Sony unveils PlayStation VR 2 controller

Sony Interactive Entertainment has revealed its next-gen VR controllers that will be used with PlayStation VR 2 and PlayStation 5. Unfortunately, it is not yet known when the new VR controllers and PSVR 2 will be released.

Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President, Platform Planning & Management, said of the new PlayStation VR 2 controllers: "Our new VR controller is a testament to our mission to bring a stronger sense of physical presence and immersion to VR experiences. It builds on the innovations of the DualSense wireless controller, which has profoundly changed the gaming experience on PS5 by integrating the sense of touch into the gaming experience in a completely new way. Now VR gaming is also benefiting from these innovations." Developers should soon receive the first prototypes so that they can get started with new VR games.

The design of the new VR controllers follows the shape of a sphere. This should allow you to hold the devices comfortably in your hand and feel freer than ever before. "There are no restrictions on the movement of your hands - so developers can create absolutely unique gaming experiences. We also designed the controller with ergonomics in mind. It is well balanced and fits comfortably in any hand," says Hideaki Nishin. Tests with users with different hand sizes were analysed and findings from decades of using controllers on all PlayStation platforms were applied.

Features of the new PSVR 2 controllers

• Adaptive Trigger: Each VR controller (left and right) has an adaptive trigger button that provides noticeable resistance when pressed, similar to the DualSense controller. If you've already played games on PS5, you'll know that the L2 and R2 buttons offer resistance when you draw your bow to shoot an arrow, for example. Applying this mechanic to VR opens up a whole new gaming experience.
• Haptic feedback: The new controller offers haptic feedback that is adapted to its shape. This makes your experiences in the game world more impressive, tangible and detailed. You'll feel the difference, whether you're trekking through rocky deserts or swinging your weapons in close combat. Get ready for an extraordinary audiovisual experience that is so central to VR.
• Finger touch recognition: The controller can recognise where your thumbs and index or middle fingers are, even if you are not exerting any pressure with them. This allows you to move your hands more naturally when playing.
• Tracking: The movements of the VR controller are tracked by the new VR headset via a tracking ring on the underside of the controller.
• Action buttons/analogue sticks: The left controller has an analogue stick, the triangle and square buttons, a grip button (L1), a trigger button (L2) and a create button. The right-hand controller has an analogue 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.

Source: Official PlayStation Blog