Sony is poised to ditch its iconic DualShock controller with the release of the PlayStation 4, according to a report on CVG. The website – citing a senior games studio source working on an upcoming exclusive title – understands that the next generation controller has gone through a number of revisions behind the scenes, none of which resemble the existing device.
Apparently, the platform holder is toying with a range of different ideas, including biometric sensors and, of course, an integrated screen. A second source reckons that the manufacturer is aiming to “emulate the same user interface philosophies as the PlayStation Vita”, which we suspect hints at the integration of multiple input surfaces, such as front and rear touch.
The website adds that the new console will be announced in a matter of weeks, rather than months. Strap yourselves in folks – it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
[source computerandvideogames.com]
Comments 24
I guess it had to happen sometime but I still hope this isn't true and we end up getting a DS4.
Playing DmC earlier in the month, I thought to myself: this controller is perfect. I could not imagine playing that game on an Xbox 360 pad, and I will cry if they switch the positions of the analogue stick and d-pad. No, really, I will cry.
Realllllly. Ditching the controller design seems.. stupid to me. Everyone knows the controller, hell even my mum knows where everything is. Disappointing if true.
@get2sammyb I'll bring the tissues. It would be a sad day indeed. Absolutely nothing wrong with the Dualshock in my opinion. Something like a small touch screen for navigating menus would be alright, I suppose, but even then - is it necessary?
As for 360 pads, I honestly can't use them well. I've got average sized hands and it still feels far too huge.
Oh god, the boomerang controller IS coming back!! I too would sorely miss the DS design. But Nintendo changes their controllers every generation really and it doesnt seem to bother their fanbase,
@ShogunRok The 360 pad is honestly, in my opinion, awful. I hate having to switch my index finger between the triggers, as opposed to lying my index fingers and middle fingers over L1/R1 and L2/R2. I also think the build quality of the Xbox controller is shocking — the buttons are clicky, and the analogue sticks get extremely loose after use.
I do prefer the triggers on the 360, but there's an easy way to fix that on DualShock. I'm not sure I want them to, though — I prefer using L1/R1 in shooting games. I hate games that force you to use L2/R2.
biometrics + dualshock = bioshock
Awww... Shame, It's a very good controller. But still, last time sony tried to change the controller, they changed their mind pretty fast.
@get2sammyb I agree with everything you said really, I find it hard to believe anyone who says they prefer the 360 pad. I can understand how people obviously get used to using it, but after using PlayStation controllers for so long I just can't adapt.
And don't get me started on using L2 and R2 to aim and shoot. It's a good job Red Dead Redemption didn't have any automatic weapons, I'll say that much.
The dual shock also provides a tighter controller as well. Their eqivalant of L1 and R1 are also pretty bad. Yeah I also hate it when I'm forced to use R2 and L2 to shoot.
If they change it I do hope you can use the DS3 to play in almost every game ._. I simply love it's current design, the analongs and the overall controller it's perfect and fits my hands like it was made for them LOL
I thought they were going with that split design controller with the 2 Move balls on top.
https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2012/11/sony_patents_bizarre_break_apart_dualshock_controller
BOOO!!! I absolutely love the DualShock controller. It's the main reason I went with a PS3 over a 360.
I'm also not a fan of using L2 and R2 to aim and shoot.
I like the feel of the 360 controller, but the LB/RB buttons are way too small, and I never did get on with lopsided sticks. Please Sony, don't go with lopsided sticks!
All I'd do is rubberise the grips, put 'proper' triggers on it, and make the tops of the sticks concave rather than convex. That's all the DualShock really needs to be my perfect controller.
Who cares they always use the same controllers the only thing they change is a new button in the middle.
@get2sammyb I disagree with you for once, I hate using L1/R1 for shooting and crap, I really prefer L2/R2, and SOO many games shove that L1/R1 on you in playstation games that it SUUUCCCKKS.
As for a new controller, all I can say is about time Yes it's a great controller design and all that, but if we keep using the same controller, Wii U's gamepad will easily make the PS4 a joke with the controller alone. I personally think they'll keep a design very close to the dual shock, with the middle stretched and a screen there, so basicly a dual shock controller take on Wii U gamepad. We all have to admit it, even if you don't like the Wii U, the future of gaming will have controllers with a screen in it
@hydeks - If that is true I will be passing on the PS4 like I passed on the Wii U. I have no interest whatsoever in any kinda of gamepad/touch screen.
If it supports backwards compatibility, then they can probably still support the DS3 on the PS4
While I do love the Dualshock design and would hope they do like Nintendo and keep it as a Classic/Pro controller option, I don't think I would be too upset if the new controller was a cross between a DS3 and a Vita as long as it doesn't use the terrible "Super Oval" of the Vita because it hurts my wrists.
I just hope they don't go too far. A few changes wouldn't be too bad, but if they start thinking they need to jump on the nintendo gimmick bandwagon it will be a sad day for me. To this day I don't think I've played a game on DS where I've thought "WOW I'm soo glad I have this second screen," and I'm sure I'm not the only Wii owner with a cupboard full of games that will just never get played. I'm sorry if I am offending any Nintendo lovers when I say this but if Nintendo didn't have a few choice Titles (Mario, Pokémon, Zelda) I wouldn't even consider buying or using their consoles. It's always the same with Nintendo, high gimmick sales at the begining only to be overtaken by the actual next gen consoles.
Oh well, fingers crossed we'll get a good one!
I don't mind the console hardware being inexpensive, I just hope they're not trying to save money by using cheap controller hardware. And DS3 works on pc's with the right driver, so eff Xbox controllers entirely.
So they're ditching the 23 year old controller? Shame the SFC controller was great
@Splat more than likely, it'll support your lovely dual shock 3 that you have right now with a controller with a screen, so don't be scared.....yet Personally, I'm old-school, I like just a plain controller, no screens, no motion etc. just give me a old fashion controller, all I've ever needed
how come nobody has yet said, "dual shock horror"?
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