This Is What the PlayStation 5 Controller Might Look Like

Sony is planning to launch the PlayStation 5 in time for the holiday season next year, but we know almost nothing about the console. The company has dropped a tidbit here and there, but it’s talked mostly about the controller. Now, we know what that controller might look like thanks to a Japanese patent filing. There are no huge surprises here, but there are some mysteries.

If you go back a few generations, Sony’s DualShock game controllers used to have a very distinctive shape with longer, tube-like grips that extended down from the button clusters. The DualShock 4 smoothed out that design and flattened it a bit, making the controller closer in shape to the Xbox controller.

The slightly bulkier frame of the DualShock 5 could be necessary to enable some of Sony’s new features. The company has already explained that it will use a more precise “haptic” vibration system in the DualShock 5 instead of the traditional rumble system that makes the whole controller vibrate. That’ll surely take up more space, as will the new “adaptive triggers.” According to Sony, developers will be able to specify levels of resistance for the L2 and R2 buttons to simulate different activities.

Nothing is final yet, but we’d put good money on the DualShock 5 looking very much like these drawings. Images and sketches of a purported PS5 console have leaked as well, but these appear to be a developer kit. It’s a V-shaped, vented monstrosity. The final hardware will probably look at least a little more elegant.

You can expect Sony to show up at E3 this year with a lot more information about its upcoming consoler. Until then, all we can do is speculate.

Continue reading

Scientists Confirm the Presence of Water on the Moon

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of molecular water on the moon. Is there any of it in a form we can use? That's less clear.

Review: The Oculus Quest 2 Could Be the Tipping Point for VR Mass Adoption

The Oculus Quest 2 is now available, and it's an improvement over the original in every way that matters. And yet, it's $100 less expensive than the last release. Having spent some time with the Quest 2, I believe we might look back on it as the headset that finally made VR accessible to mainstream consumers.

SpaceX Launches ‘Better Than Nothing’ Starlink Beta

Those lucky few who have gotten invitations to try the service will have to pay a hefty up-front cost, and the speeds aren't amazing. Still, it's a new generation of satellite internet.

Samsung, Stanford Built a 10,000 PPI Display That Could Revolutionize VR, AR

Ask anyone who has spent more than a few minutes inside a VR headset, and they'll mention the screen door effect. This could eliminate it for good.