According to Destructoid, this image has been floating around the internet today, although it appears to originate from their site. It’s impossible to say whether it’s the real thing or not, but chances are it’s either a sneaky photo of a PS4 dev kit (and controller) or an elaborate mock-up based on rumours.
Either way, that looks like a central touch pad, tweaked analog controllers and a coloured strip on the top, likely to be the Move strip that has also been rumoured recently. It also looks like it’s using a d-pad from a Vita, which is a good thing.
That thing in the back that looks like it’s from the 70s? Probably a development kit, the machine that developers are using to build their PS4 games – presumably the same innards as a real PS4 but obviously in a very different outer box. It looks like the controller has a tiny button near the touch pad – is that the (also rumoured) ‘Share’ button?
You can also see the cameras on the dev kit in the background.
So what’s new? In order, then, top row left to right are: a USB 3 port (it says 2 but that just means the second port); one of two cameras on the dev kit (but are likely to be mounted on a Kinect-like array); the ‘share’ or ‘option’ button and finally the PS button and what appears to be a speaker grill.
Bottom row is the touch pad; the Move strip (that’ll presumably change colour depending on the surroundings, like the Move stick); a redesigned analog stick (the d pad is also new and looks just like the one on the Vita) and finally what looks like a headphone jack underneath the PS button.
Note that – even if this is real (as Kotaku seem to think) – it’s still technically a prototype and the final design may well be totally different. Sony are expected to reveal the PS4 next week in New York, so we’ll likely find out for sure then.
Via Destructoid, via GAF.
Burkatron
Clearly there is some refinement to be done here, the final pad will surely have a better finish and overall look. I’m actually getting quite excited thinking what can actually be done with all its input features.
These are just some of my thoughts rather that just concentrating on the looks, which most likely differ from the final design.
The addition of a speaker is a plus in my book as I always found it enjoyable on the Wii, if it doubled as a microphone too? this could only be a bonus and the addition of a headphone jack would make perfect sense. The large light is obviously move integration that can be used in all the usual ways and hopefully keeps the ability to change colour. Looking at the picture more carefully I think I can also spot a second button to the top right of the touchpad where you would expect the start button to be.
Also check out the aspect ratio of the touchpad itself, almost the same as your 16:9 HDTV at home no? Lets imagine the touchpad mimicked your TV, you instantly know that each corner is the corners of your screen. Lets take this one step further, say the rumours of the touchpad being clickable are true, this could turn into some sort of zoom feature when a more accurate touch is required.
Alex C
I think you’re right re: the touch pad. Can’t wait to see what they’ve done with it for the games.
Mr_writer
People are speculating that its a built in mic below the touchpad.
Kennykazey
A mic could be good, but I absolutely hate the speaker on the Wiimote, and don’t want one anywhere near my controller. I have proper speakers for sound.
stage1
Looks ugly as hell. Hopefully this is just a prototype and the final version will look a lot sleeker.
Remember the boomerang, that was sexy. I still have faith in Sony.
dude90
Looks quite nice, hope its a good fit in my hands.
cam the man
I hope it’s not the finished layout as it looks like the analogue sticks will get in the way of using the touchpad, especially the bottom central part.
Kennykazey
That little black square by the touchpad looks more like NFC instead of a share button.
AnimaOnline
For those who’re interested, here’s the image in 1296 x 774. It’s the largest I’ve managed to find.
http://i.imgur.com/LNWPf7X.jpg
As you can see, there’s another button to the right of the touch pad identical to the one on the left which means these two buttons are almost certainly Start and Select. No sight of a Share button but there’s no reason this feature can’t require holding two buttons at once similar to how taking screenshots on the Vita works.
Kennykazey
You’re right about the two buttons. But why make them so flat?
Also, this thing better have rumble….
Alex C
Larger than Destructoid’s. Interesting, especially after they changed their story a bit.
OnlineAssassin77
Don’t know if its just me but there looks like there is also a button of some sort just under the PS home button on the edge of the controller that maybe the share button.
Alex C
is that not a headphone jack?
OnlineAssassin77
Suppose it could be but I recon it would be flush with the plastic I don’t think they stick out that much these days could be wrong though.
OnlineAssassin77
Just going on the headphone jacks on my phones, tv, laptop, ipad there all pretty flush to the casing none stick out that much that’s what makes me think its a button.
Bilbo_bobbins
also looking at the shoulder buttons, it might be just me but they certainly look further down on the pad, so perhaps L2 and R2 are more underneath the controller like the xbox layout, more like a trigger?
Roynaldo
I hope some writers here have days booked off from real life when the reveal hits next week.
If this is what a prototype controller does to us all then fuck knows what the full gear is capable of..
Hur4d
Wonder if they’ll be able to have 8 controllers at once, possibly with a change to 2 bluetooth scatternets?
matthangzhou
Some nice new features without being over the top with its changes.
Sympozium
how is it ugly.