The DualShock 4, along with the PS4’s camera array, is the only hardware so far publicly seen. Sony elected to keep the actual console a closely guarded shape back at its February reveal, leaving only the innovative new controller the talking point.
This, of course, was a wise decision. There’s a lot going on with the DualShock 4 that didn’t want to get lost alongside the main unit – touchpad, front light, that new Share button: it was all a calculated marketing move.
However, it’s now May, and no outlet, save for a few vocal developers, has been allowed to see it first hand, let alone talk about it. TheSixthAxis is looking forward to going hands on next month, but until then we’re reliant on GameInformer (via), with their PS4 special this month, for some details.
First up, we’re reminded that the version we’ve seen is very much still a prototype. There’s a temptation to say that’s just PR speak but it’s likely that some elements are still subject to change. Notably, the d-pad and the controller’s overall weight.
However, what’s likely to stay are those two new analog sticks. That central divot is crucial – it means your thumbs stay seated easier – but we’re also to believe that the deadzone (the amount you need to move a stick to get the game to register) is greatly reduced.
They’re stiffer, too, with much stronger resistance. Whether that’s a byproduct of the prototypes being new or not is hard to say, but tougher to move sticks would be appreciated.
The two sticks are aligned symmetrically again – unlike those on Xbox consoles – because of the new touchpad, which sits square in the centre-top area of the controller. If they weren’t symmetrical, it wouldn’t be possible to reach the touchpad without knocking into the left stick, we’re told.
They are, however, further apart, meaning that ‘bumping thumbs’ – not something we’ve ever really noticed – is a thing of the past.
We also have confirmation that the touchpad is multi-touch, and does indeed replace the start and select buttons: presumably pushing the touchpad in pauses your game, unless it’s used in a game-specific way. Two new buttons – Options and Share – demonstrate Sony’s new approach, and they’re as prominent as anything else on the surface.
The triggers have been tweaked, too – a small ridge at the end of each locks into your fingers so they don’t slide off, something that has been a complaint of the DualShock 3 since launch.
The rest of the report lists bullet-points we already know: that the front light is used to identify players and shift split-screens around on the fly; that there’s a speaker on the face of the controller and that various developers had a hand in designing the layout and functionality – including, curiously, Bungie.
Hopes are high that the actual console is as strong received as the DualShock 4, which had had nothing but positive (if not all too limited) media and developer coverage since February. It’s feature packed and yet still svelte and well proportioned, and hopefully won’t change too much before the system releases later this year.
We’ll be back, presumably, with full hands-on impressions from E3 next month.
E8_BALL_
Might be tempted to go to the dark side, Xbox 720 rarther.
The IllumiRoom tech looks great if implemented & kinect, Sony are not evolving as much as i’d hoped, not by a long shot.
May get a PS4 as a secondary.
MadJunkBoy
really liking the look of the controller! and hopefully the console is going to be just as great!
and i have no idea what poeople are on about when they say that thier fingers slip off the R2 and L2 buttons! i have TRIED and it’s impossible to slip off those buttons…
Statix
“They’re stiffer, too, with much stronger resistance. Whether that’s a byproduct of the prototypes being new or not is hard to say, but tougher to move sticks would be appreciated.”
Um, wrong. Looser sticks means easier to make minute, slight adjustments and movements on the analog sticks, making precise aiming in shooters easier. Having higher analog stick resistance only serves to tire out your thumbs, makes it harder to make small movements necessary to hit that little couple of pixels off in the distance, and causes you to overshoot your target more often.
One reason many people use and love Kontrol Freeks is because their increased height provides more mechanical leverage for your thumbs, thereby drastically reducing total analog stick resistance. That’s why Kontrol Freeks serve to make you more accurate in shooters.
2mechs
“Looser sticks means easier to make minute, slight adjustments and movements on the analog sticks, making precise aiming easier. makes it harder to make small movements necessary to hit that little couple of pixels off in the distance”
thats exactly true sticks being stiffer isn”t a good thing at all, your right it makes it harder to make small adjustments because you have to force the stick more, I hope they have the same stiffness is they do right know that would be no good if there super stiff.
2mechs
i like it also i hope it doesnt change at all.
Broonba
Slightly OT…..does anybody know if their PS3 profile/trophies carry over to the PS4. Don’t think it’s been mentioned yet, has it?
Alex C
Yes, for sure.
Broonba
Cheers Alex, it’s good to know for certain. ;)
Alex C
Well, that’s my best guess… ;)