DualSense - Refreshing the DualShock

avatar

DualSense – Playstation US Blog

Sony are shrouding themselves with mystery by layering their reveals of the PlayStation 5. Their most recent blog post unveiled a breath into the DualShock series, a line that has remained iconic ever since the PS1. The DualShock Analog was a game changer for me, transitioning from the original control pad in 1995 is a memory that will always stay with me. The new controller was heavier, gave a new way to control games using thumbs and Sony have only continued to evolve on this over the consecutive console generations. Reinventing the wheel isn’t easy, for that I will say Nintendo have been the most radical. Sony have focused on refinement and have evolved their winning control formula, the Sony DualShock range has always been my favourite. DualSense is the new and improved controller that looks to pack in more technology than ever.

The symbols of Triangle, Circle, X and Square will something that will always remain in my memory. They are still here today and will not be going anywhere anytime soon, there were a few interesting additions to controller and it’s clear that the company want to make a branding statement. For the first time, DualShock has become DualSense. It emphasises the controllers features of sensing technology that seeks to bring even greater in the hands of gamers. The aesthetic design is also features dual colours for the first time. It looks smart but I’ll be interested to see if other colourways are offered at launch. The current pictures remind me of the PSVR headset design and I’m patiently waiting to see just what Sony will unveil in that department too. I did wonder if Sony would be playing the peripheral game a little more by later unveiling a continuation the DualShock series in parallel to the DualSense but this doesn’t seem to be the case as developers around the world will be building their new games with the new controller’s capabilities in mind.

Aside from the questionable built in microphone that is inbuilt, it makes we wonder if developers will try to building in microphone mechanics into console gaming. We have played voice controlled games on mobile but my first experience of this was on the Nintendo DS, blow and shouting my way through games. Adaptive triggers that have tension mechanisms will certainly change the way gaming feels too. I am curious as to how different the haptic feedback will feel and have enjoyed playing shooters on the PS4 with Sony’s current rumble implementation. The Xbox One on the other hand has some issues but that’s personal preference.

With all the new features coming in hot, the form factor of this controller seems to be a little wider. I’m eager to see how this will sit in my hands as the DualShock has always felt just right in my hands. Weight distribution was also highlighted and it will be interesting to see how premium the controller feels. It’s strange that so much discussion can be held around a controller, even before the reveal of the controller itself. It shows just how much people care about the way we play games and we can’t forget that other companies have leveraged unique controller designs in the past. Sony are doing a good job slowly building up into their final reveal and I’m looking forward to see if they will introduce a few curveballs along the way.

Lockhart Tech Blogs



0
0
0.000
0 comments