Virtual reality is about more than just strapping a fancy screen to your head, it’s about manipulating the virtually real environment that you’re in! For years, PlayStation’s first stab at VR made use of ye olde PlayStation wands, great big peripherals with a chewy plastic orb on the end that would light up when in use.
For PSVR 2, Sony’s looking at using something far more modern. The input devices for PSVR2 are designed to build upon the ideas introduced in the PS5 DualSense controller by unlocking a new way to tap into the sense of touch according to Sony. “The first thing you’ll notice with our next-gen VR controller is the unique design, which takes on an “orb” shape that allows you to hold the controller naturally, while playing with a high degree of freedom,” Senior Vice President, Platform Planning & Management Hideaki Nishino explained on the PS Blog.
There are no constraints with how you’re moving your hands, providing developers with the ability to create unique gameplay experiences.
We also designed the new controller with great ergonomics in mind, so it’s well-balanced and comfortable to hold in each of your hands. We applied learnings from testing users with a range of hand sizes, as well as the decades of insights from controllers across all PlayStation platforms. The result is an iconic design that will change how VR games are played.
You’ll be able to make use of the following features as well with the PSVR 2 controller, but most importantly, it won’t require a camera peripheral for use as these controllers a tracking ring inside of them to register your motions and position.
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.
The new controllers will accompany the release of PSVR 2, but it won’t be this year as Sony is eyeing a 2022 release for its next-gen VR hardware.
Last Updated: March 18, 2021
