Say Goodbye to the DualShock, and Hello to the DualSense

Immersion seems to be the name of the game for the PlayStation 5. We already got to hear lead architect Mark Cerny tells us about new features such as the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech software. Now, Sony has revealed the new controller, with which the company hopes to expand that feeling of immersion. This is the final design, which is being shipped out to developers right now. Perhaps the biggest “shock” is that the PlayStation brand is leaving behind the DualShock moniker after several generations. Now, the PS5 controller is called the DualSense. Check it out:

A first look at DualSense, PS5’s new wireless controller.

More details and images: https://t.co/SuaUVDkyvD pic.twitter.com/ot5R1u5hsz

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) April 7, 2020

That’s quite a drastic change from what we’ve been used to,even more so than the DualShock 4 back when the PS4 was new. While the design is visually very different, it looks like the core functionality will be similar to the DualShock 4.

There’s one major exception, which is an added sense of touch. Sony is incorporating haptic feedback to the PlayStation experience, as well as adaptive triggers for L2 and R2. To make that work, Sony notes it changed the angles on the triggers some, and modified the grip too. Also, while the button placement is all the same, the “Share” button is now the “Create” button. No details on that yet, but presumably it’ll have more to do with the console’s sharing software options.

There are two more major changes featured at this point for the PS5 DualSense controller. One, is that the device itself contains a built-in microphone array, making headsets optional to some extent. Also, the light bar no longer rests on top of the controller, instead taking up residence on either side of the touch pad.

Sony’s goal here seems to be giving the DualSense a more abstract presence in your hands, with an effort to make the thing as light as possible, while adding extra sensory texture to the buttons.

According to the PlayStation Blog post, Sony is still sticking to its Holiday 2020 plans for the PS5 launch.