PS5 DualSense: Introducing the new wireless controller

Here's a first look at the DualSense controller, which will bring the sense of touch to PS5 gameplay
Sony

The PlayStation 5 controller has a new name and a new look, and we've finally seen the final design we'll be playing with come winter 2020.

Named DualSense, the controller is the the first one since the PlayStation One to not use the classic DualShock name that has been the standard for Sony.

Announced in a blog post on the official PlayStation Blog, this new controller brings a host of new improvement which will aim to captivate your senses while you play PS5 games, delivering a new feeling of immersion to players.

From the new adaptive triggers, haptic feedback and a built-in microphone, Sony has also decided to remove the lightbar that was on the PS4's DualShock controller in favour of an LED surrounding the touchpad.

Here's a full look at the new PS5 DualSense controller.

The brand new DualSense controller for the PS5
Sony

Design

Right off the bat, you'll notice that this is the first PlayStation controller to ever go for a two-tone colour scheme. Previously, they've all been one solid colour, along with the console itself, so this could give us an indication to the colour scheme of the final console as well.

It looks like the controller will use a USB-C port, so it seems likely that's how you'll charge the DualSense controller. Sony has promised that the built-in battery will last for longer in play too without adding too much weight to the controller.

Additionally, Sony decided to keep the touchpad function and change the position of the light bar, so that the controller will 'pop'. On DualShock 4, the light bar sat on the top of the controller; now it sits at each side of the touchpad, giving the DualSense a slightly larger look and feel.

You'll also notice that the 'Share' button from the PS4's old design is gone, but we'll get to that later.

Sony says DualSense has been tested by a wide range of gamers with a variety of hand sizes, in order to achieve the optimal comfort level with great ergonomics.

The company's goal with DualSense is to give gamers the feeling of being transported into the game world as soon as they open the box.

Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

Haptic feedback adds a variety of powerful sensations you’ll feel when you play, Sony gives the example of being able to feel "the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud."

To this end, the company also decided to incorporate adaptive triggers into the L2 and R2 buttons of DualSense, which means you can truly feel the tension of your actions.

The Share button has been replaced with the Create button
Sony

Adaptive triggers are already present in the Xbox One controllers, but it always felt like it was an unwelcome addition.

This kind of feature also has the chance of diminishing over time, especially considering how much wear and tear these controllers see on a daily basis.

It'll be interesting to see if that affects controller performance and feel a few years down the line.

Built-in microphone

DualSense will have a built-in microphone array, which will enable players to easily chat with friends without a headset – this makes it ideal for jumping into a quick conversation.

In terms of a wider implication, this means that if the controller microphone is good enough you won't need an external mic plugged in or a top-of-the-range headset - you should just be able to use the DualSense microphone and any old headphones to listen in.

Create button

When it comes to buttons, you’ll notice there is no longer a “Share” button found with DualShock 4. Sony hasn't removed it instead it has undergone something of a rebrand.

The Share button on the PS4 was useful for creating long and shortform clips of your play sessions, so the company has decided to build upon the success of the Share button to bring a new “Create” feature.

With Create you'll still be able to create epic gameplay content to share with the world, or just to enjoy for yourself.

There will be more details about the Create feature closer to launch.

We just hope that Sony finally kills the problem that many new and old PS4 DualShock controllers has with nightmarish joystick drift, but we'll have to wait till we get our hands on the console to find out.