Sony Shows Off Next-Generation PSVR Controller; Shares Features, Design Details

After announcing its next-generation virtual reality headset – PlayStation VR 2 – last month, Sony has now revealed that its new VR controllers are in the development stage.

The company had earlier said its latest controllers will incorporate some features from PS5's DualSense gamepad. A senior executive shared more details about the next-gen PSVR accessory Thursday.

"Following the recent reveal of our next-generation virtual reality system for PS5, I’m excited to unveil more details about the new controller that will play a critical role in providing gamers with the VR experience we're working to deliver," Hideaki Nishino, senior VP of Global Product Strategy and Management at Sony, said in a blogpost.

Apart from the functionalities and technical details, the company also shared images of the VR controller that will pair with the next-gen headset. It is not clear if the design and form factor shown in the photos are prototypes.

Nishino said the project's ultimate goal is to enhance the game experience with the help of hardware. For this, Sony's engineers will borrow and apply technologies such as the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense.

The new model will also do away with the wand-like design of the PlayStation Move. Instead, Sony has an "orb" shape for ergonomics. The VR controllers, which share some resemblance with Facebook's Oculus Rift VR system, will sport a matte black finish instead of the two-tone theme of PS5.

Each pair will have an analog stick, an adaptive trigger and a built-in finger touch detection option, which can be found on most modern VR controllers for PC-based VR systems. Sony says the controller can be tracked by the new PSVR headset, but it is not yet clear if players still require the PS5 HD Camera for other functionalities.

The left VR controller has the square, triangle and create buttons, while the right one has the cross, circle and options buttons. It will have a haptic feedback option and will also feature straps to provide additional protection to the gamers.

Sony had earlier confirmed that the upcoming PSVR will be more streamlined than its predecessor. It will only use a single cable to connect to the console. Other upgrades include a higher resolution and better field of view.