Is this the PS4 controller? Gamepad with touch controls spotted

Gaming, Tech Digest news
Share

sony-playstation-4-controller-with-touchpad-top.jpgCould this be Sony’s touchpad-packing PlayStation 4 controller?

That’s the word coming out of Destructoid, who have nabbed a picture of what is purportedly Sony’s next-gen console gamepad.

Though similar in style to the existing PlayStation 3 controller, the most striking difference in the inclusion of a touchpad in the gamepad’s centre, usually the spot reserved for the Start and Select buttons. There also appears to be a speaker grille just below the touchpad, or possibly even a microphone.

The other obvious difference is that of a blue light on the top edge of the controller, arguably either just for show, representing Bluetooth connectivity or possibly even built-in Move motion controls.

The two additions suggest controlling games and the interface of the PS4 will involve touch gestures and motion controls.

Apart from that it’s business as usual – two analogue sticks (now featuring an extra notched ring each for grip), the Square, Triangle, Cross and Circle buttons, a D-Pad, R1, R2, L1, and L2 buttons all being present.

Though unconfirmed, the picture does line up nicely with an earlier report from Edge, who stated that the console would come with a controller similar in size to that of the PS3 one, albeit with a touchpad included. They did however suggest that the central PS button would be removed, and it appears to still be present here. Edge also reported that a “Share” button would be on offer through the touchpad, allowing gamers to record up to fifteen minutes of gameplay direct to their consoles.

The PlayStation 4 is expected to be revealed at a flashy New York event next Wednesday (20 February). We’ll have all the details of what’s eventually revealed then, so keep checking back for more PS4 news.

Gerald Lynch
For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv