PlayStation Event 2013: Meet the DualShock 4 controller

At today’s PlayStation Event, Sony’s Mark Cerny took to the stage to confirm the DualShock 4.

Confirming most of the rumours, the DualShock 4 has a Share button, touchpad, and a lightbar, effectively becoming a DualShock and Move controller in one. That being said, Media Molecule has just confirmed in their own presentation that the current PS3 Move controller is still very much in-use with the PS4.

DualShock 4 retains the familiar design and shape of DualShock 3 but includes some new features:

• Motion control is enabled by a new highly sensitive six-axis sensor
• Dual analog sticks fine-tuned for better precision plus improved surface materials and shape for more delicate manipulation
• L2/R2 buttons on the top of the controller employ a curved design for easier, smoother interaction
• A new “Options” button combines the functions of the DualShock 3′s “Select” and “Start” buttons for operating in-game menus

Sony also revealed that the DualShock 4 features that will expand the social interactions of the console far beyond anything we’ve seen before. The new “Share” button allows users to quickly, and easily broadcast their real-time gaming through Ustream and others where other gamers can comment and even join in on the game in a variety of ways. One example given is if at some point in a game you get stuck, friends can offer health options or special weapons for you to use. You’ll also be able to instantly share to Facebook via the “Share” button.

On the top of the DualShock 4 is an LED light bar which will illuminate in various colours as a way of identifying different players. The colours can also be used to indicate damage or health loss to your character. A new camera was developed alongside the DualShock 4 which is capable of sensing depth and track the new controller in 3D space via the light bar. The new camera includes four microphones to enable accurate sound detection and source origination and will also support the PlayStation Move controller with more precision that the PlayStation Eye.

Finally, the DualShock 4 features a front mounted touch pad, built in speaker and a headset jack to deliver quality sound effects from the games. A headset will be bundled with the PlayStation 4 console ensuring that all gamers will have access to chat from day one.

What do you think of the DualShock 4? Check out the images in the gallery below.

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