PS5 VR: Next-Gen Motion Controllers Revealed

Sony has revealed their updated PlayStation Move controllers for PSVR for the PlayStation 5 on their blog.

Out are the glowing bobble remotes from a decade ago (spanning the PS3 and PS4 eras), and in with the next generation of virtual reality grips.

Reminiscent of the tech VR competitors like Oculus and HTC Vive have been producing, the latest PSVR controllers incorporate an “orb” shape but process a familiar PlayStation DualShock & DualSense face buttons and analog sticks, albeit snapped in half like a KitKat.

Not only do the orbs take visual cues from the tried and true controller formula, but it also sports the same DualSense hardware! Namely: Haptic Feedback, Adaptive triggers, and “Finger touch detection” (similar to the Touchpad).

● Adaptive triggers: Each VR controller (Left and Right) includes an adaptive trigger button that adds palpable tension when pressed, similar to what’s found in the DualSense controller. If you’ve played a PS5 game, you’ll be familiar with the tension in the L2 or R2 buttons when you press them, such as when you’re drawing your bow to fire an arrow. When you take that kind of mechanic and apply it to VR, the experience is amplified to the next level.

● Haptic feedback: The new controller will have haptic feedback optimized for its form factor, making every sensation in the game world more impactful, textured and nuanced. When you’re traversing through rocky desert or trading blows in melee combat, you’ll feel the difference, magnifying the extraordinary visual and audio experience that’s so central to VR.

● Finger touch detection: The controller can detect your fingers without any pressing in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers. This enables you to make more natural gestures with your hands during gameplay.

● Tracking: The VR controller is tracked by the new VR headset through a tracking ring across the bottom of the controller.

● Action buttons / analog sticks: The Left controller contains one analog stick, the triangle and square buttons, a “grip” button (L1), trigger button (L2) and Create button. The Right controller contains one analog stick, the cross and circle buttons, a “grip” button (R1), trigger button (R2) and Options button. The “grip” button can be used to pick up in-game objects, as one example.

News about the PlayStation 5’s upgraded VR has been carefully trickled down from Sony, building towards its release. As of now, we are yet to know what the peripheral will be called or when to expect its launch.