As the launch of both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One get a little closer on the horizon, news about the functionality of both respective console's controllers has begun to enter the spotlight. Shuhei Yoshida, who holds the long title of President of Worldwide Studios for Sony Computer Entertainment, confirmed that Sony's Dualshock 4 controller would have support for 'basic functions' on Windows computers when the controllers reach store shelves worldwide.
The news sparked from a Twitter conversation where Yoshida stated that 'analog sticks and buttons will work just fine' when the controller was connected to a PC. When asked to elaborate, he simply stated that the device would work with basic functions. While it hasn't been revealed exactly what that means yet, the fact that the controller will work with computers right out of the box is great news for Sony and PC fans.
What's more surprising about Yoshida's revelation is the fact that the Xbox One controller itself won't work on PCs until 2014, as Microsoft cited that their new wireless protocol would require completely new software to be created to support their controller. Whilst those with an Xbox One controller won't be able to use their sleek new toy on a Microsoft Windows machine, PlayStation 4 owners will be able to connect their DualShock 4 controllers with no problem.
This news comes after the announcement that the PlayStation 4 would support the Xbox One HDMI-In, indicating Sony has gone with a very device-friendly approach with their latest console. The PlayStation 4 will also finally allow gamers to record gameplay via HDMI recorders and will have an improved sidekick app for both iOS and Android phones.
Most non-Microsoft controllers use the XInput API to connect with Windows, which basically makes the controller appear as an Xbox Controller for the computer. When asked if the Dualshock 4 controller would properly be recognized as a DualShock 4 controller on computers, Yoshida evaded by asking for gamers to wait until post-launch to open those discussions.
The PS3's DualShock 3 controller didn't have this functionality, and plenty of fans are hoping Sony will bring full DualShock support for the fourth iteration of the controller. The news is especially interesting considering the Xbox 360's status as being a popular PC input and a default controller for many games, yet its successor wasn't built with Windows in mind even though it's a Microsoft product.
With analysts predicting great sales for the PlayStation 4, this news can only help the company win some edge-of-the-fence gamers who like to like to use console controllers on their computers.
The PlayStation 4 is set to arrive November 15, 2013 in North America.
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Source: Joystiq