Sacred Symbols+, Episode XXXVI: Meet DualSense

I dunno... If social media was around 20+ years ago, I'm sure people would have taken issue with the name DualShock as well. DualSense at least relates to the sensation of the haptic feedback -- versus DualShock, which doesn't actually shock the user. But yeah, there's no denying that DualShock just sounds cooler. Maybe we'll get the ole' boomerang switcharoo again... My main concern with the controller is that it seems to indicate that we're getting a white console. No Bueno.

Kevin Cooper

Bro comon. Is everything just dumb, stupid, doesnt make sense. So easy to dismiss everything it just comes off as overwhelmingly negative. You even ask if its a real picture lmao. Can we not start the shows like this.

Ethan S

You're welcome. =)

Colin Moriarty

Just open that controller and rip that microphone out... donezo... also, thanks for the free episode...

Nokeystothecity

Nah, there's no objective anything in this regard. It's a matter of taste.

Colin Moriarty

Sorry! We put quite a bit of thought into this show (and every show). Our podcast may not be for you. You may enjoy Podcast Beyond or PS I Love You XOXO instead!

Colin Moriarty

Oh yeah, no. Can't do that!

Colin Moriarty

That would be cool!

Colin Moriarty

Possibly, but I think that's the controller that's gonna be in the box.

Colin Moriarty

I'm excited about it!

Colin Moriarty

Hot take: Offest sticks are objectively superior. Offset sticks allow you to use the d-pad with either thumb. Most games require you to have your thumbs on the sticks almost all the time, but offset sticks allow you to choose which stick you want to sacrifice control of to use the d-pad. Parallel sticks force you to sacrifice control of the left stick to use the d-pad. This is very frustrating in fast-paced action games (particularly competitive multiplayer).

George

Some of the complaints in this episode are just nonsensical. It really shows a lack of thought put in this episode.

Dee Han

I thought the face buttons were touch pad at first. Thankfully I was wrong. That would be so terrible.

Miles Williams

The tension triggers sound like a game changer. Implemented right this could be amazing and will hopefully add a new level of skill.

Mr Damien Steer

Maybe the white wont be default colour scheme.. but they used it to show buttons and other details better in pictures

Richard Court

Hey Col, if you have the chance go look at some developer reactions to DualSense. Andrea Pessino (Ready at Dawn CTO) said the controller is fantastic, as did Robert Krekel (Lead Audio Designer at Naughty Dog). Pete Hines said he can't go back to using the DualShock 4 after using the DualSense. Also, Eric Jensen said the controller was fire.

KB

LOL.

Colin Moriarty

It's the lil things. =)

Colin Moriarty

The "overheating" rumor spawned from a delusional Xbox fanboy who has made unsubstantiated and inflammatory comments about Sony in the past. When Schreier called him out, he immediately made his Twitter account private. Back in 2016, the individual who made up the overheating rumor said a source told him Sony was going to sell off the PlayStation division within the year.

KB

They turned the share and option buttons the wrong freaking way! I have a SCUF Vantage, and the share and option buttons are slightly raised and they’re turned so that they’re in line with the direction your thumbs are coming from. But the buttons on the Dual Sense are turned the opposite way so they’re perpendicular to your thumbs.

Matt Skora

LOL, that sucks. Don't buy third party controllers!

Colin Moriarty

Just to illustrate one of the points made in the podcast - I use a third party controller which has identical functionality to the PS4 controller save for sixaxis motion control. I couldnt get past the first mission of Killzone 2 on PS Now because there is a mandatory sixaxis gimmick when you plant explosives.

Ed White

That would be pretty neat!

Colin Moriarty

Looking at that side view image, the way the white armor-like sections on either side of the touch pad are segmented almost looks like it can be detached. Which got me wondering: what if they later reveal that both grips can be pulled apart, giving you two VR controllers of sorts, similar to that patent from way back! Ha probably not, the rest of the controller seems to suggest it’s all one piece, just a crazy thought. Looking forward to hearing more!

Tim Crecelius

When I played Dead Space on my PS3 for KnockBack, it was funny how used to DualShock 4 I was, and then how my muscle memory for DualShock 3 streamed on back.

Colin Moriarty

I just get concerned with the gimmicky stuff because they end up having to keep it all in perpetuity, like the touchpad, which really isn't necessary, but will be part of our lives for a good while, now...

Colin Moriarty

yes! I remember that as well, about the licences issues, but I think they tried to convince us that it was due to incompatibility with the sixaxis sensors. About the rumble feature, isn't the haptic feedback like the same thing but more "HD"?

