Five things the PS4 controller prototype tells us

The PS3 used rounded "convex" thumbsticks that were prone to players thumbs slipping off if the right amount of pressure was not maintained. Changing to a cratered "concave" thumbstick is a smart move that will help with the overall ergonomics.The headphone jack for the PS4 controller prototype is an interesting addition following Sony's use of Bluetooth headsets for the PS3. It's possible that this could indicate a relatively cheap pair of headphones packed in with the Sony to help with online communication in games. Something we still feel was a miss with the PS3.One of the first things that caught our eye was the touchpad sitting in the middle of the PS4 prototype controller. It's rumored to be similar to the rear touch pad on the PS Vita but with two point multi-touch and include a 'mechanical click'. The question is how will that small screen translate to the big screen of player's TV as it doesn't even appear to use the same standard 16:9 ratio of an HDTV.View the list »
Pictures speak a thousand words. What does this PS4 prototype controller and devkit image tell us?

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An image of a Playstation 4 "Orbis" controller prototype and devkit leaked Thursday which gives us a look at what Sony is lining up for its next-gen console. We took a close look at the image to find five things that we should expect to see when the PS4 is formally announced next week.

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The prototype Playstation 4 controller is noticeably thicker than the standard DualShock 3 controller currently available on the PS3. However, there is no guarantee that will be the case when the retail version of the controller is revealed. While we expect many of these features to add some heft to the very lightweight existing controller, it is conceivable that Sony could add all the new features with maybe only a slight increase in the width, length and thickness of the controller.

The devkit itself doesn't reveal too much that we don't already know from previous leaks such as a Blu-ray drive and USB ports. There are two interesting features though that could have significant ramifications for the console when combined with the new controller design though.

Read through our PS4 controller prototype breakdown list where we play "Where's Waldo" with five of the new features. One thing it doesn't tell us is what exactly the new trigger buttons (R2 and L2) will look like. There are rumors that they are shaped more like the Xbox 720.

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Via: Destructoid

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  • One of the first things that caught our eye was the touchpad sitting in the middle of the PS4 prototype controller. It's rumored to be similar to the rear touch pad on the PS Vita but with two point multi-touch and include a 'mechanical click'. The question is how will that small screen translate to the big screen of player's TV as it doesn't even appear to use the same standard 16:9 ratio of an HDTV.
  • The headphone jack for the PS4 controller prototype is an interesting addition following Sony's use of Bluetooth headsets for the PS3. It's possible that this could indicate a relatively cheap pair of headphones packed in with the Sony to help with online communication in games. Something we still feel was a miss with the PS3.
  • The PS3 used rounded "convex" thumbsticks that were prone to players thumbs slipping off if the right amount of pressure was not maintained. Changing to a cratered "concave" thumbstick is a smart move that will help with the overall ergonomics.
  • Will the PS4 controller do double duty with integrated Move technology? That little blue light on top of the controller certainly indicates that. Additionally, the PS4 devkit appears to have two built in cameras that will read the 3D movements of the controller. We have to wonder how this will work when the console is not lined up and how high or low it will be able to sit above or below the TV.
  • Borrowing an idea from the Wii, the PS4 prototype controller has a speaker built-in that should allow player specific sounds that match the on-screen action. That will certainly help with the immersion of the gameplay as long as the speaker doesn't sound to tinny like the Wii-motes.
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, Console Gaming Examiner

Scott is a life-long gamer living in the north Atlanta 'burbs with his wife and two children and loves to write about a variety of games on different platforms. You can reach him at jsgrill@gmail.com and follow him at the Video Games Examiners page on Facebook.

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