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

Sony gave PlayStation fans a peek at the next generation of their PlayStation VR controllers on Thursday, promising “a stronger immersion with adaptive triggers, tactile feedback, [and] finger touch detection ”for the PlayStation 5 virtual reality system.

Hideaki Nishino, senior vice president of platform planning and management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, described the next-generation PSVR controller as an orb-shaped controller that offers a high degree of freedom for players. PSVR2 controllers will incorporate the PS5’s DualSense controller technology, said Nishino, announcing “an iconic design that will change the way VR games are played”.

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Here are the first details from Sony’s PlayStation Blog:

Adaptive triggers: Each VR controller (left and right) includes an adaptive trigger button that adds palpable tension when pressed, similar to what is found on the DualSense controller. If you have ever played a PS5 game, you will be familiar with the tension on the L2 or R2 buttons when you press them, such as when you are pulling your bow to shoot an arrow. When you take this type of mechanics and apply it to VR, the experience is extended to the next level.

Tactile feedback: The new controller will have tactile feedback optimized for its shape, making every sensation in the game world more impactful, textured and nuanced. When you are crossing a rocky desert or exchanging blows in hand-to-hand combat, you will feel the difference, extending the extraordinary visual and audio experience that is so central to VR.

Finger touch detection: The controller can detect your fingers without any pressure in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle finger. This allows you to make more natural hand gestures during the game.

Tracking: The VR controller is tracked by the new VR headset through a tracking ring at the bottom of the controller.

Action buttons / analog sticks: The left controller contains an analog stick, the triangle and square buttons, a “grip” button (L1), the trigger button (L2) and the Create button. The right controller contains an analog stick, the cross and circle buttons, a “grip” button (R1), a trigger button (R2) and an Options button. The “grip” button can be used to pick up objects in the game, for example.

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

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

The next generation of PlayStation VR will not be released in 2021 (Sony has not yet announced a release date), but developers are currently working on the initial hardware.

The original PlayStation VR was released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4, and a more simplified version of the hardware was released the following year. The headset, originally priced at $ 399, was a comparatively low-cost solution, but good enough for consoles, and Sony has continued to support the platform with new games over the years. Currently, PlayStation VR is compatible with PlayStation 5, but requires an adapter to be used.