Sony has today revealed the next-generation VR controller for PlayStation 5. The orb controller "will change how VR games are played", the company said.
VR controller for PS5
Sony recently confirmed the development of a next-generation VR system for PS5. Today, it has revealed to us its upcoming VR controller for PS5 that builds upon the new technologies in PS5's DualSense controller.
- "Following the recent reveal of our next-generation virtual reality system for PS5, I’m excited to unveil more details about the new controller that will play a critical role in providing gamers with the VR experience we’re working to deliver. Our new VR controller speaks to our mission of achieving a much deeper sense of presence and stronger feeling of immersion in VR experiences. It will build upon the innovation we introduced with the DualSense wireless controller, which changed how games “feel” on PS5 by unlocking a new way to tap into the sense of touch. Now we’re bringing that innovation to VR gaming," said Hideaki Nishino, SVP of Platform Planning & Management, Sony PlayStation.
Next-gen VR controller for PS5
The company explained that its new "orb" VR controller will let players feel and interact with games in a more visceral way. The key innovations are described in the table below.
While Sony is continuing down the VR path, Microsoft reiterated this week that "VR for console is not a focus for us at this time" (via The Verge) after users found references to VR in the Xbox user interface.
Sony proclaimed that its next VR gaming system for PS5 will a huge leap from the current PS VR system for PS4.
- "SIE’s Product, Engineering, and Design teams have collaborated to build our new VR controller from the ground up with a goal of making a huge leap from current-gen VR gaming. We’re thrilled with the controller we developed, but what matters now is how game creators will take advantage of the features to design the next generation of VR experiences. Prototypes of our new VR controller will be in the hands of the development community soon, and we can’t wait to see what ideas they come up with and how the controller helps bring their imagination to life!"
The new VR system for PS5 will not launch in 2021, the company said in February.
Next-gen VR controller for PS5
In Sony's own words:
Adaptive triggers: Each VR controller (Left and Right) includes an adaptive trigger button that adds palpable tension when pressed, similar to what’s found in the DualSense controller. If you’ve played a PS5 game, you’ll be familiar with the tension in the L2 or R2 buttons when you press them, such as when you’re drawing your bow to fire an arrow. When you take that kind of mechanic and apply it to VR, the experience is amplified to the next level.
Haptic feedback: The new controller will have haptic feedback optimized for its form factor, making every sensation in the game world more impactful, textured and nuanced. When you’re traversing through rocky desert or trading blows in melee combat, you’ll feel the difference, magnifying the extraordinary visual and audio experience that’s so central to VR.
Finger touch detection: The controller can detect your fingers without any pressing in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers. This enables you to make more natural gestures with your hands during gameplay.
Tracking: The VR controller is tracked by the new VR headset through a tracking ring across the bottom of the controller.
Action buttons / analog sticks: The Left controller contains one analog stick, the triangle and square buttons, a “grip” button (L1), trigger button (L2) and Create button. The Right controller contains one analog stick, the cross and circle buttons, a “grip” button (R1), trigger button (R2) and Options button. The “grip” button can be used to pick up in-game objects, as one example.
 Next-gen VR controller for PS5 |
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