In yet another randomly revealed look at something PS5 related, Sony chose last night to reveal the brand new wireless controller for the PlayStation 5, this is the ‘DualSense’ controller:
The Official PlayStation Blog introduces the concept behind the new look DualSense controller for the PS5 but my first reaction to it from a purely cosmetic point is that it does look more in line with the Xbox One controller in terms of the curved and larger size of the DualSense, the biggest departure from the classic PS One controller that both the PS3 and PS4 controllers very much stuck too whilst adding new tech. I really like the white and more curved design to the controller but not a fan of the basic black, I personally would have gone for a more blue design but now curious if the white is a hint at the actual colour scheme of the launch PS5 console, but it does have the look that different colour schemes could be used for it going forward into the PS5 life cycle.
So technical specs, it is interesting to learn that the DualSense will have a built in microphone array to allow for party and game chat without the use of a headset, a natural evolution from the speaker only array the DualShock 4 had, a natural upgrade I think though people maybe far too used to the quality of a true gaming headset to use it, it does add some functionality to it as a controller.
The share button is gone, something I found to be a revolutionary addition at the launch of the PS4 and something that Microsoft have only now seen fit to “copy” into the new Xbox Wireless controller with the new generation. Replacing the Share button is the “Create” button, which will still access the natural DVR functions of the PS5, a feature we will have to wait to be explained further at a later date.
The lightbar has also been moved from the standard on top of the DualShock 4 controller and now you can see the lights on the sides of the touch pad which for me makes it look a lot better, giving it a visual pop rather than not being able to see the additional lights at all.
Overall I do rather like the look of the DualSense and its features feel like a natural step forward from the PS4 DualShock 4 controller, it will be interesting to see now we know what the controller looks like, if the PS5 console itself follows the same two toned and curved style when Sony finally do reveal how it looks, which will no doubt be some random tweet at some random time and not 30 minutes before an episode of ‘Inside Xbox’ from Microsoft. Will leave this with the closing remarks made by Jim Ryan, President & CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment:
“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.”
