gen console’s expected launch this coming holiday.
What do you think about the PlayStation 5 controller? Are you as anxious as we are to get one of these bad boys in your hands? Let us know in the comments section below.