As the drip feed for more information on the PlayStation 5 continues, Sony has opted to shadow-drop the reveal of the console's new DualSense controller. The first full evolution of the DualShock peripheral, the DualSense sports all new ergonomics alongside a familiar in-line joystick and button layout, but with a drastically different aesthetic. Various new and improved features come along with the radically changed controller, showing that Sony is really changing things up with the PS5.

Considering the DualShock 4 redesign received plenty of praise for its significant changes as well, the DualSense is an unexpected but welcome evolution to an already fantastic controller. Many of the DualShock controllers prior to the DualShock 4 and DualSense all sported a very similar architecture, so Sony's renewed focus on perfecting the console's controller is surprising. Arguably, it's an unnecessary overhaul, but the DualSense does represent the first substantial rework of the console's iconic controllers in years.

RELATED: Fan Shows What PS5 DualSense Controller Looks Like in Black

The Advent of the DualShock and DualShock 2

playstation dualshock 3

 

Sony first introduced the DualShock in 1997 (1998 in North America) shortly after the release of the original PlayStation, creating the first controller with the innovative dual analog stick layout. The PlayStation's release controller only had the iconic D-Pad and shape face buttons, though as development of games progressed, more precise aiming requirements on PC games required an innovation for consoles. Multiple joysticks served to allow more precise movement beyond the constraints of 8-way directional movements on D-Pads. The two analog sticks on the DualShock allowed for more precise player-character movement, as well as more tactile aiming on console gaming.

Along with the two analog sticks, the "Shock" portion of the name comes from the addition of rumble motors installed in the grips of the controller. Rather than sporting an exterior rumble peripheral like the N64 controller did, vibration functionality was inherent to the controller designs for PlayStation from the first DualShock onward. Rumble added haptic feedback to console gaming that was novel for the time, bringing an additional factor of immersion for the player.

Much of these features also carried over to the nearly-identical DualShock 2 for the PlayStation 2. The only defining differences between the second iteration and the original DualShock was the default color choice, matching the sleek black exterior of the PlayStation 2 console itself. Additionally, DualShock 2 placed buttons inside the two analog sticks that were activated by pressing down on the stick. These two controller iterations laid the groundwork for the next two console generations for PlayStation, not radically changing the design language until much later.

The Sixaxis and DualShock 3

PlayStation DualShock 3

Not much changed between the PlayStation 2 and 3's controller design, though some technological innovations were present. Initially, the PlayStation 3 released with a controller called the "Sixaxis," which was for all intents and purposes a DualShock. The only reason why it was named differently was due to a patent infringement lawsuit from the company Immersion, alleging both Sony and Microsoft stole the vibration/sensory feedback technology from its patented hardware.

Along with the rumble functionality returning, the DualShock 3 also integrated some minor motion sensing capabilities. Though there weren't too many games that utilized this feature, it did allow the controller to function in an additional manner outside of pressing buttons as usual. Games like The Last of Us utilized the motion feature situationally, like when fixing the in-game flashlight when it starts to flicker. Lastly, the R1/R2 triggers were adjusted to function more like triggers rather than additional row of shoulder buttons. Other than that, it wasn't until the next DualShock where the controller received its first major development overhaul.

RELATED: Microsoft Releases New Xbox Series X Controller Gif in Response to PS5 DualSense Reveal

The DualShock 4

DualShock 4

In 2013, the leaked patent documents and rumors came to fruition with Sony announcing the vastly different DualShock 4. Released alongside the PlayStation 4, the DualShock 4 was the first completely redesigned controller, straying away from the tried-and-true design of the first three DualShock controllers. Physically, the controller's grips were widened apart, made longer, and were given a less angular shape. The triggers were also substantially improved, adding more tactile depression to feel more like a conventional trigger pull. The controller also introduced a light bar in the front that changed colors in reaction to the games being played, though it was later on confirmed the light bar's true purpose was for tracking in the later-announced PSVR.

From there, the controller added a capacitive touchpad in between the typical face buttons for a variety of uses. Aside from standard button presses, the touchpad could be used for swipe gestures as well as inputting complex directions like in Infamous: Second Son. Similarly, the DualShock 4 integrated a small speaker in the controller itself for situational uses in sound design. A new button was also added in place of the "Select" button with the "Share" feature instead.

In an increasingly interconnected online world, it made sense for Sony to integrate the Share functionality directly to the PS4, making broadcasting for all players seamlessly simple. The company  then went the extra mile for the sake of experimentation and innovation, improving the ergonomics of its ages-old controller. It was presumed because of Sony's minimal track record of changes, paired with the universal praise of the DualShock 4's redesign, that the DualShock design stick to its successful design for much longer.

The Upcoming DualSense for PS5

Dual Sense Controller front view

Now, Sony has made the surprise effort to change its already fantastic DualShock 4 into something even better. With the introduction of the "DualSense" controller, Sony is making a concentrated effort to make the best and most unique controller it can. It has crafted a stylistic two-tone color scheme, with the majority of the controller colored white. The controller also adds haptic feedback to the triggers, similar to that of the Xbox One's controller. A built-in microphone will also be integrated into the controller's speaker system from the DualShock 4. Share functionality has been transitioned to a "Create" button, which infers there will be an expanded focus on console streaming/sharing efforts this generation.

The DualSense has only been initially revealed for now, but it's already shaping up to be a very progressive change for the iconic PlayStation controller. Once more is revealed about the PlayStation 5 in general, hopefully fans will get more details about this new and improved controller.

PlayStation 5 is set to launch Holiday 2020.

MORE: Fan Shows What PS5 DualSense Controller Looks Like in Black