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DualSense: First look at the PS5’s new wireless game controller

By Matthew Liebl

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 30: The Sony PlayStation logo is displayed during the 'Paris Games Week' on October 30, 2019 in Paris, France. 'Paris Games Week' is an international trade fair for video games that runs from October 29 to November 03, 2019. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 30: The Sony PlayStation logo is displayed during the 'Paris Games Week' on October 30, 2019 in Paris, France. 'Paris Games Week' is an international trade fair for video games that runs from October 29 to November 03, 2019. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images) /
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Sony has lifted the curtain on the PlayStation 5’s new wireless controller. Check out the sleek, new DualSense for PlayStation 5.

Goodbye DualShock. Hello DualSense. It’s a name that reflects the new capabilities of the PS5’s game controller which has been designed to increase game immersion through adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.

Sony spoke briefly about these new features a few months ago when first announcing the PlayStation 5. Today, the company gave a full rundown on the DualSense controller, including revealing its final design. Check it out, in all its glory!

Our first look at DualSense game controller for PS5
Our first look at DualSense game controller for PS5 /

Our first look at DualSense game controller for PS5

With the DualShock 4, Sony focused on audio as a way to increase immersion, while also introducing the Share button as a way for gamers to connect by easily sharing their gameplay videos and screenshots. The DualSense builds upon the design of the DualShock, incorporating another important sense: touch. Sony explained:

"This is why we adopted haptic feedback, which adds a variety of powerful sensations you’ll feel when you play, such as the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud. We also incorporated adaptive triggers into the L2 and R2 buttons of DualSense so you can truly feel the tension of your actions, like when drawing a bow to shoot an arrow."

Sony went through the process of refining the DualSense design over on the PlayStation Blog and as you can imagine, the issue was incorporating these new features without making the controller bulky and uncomfortable. The resul is the controller you see above and damn does it look sexy. I could hold that baby all day.

One of the things you may have noticed was the removal of the “Share” button, which has been replaced by the new “Create” button feature. I’m assuming it’s the button with the three little lines in the place where it says “Share” on the DualShock 4.

DualSense 'Create' button
DualSense 'Create' button /

DualSense 'Create' button

Sony reiterated that you’ll still be able to share your gameplay clips and screenshots but it sounds as though the “Create” feature will expand these capabilities. What exactly you’ll be able to create is a question for another day, though.

"With Create, we’re once again pioneering new ways for players to create epic gameplay content to share with the world, or just to enjoy for themselves. We’ll have more details on this feature as we get closer to launch."

The PlayStation 4 already has a basic video editing tool in SHAREfactory, which is already pretty easy to use. It sounds like this is a marketing rebrand.

Another feature in the DualSense is a built-in microphone. While a headset will be better for lengthier gameplay sessions, the built-in microphone will allow you to quickly and easily chat for quick conversation. This could be a welcomed addition for someone like me, who hates wearing headsets (I know I’m at a disadvantage in most competitive games), but I can’t imagine it’ll be used by the majority of gamers.

You’ll also notice the DualSense features a white and black two-toned color scheme which is a departure from the traditional single color that the base PlayStation controllers typically come in. The light bar has also been moved to the side of the touch pad to “give it an extra pop.” I never liked the light bar and it looks like it’ll be even more annoying now that it’s larger and more prominent.

DualSense
DualSense /

DualSense

Commenting on the DualSense controller, here’s what Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, had to say to gamers:

"“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.”"

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Obviously, the most important thing is how the controller feels. It looks comfortable, that’s for sure. Apparently it’s been tested by a “wide range of gamers with a variety of hand sizes,” so that’s comforting. Of course, I’ll reserve judgment until I get to actually hold one myself.

Honestly, it looks a bit like a third-party controller, the kind that redesigns the DualShock to feel more like an Xbox controller. That’s not a bad thing, though. It looks comfortable and sleek and I’m a big fan of the white-and-black color scheme. We can also assume it will come in additional colors for special edition consoles and such.

Next. PlayStation 5: Ten games most likely to launch with the PS5. dark

Perhaps the most comforting thing in this post is that Sony reiterated the Holiday 2020 launch window for the PlayStation 5. With coronavirus threatening supply chains, there has been some concern that the PS5 could be delayed. I guess that won’t be the case.