As it grows closer to the release of the PlayStation 5, more details have been revealed about its DualSense Controller, which promises to be a huge improvement on the PS4’s DualShock controller. Though certain details remain unclear about Sony's next-gen controller, including its price, there is still a lot which the company has confirmed about its hardware and features that is ramping up excitement for the PS5’s release.
Sony promises the PlayStation 5 will be available by the holiday season this year, so players will be able to hold the new DualSense controller in their hands (hopefully) before Christmas. Sony claims to have gone through countless concepts and mock-ups before deciding on the final design of the DualSense Controller, and being so picky allowed them to incorporate new elements that will radically change gameplay experience on the PS5. From what is known about the controller, it’s not disappointing so far.
Focusing on how to enhance all of the player’s senses, Sony is confident that their controller boasts good ergonomics, is comfortable, and has a sleek new design. “Our goal with DualSense is to give gamers the feeling of being transported into the game world as soon as they open the box,” Sony wrote in a blog post introducing the new PS5 controller. “We want gamers to feel like the controller is an extension of themselves when they’re playing – so much so that they forget that it’s even in their hands!”
DualSense New Features & Hardware
The DualSense controller features many of the same elements that made the DualShock 4 so successful, with improvements upon its overall design and functionality. DualSense promises to bring something completely new to the table as well – a sense of touch. The PS5 controller features haptic feedback, which allows for more intense sensations amid gameplay. The haptic feedback incorporates the same technology used in Nintendo Switch’s HD rumble. The Xbox Series X control has also confirmed it will be incorporating haptic feedback, as well.
In terms of its buttons and controls, the DualSense has also been fitted with adaptive triggers to the L2 and R2 buttons, which will allow the player to feel various levels of resistance when pressing on the trigger. They’ll be able to feel the struggle of pulling a vehicle through the mud or experiencing an earthquake or another big shock more so than ever before on PlayStation’s previous controllers. Changes were made to the ‘Share’ button, which has been upgraded and turned into a ‘Create’ button and promises to give players more opportunity to share and create gameplay content. Sony has promised more details will come regarding the Create button and its differences to Share closer to the PS5’s release date.
The developers improved upon the DualSense’s battery life, promising that it is stronger and able to last longer than in previous generations. The PS5 controller's built-in microphone is also a game-changer. It will allow players to talk among themselves without needing to wear a headset, making it easier and quicker to jump into conversations with virtual friends. The DualSense will still be compatible with headsets, however, which will likely be more comfortable for long periods of play. Finally, the DualSense will feature a USB-C port for charging, which the Xbox Series X controller will also have, as both next-gen consoles are dedicated to making the transition to the new port.
How DualSense’s Design Changed
Many of the elements of the DualSense remain the same in terms of its physical design. Like its predecessor, it features a large touchpad in its center as well as dual analog sticks running parallel versus being staggered, like many other console’s controllers. The layout is pretty much the same as the PS4, except for the inclusion of a Create button instead of a Share one. Still, the new hardware that allow for the incorporation of such new features necessitated the design of the controller be revisited in some ways. Otherwise, it could have been too chunky.
While the exact measurements or size of the PS5’s controller are not known, the controller appears to have a slightly thicker form factor that its predecessor. It also bodes a more futuristic design (matching the look of the PS5 itself) that sets it apart from previous PlayStation controllers. Players will notice that the angle of the hand triggers have been changed. The grip is also a bit different in the DualSense than previous models due to the re-positioning. Luckily, the developers were able to settle on a design that overall makes the controller feel smaller and lighter than it actually is, which has advantages for both the efficiency and aesthetic of the controller.
What Colors Will DualSense Come In?
In the past, PlayStation controllers have been a single color. But Sony decided to shake things up with the DualSense, as it will be offered in a two-tone design. This provides the controller with a much different aesthetic than its predecessors. Images of the DualSense show it in black and white, though there will likely be other editions of the controller available in the future in different colors. The light bar has also been modified by changing its position; it now rests on each side of the touch pad. This will supposedly make the lights bolder, since the new placement helps them appear larger on the controller and more visible to the person actually holding it.
Though many details about the DualSense still remain a mystery, the official slogan for the controller appears very telling. On June 18th, it was revealed the Sony filed paperwork in the United States in order to trademark a new phrase – “Heighten Your Senses” – which is widely believed to be a reference to the controller, Gamespot reports. As the company has promised the controller will help gameplay become immersive, and specifically allow the player to feel what their virtual character is experiencing, it’s meant to tap in and utilize all of the senses, providing for a more well-rounded experience. The publication notes that the controller’s slogan is still waiting for final approval, so this may not be the official phrase the controller debuts with when it releases in time for the holidays. The slogan for the PlayStation 5 has similar connotations, as it reads “Play Has No Limits,” once again referencing how the next-gen console aims to incorporate all of the player’s senses.
How Much Will DualSense Cost?
The exact price of the DualSense remains unknown, which isn’t surprising given that Sony has yet to confirm the price of the PS5. Rough estimates put the console’s price anywhere between $400-500 upon its release, though some reports have suggested the coronavirus pandemic could raise the console’s overall market price. Considering the original PS4 DualShock controller retails for $60-65 dollars, Tom’s Guide suggests the DualSense will likely have a similar price, though maybe slightly increased.
As Sony gears up to hold more reveal events in the coming months, more information about the DualSense Controller as well as the PlayStation 5 will be revealed, including what their market prices will be.
Sources: GameSpot, Tom’s Guide, PlayStation Blog