Sony has revealed the design and features for its next-gen VR hardware’s controllers. Utilizing an orb-like shape, it promises “high degree of freedom” with “no constraints” for hand movement. On the PlayStation Blog, senior VP of platform planning and management Hideaki Nishino said that, “Our new virtual reality controller speaks to our mission of achieving a much deeper sense of presence and stronger feeling of immersion in virtual reality 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 virtual reality gaming.” Said DualSense features include Adaptive Triggers with each trigger having the same level of tension when pressing L2 or R2. Other buttons include an analog stick, L1 and Create button on the left controller with the right controller having an analog stick, the X and O buttons, R1 and an Options button.
The L1 and R1 buttons are described as “grip” buttons for picking up objects in-game. Haptic Feedback, providing more nuanced rumble, and Finger Touch Detection are also included. The latter is capable of detecting one’s fingers without having to press any areas, thus resulting in more natural gestures. A ring at the bottom of the controllers allows the VR headset to track them.
The next-generation VR headset – or PSVR 2, if you will – is still a ways off from release with Sony confirming that it won’t launch this year. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.