PlayStation 5 VR is upping its game with all new controllers
PlayStation already confirmed that a new PlayStation VR headset was being developed for the PlayStation 5 and they are seemingly not stopping there, as they revealed the new controllers overnight.
The news was revealed via the PlayStation Blog, with Nishino Hideaki, the Senior Vice President, Platform Planning & Management for PlayStation revealing the details, starting with the design of it.
The first thing you’ll notice with our next-gen VR controller is the unique design, which takes on an “orb” shape that allows you to hold the controller naturally, while playing with a high degree of freedom. There are no constraints with how you’re moving your hands, providing developers with the ability to create unique gameplay experiences.
We also designed the new controller with great ergonomics in mind, so it’s well-balanced and comfortable to hold in each of your hands. We applied learnings from testing users with a range of hand sizes, as well as the decades of insights from controllers across all PlayStation platforms. The result is an iconic design that will change how VR games are played.
Of course, anyone who has used a PC based VR headset will see some familiar shapes in the design, the only downside is that anyone who has been holding onto Move controllers, is likely out of luck, as these new designs don’t make use of easily visible balls of light.
Of course, there are more changes to the controllers than just the looks, here are some of the new additions being made, to allow for a more immersive experience.
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.
What do you say, are you excited for the future of VR on PlayStation 5?
