Yesterday at Sony's "Future of PlayStation" event in New York City, the PlayStation 4 was unveiled- kind of. They confirmed the console's existence, showed us some of its new features and games, but never showed us the actual console. Luckily, however, Sony did reveal the updated DualShock 4 controller, complete with a wide array of new and exciting changes.
TOUCH PAD
Among the most notable changes in the DualShock 4 controller is the inclusion of a touch pad located in the middle of the controller. Unlike the photos of the leaked prototype controller, the DualShock 4's touch pad has a sleek textured finish, and is slightly elevated for ease of use. This touch pad may lead to simple and fluid navigation of menus as well as unlocking a new layer of complexity, never before available on PlayStation consoles.HEAVIER
If Sony wanted to stylishly incorporate the touch pad into the DualShock 4's design they knew they'd have to add some weight to it- around .63 ounces extra. The total weight of the controller came in at 7.4 oz, just slightly heavier than the DualShock 3's 6.77 oz. The change shouldn't feel too noticeable to the average consumers, but if you're the ultimate controller-freak,you might be able to sense the added weight.ERGONOMIC/ JOYSTICK CHANGES
In order to accommodate the touch pad and LED, the design of the DualShock 4 had to be wider set, so the hand grips and joysticks are further apart than those of the DualShock 3. Sony changed their controller's joysticks to concave with distinct outer ridges to make them "much more precise and accurate." Also added were textured material on the hand grips, so it was easier to hold.ALTERED R AND L BUTTONS
Another alteration made to the DualShock 4 was the slight tweaking of the R and L buttons. The R2 and L2 buttons have been modified to be skinny and flat, resembling the Xbox 360's triggers. The R1 and L1 buttons have become rounder, larger, and placed within a very close proximity to the R2 and L2 buttons- almost touching them.NEW BUTTONS
Slightly less noticeable was the addition of some new buttons. The most prominent is the new "Share" button used to seamlessly upload pictures and videos of gameplay as well as access all of PS4's new social features. Sony also ditched the start and select buttons in favor of an option button, which will most likely serve the same purpose. The D-pad was also changed, featuring larger, more angular directional buttons for better grip and control.
MOTION CONTROL
Sony also announced that the DualShock 4 will be compatible with the stereoscopic camera, titled PlayStation Eye via the blue LED strip on top of the controller. This functionality will allow the controller to be digitally tracked and registered in a 3D environment which could lead to some interesting game mechanics.
Overall it looks as though Sony has done some great things to improve the DualShock controller line. These improvements will undoubtedly lead to new and exciting game mechanics as well as an improved overall experience of the controller. The only thing now that could hamper the DualShock 4 controller would be an unreasonably high price point from the added technology.
Kyle Yagielski
@DrMrPHD
