PlayStation 5 DualSense controller revealed by Sony

Say hello to the DualSense, the new two-tone controller for PlayStation 5. Sony today shared with us the first images and design details. Sony is sending final designs to developers to encourage the use of new features of the controller into games.

It’s a whole new look for Sony with the shape of the PlayStation 1, 2 and 3 controllers now completely wiped out and the curvature of the PlayStation 4 controller now pushed further to provide a more ergonomic design. A wide range of gamers with different hand sizes tested the controller, and it’s final design hopefully gives all of us a feeling of comfort.

“DualSense marks a radical departure from our previous controller offerings and captures just how strongly we feel about making a generational leap with PS5. The new controller, along with the many innovative features in PS5, will be transformative for games – continuing our mission at PlayStation to push the boundaries of play, now and in the future. To the PlayStation community, I truly want to thank you for sharing this exciting journey with us as we head toward PS5’s launch in Holiday 2020. We look forward to sharing more information about PS5, including the console design, in the coming months.” – SIE President & CEO Jim Ryan

PlayStation 5 DualSense: Who doesn’t love a good two tone, right?

For those of you wanting the juicy stuff, here’s the list of features:

• Tempest 3D AudioTech to encourage more use of audio in games
• L2 and R2 with adaptive triggers to heighten the feeling of immersion – i.e. drifting through the mud in a car, drawing a bow
• Ergonomic design integrated with new features to eliminate bulkiness
• A changed angle of the hand triggers, subtle updates to the grip
• A lightweight, rechargeable battery
• The Share button is removed and replaced with a Create button
• Built-in microphone so you can chat with players

So, it looks as though Sony wants to give a whole new look and feel to players. We’ve seen in the past console designers encouraging developers to use features like audio more immersive like the Nintendo Wii, so we’ll see how that plays out. Other things like battery life we’ll give you an update on once tests are out. The rebrand of the Share to Create button seems as though Sony wants players to get their creative hats on and create and share – did the name need changing? – their experiences. And haptic feedback and built-in-mic may be features we go without anyways to save battery life. 

Let us know what you think of the design and features of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, and we’ll keep you updated with new announcements.

If you want to catch up on details of the PlayStation 5 you can check out our commentary on the PlayStation 5 conference.