Rumour: PlayStation 4 to abandon DualShock controller

News

Iconic pad to be replaced by touch-screen controller, new report suggests.

ps4 -
ps4 -

Sony plans to abandon its iconic DualShock controller for the next-generation PlayStation, a new report has claimed.

Sources close to CVG allege that the controller will be ditched in favour of a redesigned pad.

The new console's controller "has undergone numerous iterations", the site states, claiming that prototype versions of the new PS4 pad have included "biometric sensors on the grips and an LCD touch screen".

Another source "working in a separate part of the industry but still connected to Sony" claims that Sony is "trying to emulate the same user interface philosophies as the PS Vita", further hinting at the possibility of an integrated touch screen.

The website speculates, however, that the current range of PS3 controllers, including SIXAXIS and DualShock 3, will be compatible with the console.

The site also suggests that Sony's deal with tech company Immersion, which licenses its rumble technology to Sony for use within the DualShock 3, may be one of the reasons for the redesign.

boomerang -

The licensing agreement is due to expire in 2017, which the site suggests "may have convinced Sony that it should seek different designs and ideas for its next controller."

Sony has experimented with different designs for its PlayStation controller previously.

At E3 2005, Sony unveiled its "Boomerang" controller for the PlayStation 3, a design which was later abandoned after attracting criticism.

Source: CVG

New stuff to check out

Comments

To add your comment, please login or register

User Comments

DancingRhino's Avatar

DancingRhino

Each to their own, but I'd say the 360 controller is the pinnacle of controllers. You couldn't out do it other than through a new control method.
Posted 21:23 on 18 January 2013
Wido's Avatar

Wido

I prefer the playstation control for fighting games! I'm sure Sony will offer the Dual Shock as alternative controller to play games right? Right?!
Posted 21:15 on 18 January 2013
SelfSuicide's Avatar

SelfSuicide

The Dual Shock Playstation controller still feels right over any other on the market - without knowing all the ins & outs of the new system it's difficult to make a fair judgement but I do worry that Sony may go abit overboard. I think a rear touch pad such as that on the Vita would be a useful addition.
Posted 20:45 on 18 January 2013
dudester's Avatar

dudester

Bring in the boomerrang I actually wanted one of those.
Posted 18:46 on 18 January 2013
munkee's Avatar

munkee

Triangle, Circle, X, Square, bro!
Posted 17:24 on 18 January 2013
Wido's Avatar

Wido

The playstation controller is iconic for the brand in my opinion.
Posted 16:53 on 18 January 2013
munkee's Avatar

munkee

The Dualshock is one of my main reasons for being a Playstation user. It's without a doubt my controller of choice. If they change the controller, but allow Dualshock compatibility, then I can live with that providing that the software titles do the same. However, ditching the controller altogether would seriously make me consider my purchase of the next Playstation. They had better come up with something special and for me personally, I don't think a touch interface is the answer.

EDIT: Hold up. Wouldn't this render the PS Vita/PS4 compatibility almost pointless? Why bother talking about how a Vita and PS4 combo could do anything that a Wii-U can do when a controller with a screen could as well and you wouldn't need to buy a Vita? Or, perhaps that was a tease to get feedback on their real intentions.

Or, perhaps this rumour holds no weight at all :P
Posted 16:43 on 18 January 2013
Clockpunk's Avatar

Clockpunk

All I see is '$$$' for the consumer... I think MS have the right idea with Smartglass, allowing a variety of non proprietary devices to sync up as optional extras to the gameplay experience.

Still, it will add an interesting dimension in regards to third-party support... (and by that I mean implementation will likely be third rate and an afterthought for the most part...).

Can't say I care to have my biometric data constantly scanned and recorded...
Posted 16:36 on 18 January 2013
rbevanx's Avatar

rbevanx

Well I'm glad they are finally losing that controller, hopefully the new one will be good.
Posted 16:21 on 18 January 2013
EverTheOptimist's Avatar

EverTheOptimist

While I wouldn't personally buy a WiiU, the second screen on the controller is something I think adds a bit more to the experience from what I've seen in videos. I'm all for a second display and I hope MS are thinking about this too.
Posted 15:46 on 18 January 2013