Following the recent reveal of our next-generation VR system for PS5, I’m excited to reveal more details about the new controller that will play a vital role in bringing gamers the VR experience we are working to deliver. Our new VR controller is a testament to our mission to achieve a much deeper sense of presence and a stronger sense of immersion in virtual reality experiences. It will build on the innovation we introduced with the DualSense Wireless Controller, which changed the way games “feel” on PS5 by unlocking a new way to harness the sense of touch. We are now bringing this innovation to virtual reality gaming.
Design
The first thing you will notice with our next generation VR controller is the unique design, which takes an “orb” shape that allows you to hold the controller naturally, while playing with a high degree of freedom. There are no constraints on how you move your hands, giving developers the ability to create unique gaming experiences.
We’ve also designed the new controller with excellent ergonomics in mind, so it’s well balanced and comfortable to hold in either of your hands. We’ve applied lessons learned from user testing with a range of hand sizes, as well as decades of controller knowledge across all PlayStation platforms. The result is an iconic design that will change the way VR games are played.
Features
The new VR controller allows gamers to experience and interact with games in a much more visceral way. There are several features, including key features of the DualSense Controller, that match our vision for what next-gen VR games can be.
● Adaptive triggers: Each VR controller (left and right) includes an adaptive trigger button that adds palpable tension when pressed, similar to what is found in the DualSense controller. If you have played a PS5 game, you will be familiar with the tension of the L2 or R2 buttons when you press them, for example when you draw your bow to shoot an arrow. When you take that kind of mechanics and apply it to virtual reality, the experience is amplified to the next level.
● Haptic feedback: The new controller will have haptic feedback optimized for its form factor, making every feel in the gaming world more punchy, textured, and nuanced. As you traverse a rocky desert or trade blows in hand-to-hand combat, you will feel the difference, magnifying the extraordinary visual and audio experience that is so central to virtual reality.
● Touch finger detection: The controller can detect your fingers without any pressure in the areas where you place your thumb, index or middle finger. This allows you to make more natural gestures with your hands during the game.
● Followed: The VR controller is tracked by the new VR headset through a tracking ring at the bottom of the controller.
● Action buttons / analog sticks: The left controller contains an analog stick, triangular and square buttons, a “handle” button (L1), a trigger button (L2) and a Create button. The right controller contains an analog stick, the cross and circle buttons, a “handle” button (R1), a trigger button (R2) and an Options button. The “grip” button can be used to pick up items in the game, for example.
SIE’s Product, Engineering and Design teams have collaborated to build our new VR controller from the ground up with the goal of taking a big step forward from current generation VR games. We’re excited about the controller we’ve developed, but what matters now is how game makers leverage features to design the next generation of VR experiences. The prototypes of our new VR controller will soon be in the hands of the development community, and we can’t wait to see the ideas they come up with and how the controller helps bring their imaginations to life!
There is still a lot more to share about the next generation of VR on PS5. On behalf of all of us at SIE, I want to thank you for making this trip with us!