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Development sources who claim to be holding Sony’s next-generation PlayStation4 controller in their hands right now say it does indeed come with the rumoured front touchpad that’s been mooted for quite some time.
According to sources quoted by usually reliable games blog VG247, the PS4′s controller is largely the same as the current generation Dual Shock, only with remodeled shoulder buttons and the Start and Select buttons shifted aside to make way for the touch input panel. Previous reports of there being a “share” button added to the controller (as in the above mock-up) to enable the capture and sharing of game grabs and footage were debunked, with this latest source claiming there’s no such thing.
Hopefully we’ll learn all about these exciting new buttons and pads at next week’s big Sony event. [VG247]
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So the previous article, with the 4 options, yielded that first option being the most logical outcome. It makes sense and also I’m not fussed too much on controller design.
It absolutely does! Buttons layout is not my favourite but that can easily be changed.
Very consistent and the new touchpad? Me likey!
I have to switch the trigger buttons though from R1 to R2 and L1 to L2, yep the same layout of Xbox controller.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The inability to change L2/R2 to L1/R1 in Bioshock 1 is the reason I can’t play it. IMHO you don’t need analog for “fire” or “don’t fire”, it’s a digital decision.
Yaiks can you not? I thought most FPS games give the option to change buttons around! I picked up the habit of firing using trigger from xbox controller and still carrying on the legend
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Show some balls Sony and give us something truly fresh.
I quite like the design of the PS3 controllers, comfortable easy to use no complaints from me. I do however did not like the dreamcast controller! that was a bit wan*
They tried that with the ‘boomerang’ controller before the PS3 launch. It didn’t go down too well. By keeping the standard shape and only adding a few extra features to the controller with each generation, it means users are already familiar with the layout and feel of the controller.
Im not sure how a touchpad is going to be useful in game, the only thing I can think is you can type on it for messages etc??
I do hope L2 & R2 buttons from PS2 come back so I dont have to keep buying those clip on trigger things to stop your fingers slipping off the buttons..
I don’t use those triggers but yeh that would be totally awesome for FPS games. Touchpad could be useful for web browsing just like on laptops I think. In game may be it could be used instead of analog stick but wouldn’t suit many games.
You wouldn’t be able to type on it anyway unless they printed letters on it, it’s a touchpad not a touchscreen.
An interesting development for sure. Question is, did Sony or Ouya get there first?
I was really hoping the touchpad was on the back! After playing with the vita its the most intuative part you can still play the game (use the buttons) whilst using the touch pad it just felt right! i think it would be hard to do without a redesign but would be worth it!
Mk4 of the worlds best selling ergonomic disaster!
You do talk some bollocks sometimes, tchpot. I (and countless other people) far prefer the symmetrical design of the DS3 over the – in my opinion – poorly constructed and badly laid-out 360 controller. It’s hardly a “disaster”.
“Mk4 of the worlds best selling ergonomic disaster!”
Amen to that!
You guys may not like it, but I’m with anthropolyte. I massively prefer the DS3 myself. Never found it uncomfortable. Give it proper triggers and I’d be very happy
Remember Sony is a Japanese company. Microsoft is American. The DS is tailored towards Asian hands, and is one of the reasons PS3 sales dominate Xbox in the East, with the converse being true in the West. However, I prefer the symmetry of the DS and actively dislike playing on Xbox controllers most of the time.
Do Americans have their thubs in different places? Or one longer than the other?
Just bigger hands, the asymmetrical design of the Xbox never made sense to me. The argument is that you use the left analog stick and right face buttons more than the right stick and dpad, but in many games this simply isn’t true and both analog sticks are used a ton which is why I like symmetrical designs much better.
Exactly what I’m after. My only minor gripe with the DS3 is that the shoulder buttons are rather poorly designed (which is easily fixed by adding trigger extenders), and the fact that Sony may have recognised this is a major plus point for me.
Of course I didn’t really need convincing – I’ll be getting the PS4 on day one regardless.
What purpose will the touch pad serve? Seems pointless to me, do I need to work on my imagination?
It could be quite handy actually. Think of it as a touchpad on a laptop – when using the browser, for example, it could be very versatile. In-game, it could be used to navigate inventories, or just as a more accurate pointing device for certain actions. It won’t be a massive improvement or a killer feature of course, but it could be handy for some things.
If you have ever played the Vita, you may think differently. I own a Vita and its a really decent addition to the gaming experience.
My only concern with this layout is 2 fold.
Firstly it seems a little small, the Vita is much better and allows for greater control.
Secondly, not sure about being on the front, would prefer the back aka Vita style, you already have fingers there and it feel natural.
I could def see it being used to throw grenades in a COD game or perhaps when balancing is required in Uncharted… its a lighter touch control which allows your to vary speed…
YES! i was afraid it would change too much.
The original design hasn’t changed that much since the start.
is it aint broke dont fix it. =D
In the case of the dualshock or whatever it is going to be called, I’m definitely in the camp of ‘change is not good’.
Size and button layout is perfect for me, I can game as long as i like with no cramp or discomfort – so this is excellent news as far as I’m concerned.
Indented thumbsticks, and lipped L2 & R2 may be nice, but I’m not too fussed.
Size is everything.
When holding my controller my thumbs can easily pivot between the analogue or buttons, but i have to change my grip on the controller to be able to reach over the analogue sticks to the touchpad location. At least if with an xbox design it would be easier to reach the touchpad with your left thumb?