PS5 VR: first images, specifications for Sony’s PlayStation 5 VR controller

Sony gave PlayStation fans a look at the next generation of its PlayStation VR controllers on Thursday, promising ‘stronger immersion with customizable triggers, haptic feedback, [and] finger touch detection ”for the PlayStation 5 virtual reality system.

Hideaki Nishino, senior VP of platform planning and management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, described the next generation PSVR controller as spherical and offers a high degree of freedom for players. The PSVR2 controllers feature technology from the PS5’s DualSense controller, Nishino said: an iconic design that will change the way VR games are played. ‘

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Here are the first details of Sony’s PlayStation blog:

Customizable triggers: Each VR controller (left and right) contains a customizable trigger button that adds tactile tension when pressed, similar to that found in the DualSense controller. If you played a PS5 game, you will be familiar with the tension in the L2 or R2 buttons when you press it, such as when you draw your bow to fire an arrow. If you use that kind of mechanic and apply it to VR, the experience is enhanced to the next level.

Haptic feedback: The new controller will have haptic feedback appropriate to its form factor, which will make every sensation in the game world more striking, textured and nuanced. Crossing through a rocky desert or trading blows in a battlefield, you feel the difference and magnify the extraordinary visual and audio experience that is so central to VR.

Finger touch detection: The controller can locate your fingers without pressing in the areas where you place your thumb, forefinger or middle finger. This allows you to make more natural gestures with your hands during the game.

Detection: The VR controller is detected by the new VR headset through a follower ring at the bottom of the controller.

Action buttons / analog sticks: The left button 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 the option button. The ‘grip’ button can be used to pick up objects in the game, as one example.

Sony announced the first details of PlayStation VR for PS5 in February, saying that the next-generation virtual reality headset will offer ‘dramatic leaps in performance and interactivity’ and ‘a greater sense of presence’. PSVR for PS5 only needs one cable to connect to the system, Nishino said at the time, a big improvement over the PlayStation 4 VR headset.

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

The next generation PlayStation VR will not launch in 2021 (Sony has not yet announced a launch date), but developers are currently working on early hardware.

The original PlayStation VR launched for PlayStation 4 in 2016, and a more streamlined version of the hardware was released the following year. The headset, which originally cost $ 399, was a relatively inexpensive but good enough console solution, and Sony has continued to support the platform with new games over the years. PlayStation VR is currently supported on PlayStation 5, but requires an adapter to use.