PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller detailed and pictured

Whilst Sony didn’t show what the PlayStation 4 will look like, it did reveal its new controller, the DualShock 4.

The new edition of the wireless controller promises to offer new gameplay possibilities not possible before.

Design

DualShock 4 adopts the form factor of the DualShock 3 wireless controller with some key enhancements:

• 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

A new “Share” button allows users to easily broadcast gameplay in real-time through streaming platforms such as Ustream. You can also instantly upload images or video to Facebook with a press of the Share button.

DualShock 4 also has a touchpad at the front of the controller as a new input method, offering additional ways to interact with games. Also notice a built-in speaker and headset jack to deliver “high-fidelity” sound effects from games. A headset will be bundled with PlayStation 4, Sony confirmed.

The front side of the controller is home to a light bar with LED that illuminate in colours to match the colour of the character in a game in order to identify players. The colours can also provide useful information to players, such as when their character has taken damage during a game.

Working with the light bar is a new dual camera peripheral, which can sense the depth of the environment in front of it and also track the 3D location of the controller via its light bar. The new camera also incorporates four microphones capable of accurate sound detection and source origination, and it will support the PlayStation Move motion controller with more precision than ever before.

Sony hasn’t said how much the DualShock 4 will cost – let’s hope it’s not much more than the DualShock 3.