PlayStation 5’s new DualSense controller is equipped with haptic feedback technology, which Sony says will allow players to feel things like “The slow tenacity of driving a car in the mud” Just as they happen on screen. While that may seem like a lofty claim, the PS5 controller’s haptic feedback technology isn’t particularly great, and the way it works does allow it to create a more precise feel compared to the normal rumbling vibrations.
The release of Sony’s DualSense controller finally gave fans a look at how the PS5 will be designed, but the response has been mixed. The DualSense has been criticized by many for looking like an Xbox controller due to the controller’s two-tone design looking odd and the overall shape being more rounded than a traditional DualShock controller. However, it’s clearly a significant improvement over the DualShock 4, and as Bethesda’s Pete Hines said, it makes the PS4’s controller instantly forgettable.
While the DualSense’s overall shape plays a big role in this, many of its improvements over the PS4 controller come in the form of new internal components. PS5 controller built-in microphone, brand new “Adaptive trigger” Best of all, tactile feedback. Here’s how this rumble technology works compared to existing technology.
How PS5 controller haptic feedback differs from normal rumble
What controller manufacturers call “haptic feedback” is actually just an advanced form of haptic technology. For example, the vibrations felt in the N64 Rumble Pack are still technically considered “haptic feedback,” which simply refers to technology that creates a sense of touch through vibration or other means. What makes the PS5 controller’s haptic feedback different are the subtle differences in its vibration motors. The PS4 controller has a large motor with a half-moon weight inside each handle, capable of spinning at different speeds and for different durations. These motors can help create vibrations that enhance immersion, but they’re quite crude and don’t start and stop very precisely.
according to wired PlayStation 5 actual display, PS5 use “Highly programmable” Voice coil actuator to transmit vibration. These small motors are the same technology that allows speakers to vibrate and emit sound, which means they are able to produce more precise movements than larger spinning rumble motors. wired Writer Peter Rubin says the PS5 controller’s actuators allow him to feel “A unique and surprisingly immersive tactile experience” exist Astro robot rescue mission.
“Sand felt slow and muddy; mud felt slow and wet. On ice, the high-frequency response made the thumbstick really feel like my character was gliding. Jumping into a pool, I felt the resistance of the water; on ice, I felt To the resistance of the water.” The wooden bridge has a springy feel. “
This isn’t the first time such tactile feedback has been introduced into a game controller.Microsoft’s Xbox One controller’s triggers offer a form of tactile response, while the Switch’s “HD Rumble” That’s just Nintendo’s way of saying “haptic feedback.”In fact, PlayStation’s Toshi Aoki said wired Sony could have implemented haptic feedback when launching PS4 Pro, but it didn’t want to create one “Split Experience” For those with or without upgraded controllers.
The big question now is how well and how often DualSense haptic feedback will actually be used. Players may expect Sony’s first-party games to take advantage of this technology, but it’s hard to say whether third-party developers will have the time, resources, or motivation to do the same, which could make the PS5 controller one of the most interesting games to play. Mostly unused functionality.
Update: A previous version of this article stated that Sony replaced the DualShock 4-style rumble motors with voice coil actuators in the DualSense, but the company hasn’t revealed whether the PS5 controller still contains the old motors in addition to the new actuators.
The PlayStation 5 will launch sometime during the 2020 holiday season.