Pizza Fría

Personally I love the DualShock 3, it’s my favorite controller of all time. I have more than 10 stashed away. I use them on PS4 and Steam (via the Mayflash wireless adapter). My hands, brain function and muscle memory are so used to the DualShock 2&3 that I struggle to play with other controllers. I hate the DualShock 4, it is so uncomfortable, my hands hurt and cramp in 10 minutes of holding the damn thing, who thought it was a good idea to give it those fat, round prong handles? The DualSense looks to be more comfortable, feels more like a switch pro design. So hopefully I’ll like it but I’m hoping Mayflash / Cronusmax find a way to support my DualShock 3’s on PS5.

Didn't the ps3 sixaxis controller not have dualshock because of licensing issues? And then once the licensing issues were resolved we got the dualshock controller available for purchase. Does the new ps5 controller have a rumble feature?

Matthew von Hassel

I'm curious to see if any of these new features and additions turn out to be as poorly implemented and/or undersupported as the lightbar, touch pad and speaker were. It also makes me wonder about Sony's insistence on pushing gimmicks especially with this mic, when their consoles are usually so on point in giving the consumer what they want. Personally as some one who turns rumble off a lot of the time I cant help but think this investment might have been better spent on features like stronger battery and a better dpad (ps dpad sucks). With that said I think the controller is fine. Looks like what I would expect from a controller in 2020 and the colour scheme is growing on me.

Craig Mcguire

Where did you read that?

Colin Moriarty

That would be nice!

Colin Moriarty

That's because you're a nerd.

Colin Moriarty

It IS a little odd. But, I feel like if I'm playing it, I'm actually not really noticing at all. For instance, I played Cuphead on Xbox and The Messenger originally on Switch (using the pro controller) and I didn't notice anything weird with using the D-pad. But this all might be just cause while I mainly play on Playstation, I have all the consoles and use the Switch super frequently for Smash. All that to say, if people play on one just console, maybe it is more jarring to transition to another controller for them.

Alex Gates

God that looks tacky with the scuf branding all over it. Scuffed indeed.

Taylor Frye

I always feel like offset sticks are mainly argued for fps games but when you play a 2d platformer or fighting game do you guys use the analog stick??? Using the d-pad with face buttons offset is so odd to me.

Angelo Ponte

Sony mentioned somewhere that that aux jack will be coming back. Also, for the built in mic, there is some sort of technology built in that can discern voice chat and will eliminate background noise. It doesn’t answer all concerns, but it does somewhat put my mind at ease.

Samuel Ashley

I guess I'm in the minority on the Share button. I use it all the time to take screenshots. I have hundreds of game screenshots now that I use for desktop backgrounds.

Matt Lamoureux

I've found the battery life to be pretty good, but not as good as PS3.

Colin Moriarty

I just don't get the name change. No one associated "Shock" with rumble in like 20 years. It's just the name of the controller!

Colin Moriarty

I like it, too!

Colin Moriarty

I usually have to have a second controller because the battery life on the PS4 one is awful.

Jason Stafford

I don’t know what to make of this thing. I guess I’m 50/50 on it. For some reason I like the the 3/4 side view of it more than the straight-on view. To me it looks like the DualShock 4 wrapped in a white casing or armour. (I’m sure that you’ve all seen the Avengers Endgame quantum realm suit memes that have spawned.) Similar to Chris, I saw pics of this thing floating around and I just assumed it was another third party controller. It wasn’t until the next day I saw that it was the official PS5 controller. I agree, the name is dumb. It doesn’t matter what new capabilities it has. Just call it the DualShock 5! But I imagine that once we get our hands on this thing all of our squabbling will go away. On another note: I just became a patron! This is, without a doubt, the best PS podcast out there! I appreciate you coming back into the fold Colin! I’ve been a follower since KF and your presence and opinions were missed. Not to throw shade, but the new iteration of PS I Love YouXOXO just isn’t the same. Sacred Symbols is far superior! I hope that the community here realizes how special your content is (because you did step away for a while)! I just want to take this moment to thank you and to encourage you (and Chris)! Please keep moving forward with CLS! Stay safe everyone!

The Gaming Worker

The more and more I think about it, the Dualsense looks a lot like the 3rd party controllers Sony licensed. The Astro C40, which I own and even the Nacon Revolution, minus the the off set sticks. Beefy-er and a little more heft. Im continuing to like it more.

Jason Price

I don't think it was yours...

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, feel is most essential, I agree.

Colin Moriarty

People really need to listen to the entire episode before making comments like this. LOL.

Colin Moriarty

I think the emphasis on audio is kinda weird, personally.

Colin Moriarty

Darn, I asked a question about if the colour scheme of the controller was indicative of the Consoles colours. It sounded like you almost read it too 😅

Jeremy Miller

Also Jason Schreier debunked the overheating rumour 👍🏻

Lee Bull

Pretty shocked that for a specific Dualsense centric episode neither of you looked at the blog post close enough to see the second image showing the side view. The face buttons do protrude, they're just clear. A bit of a nod to PSP/Vita buttons? Personally I love it. My gut reaction, it's the most attractive controller design I've seen with any new console.

