I love the design of this controller.
Seeya DualShock, hello DualSense, which is the name of the upcoming PlayStation 5 controller. In a post over on the PlayStation Blog, not only did we get to see the newly styled controller, but also a bit of how Sony came up with this new controller.
I have to say that I do love the curved nature of the DualSense; it seems Space-Aged. Though on the surface, it does resemble the DualShock we’ve used for years. It looks like Sony put in some work with this controller, and just by looking at it, you can tell. This should make more than a few DualShock fans happy, as there was some concern about if Sony would just package the same controller or innovate. We can see they chose to innovate.
With the DualSense, a few changes were made that sperate it from the DualShock 4 controller that we’re using now. The Share button is now gone, but the functionality is still there as a new button called “Create” replaces it. Now only can you share with the DualSense controller, but in a new way, according to PlayStation. More on the Create button to come later.
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
DualSense also includes a built-in microphone array, meaning you’ll be able to speak with friends online and without the need for a headset. Though, that raises questions on the microphone’s quality, how much noise it can/will pick up, and of course, privacy concerns. Remember, when Google did that for Stadia and how everyone was upset about that? Will we hear the same now that PlayStation is doing it?
A built-in rechargeable battery returns, no surprise there. However, it was mentioned that they wanted a battery that was not only powerful but also light. There wasn’t any mention of how much the battery was rated for.
There’s a lot more talk about what went into the design of the DualSense and everything else about the controller on the PlayStation Blog. Give it a read; it’s worth it.
Though, I have to wonder if we’ll be able to use this on the PlayStation 4 or PC. Hey, you know someone is going to try it. I know I will.
The PlayStation 5 and DualSense controller will be launched this Holiday 2020 season unless COVID-19 has something to say about it.