Kids now have their very PlayStation 4 mini-controller. The mini-wired gamepad announced by the gaming brand is expected to be available this holiday season, serving as the perfect gift for every young gamer out there.

As part of their continued efforts to find ways to improve their products, PlayStation has unveiled their latest project that will cater to tots all around the world who are into playing video games much like their older friends or family members. And to make this new offering into reality and make sure that it is well-made and well-thought-of, Sony has tapped the services of Hori to flesh out their concept.

Simply (and aptly) named as the Mini Wired Gamepad for the PlayStation 4, the controller is almost half the size of the standard DualShock 4 as announced in an update posted on PlayStation's official blog site. Hori was able to shrink it to almost 40% smaller than the original one, with the lopping handles of the DS4 significantly taken out from the new iteration which has retained all the user keys. This"includes the right and left sticks, R1/L1/R2/L2 buttons, directional buttons, and action buttons. Certain touch pad inputs can be simulated via the left or right sticks." From an aesthetic point of view, the junior gamepad resembles the controller of the Super Nintendo.

While there were no sacrifices when it comes to buttons, some features are absent in the Mini Wired Gamepad such as the original's light bar, 3.5mm headset jack, speaker, haptic feedback, as well as, motion control. This means that although the smaller controller will be great for playing kid-friendly titles like Little Big Planet 3, Knack 2, or Ratchet and Clank, it can't be used when it comes to Tearaway Unfolded. So unless adults pick some of the less complex games that can be played using only the buttons, then it's safe to say that it is best that the mini controller is left with the kids.

Hori has been in the same business for decades now and aside from making affordable alternatives in terms of gaming accessories, the company also produces niche controllers like arcade sticks. This gives us the impression that the new controller is not just simply a form of cash grab ploy from Sony in time for the holiday shopping season. Retailing at $30, the Mini Wired Gamepad also includes a 10-foot cable which makes connectivity a lot simpler and allows children to be on the same couch as their older gaming partners. However, not everyone is exactly happy with the wired connectivity as some gamers point out that it can actually be hazardous when it comes to kids tripping on it and maybe even pulling their PlayStation 4 (or PS4 Pro) down with them.

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Source: PlayStation Blog