Lee Bull

It looks like a knockoff apple product which isn’t a bad thing but here is all that matters. If the controller feels right in your hands. We "the royal we" are always to way to quick to bash on whatever it is.

Andrew

Absolutely LOVE THIS CONTROLLER. This is when Sony is at their best. When they innovate in ways that make sense to their brand. It is quite clear with the proprietary Tempest 3D Audio engine in PS5 and this DaulSense controller they are really trying to hammer home gaming as a literal experience. Not just a passive action or time killer. When you add all of these seemingly small factors together you get a very robust actual play experience. The design is their best controller design ever in my opinion. The switching of the lightbar position to those slots on the side of the touchpad are really nice in terms of piping. Obviously you need hands on, but tell me this doesnt make you super excited and curious to see what the box will look like Colin? White controller mean the box is most likely going to not be all black. Very curious. Love it.

Brett Carlson

Also I love the controller overall, new color scheme and all

Chance Autwell

Colin, it does look fake from the front, but check out the other screenshot from the bottom-side where the buttons are popping up. The buttons are actually clear! :O

Chance Autwell

Hahaha.

Colin Moriarty

That's because you're a nerd.

Colin Moriarty

Good to know. I just plug by good headphones into the controller, wired.

Colin Moriarty

Hey, that's marketing!

Colin Moriarty

I have no doubt.

Colin Moriarty

No good!

Colin Moriarty

Possibly so.

Colin Moriarty

Yes!

Colin Moriarty

We bring that up in the episode... we're thinking not.

Colin Moriarty

I think it looks great!

Colin Moriarty

I'm sure there will be many color permutations...

Colin Moriarty

Our pleasure, thanks for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Chris is usually baffled about everything but man he's really exaggerated over the mic lol

Jason Price

I use the Share button all the time to take screenshots just for myself

Jake Z

Take a look at the Astro C40 for PS4. I find it's a very similar shape. I got a C40 at a local pawn shop when I was trading in a bunch of old BluRay. I always eyed it but would never drop the cash on it but ended up getting it straight up trade and I actually really like it.

Jason Price

It was by no mean a random announcement. They timed it exactly when Xbox was doing their livestream. It’s Sony being petty, just like the insomniac announcement. It was like the Xbox show didn’t even exist

Dom posa

One time, I made a DCUO character named DualShocker.

Ahmed Mohamed

Hehe. I’m the opposite, I do anything to get white and avoid black. I like black as a accent color, but personally black very easy become overwhelming in my eyes.

Philip Andersen

You guys talking about the Mic on the controller being default-on reminded me vividly of playing the Fallout 76 Beta and that being one of many issues I had with that shit-show. I shudder at the mere memory. Great episode fellas, keep keeping on!

It’s only Eric

I feel that the reason why they changed the Share button to the Create button is probably because they’ll have some kind of Sharefactory built in the OS, rather than it being a separate Application.

Edwin Garcia

I say, does it come in black? I'm not going back. I will do what I can to avoid that when this thing comes out, next year. Edit: Holy shit, Chris is 5'4"? Respect. A buddy of mine from college is a little shorter than that and has been very successful on WMMR here in Philadelphia.

Max Stahl

I find it funny u guys say it looks like Apple... ever seen the Pearl White PSP?

Philip Andersen

I wonder if there are buttons on the back like xbox elite controller.

McHooliganXXL

I think it’s because Sony’s Gold wireless headset works with every PlayStation. So that could be why they go the super cheap route. Plus to keep the cost down.

D'Ante Almo

Did we not have the red and blue for ps4 at launch?

Liam Fagan

Has Sony ever had good standard headset options for online? It seems every gen Sony goes the super cheap route with default headsets. Can’t remember the ps3 but the PS4 basic was trash and now they built it into the controller and that sucks.

Adamthm

I was happy (ish) with the looks. It's growing on me even more now.

Jason Price

Everything about it sounds great except: 1. not black, and missing traditional symbol colours 2. The name. If the console is PS5, how can the controller NOT be DS5. This is a DuelShock5 in everything but name...

Captain Canada

Correct me if I’m wrong but we have never gotten a different color controller in the box to launch with a new console... Are we ready for this color scheme on the Ps5? 😅

D'Ante Almo

I agree this is the first time they're not using the dualshock rumble so the name had to go with it. Name is fine.

Jorge Aponte

I think DualSense makes a lot of sense, and DualShock doesn't, since it isn't simply shaking now. It is supposed to adjust to what you are playing, and give you more of a -sense- that you are actually doing it, making it more immersive. Eh, I like it.

Michael Ferrari

Thanks for pulling the audible, looking forward to it

Grant McNeil

Maybe a buttplug that monitors players heartbeats while playing horror games. Who the fuck knows.

Derek Waechter

Looking forward to this episode! The question is what will drop next?

Simon C