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PS4 controller escapes into the Canadian wilderness, partly supports the PS3 (video)
The PlayStation 4 may not reach stores until November 15th, but that hasn't prevented the DualShock 4 from showing up early -- some Canadian Twitter users have spotted the controller at retail stores. While it's not clear that stores are allowed to sell the new DualShock, TheRugbyGodGamer claims that GameStop Canada is letting pre-order customers pick up their purchases. Those lucky few who score gamepads can use their prizes right away, at least. YouTube member Udetto has posted a video (after the break) that shows the DualShock 4 handling PS3 games that support USB input; it's only titles that insist on Bluetooth which aren't compatible. The experience won't compare to that of using the PS4 itself, but it may tide over gamers who can't stand waiting for the Sony console.
Here's the retail packaging for PlayStation 4 and its many accessories
You probably could've guessed, but the retail box for the PlayStation 4 rocks the same blue and white color scheme Sony's been employing for some time now. That box and the packaging for the DualShock 4, its charger, the PlayStation 4 Eye, and the console's vertical stand (yes, seriously) were all revealed on PlayStation Europe community manager Chris Owen's Twitter account earlier today, and they all look like pieces of one big family. A handful of DualShock 4 flavors are on display, from classic black to "Wave Blue" and "Magma Red," and everything looks just about how we'd expect given the last eight months of introducing the PS4. The only bizarre standout -- the vertical stand -- is, well, it's a silly hunk of plastic that keeps the PlayStation 4 vertical. We've got high hopes that 3D printing enthusiasts the world over will print more creative (and less costly) versions for us to use.
Sony's Shuhei Yoshida: DualShock 4 will be compatible with Windows for 'basic functions'
You won't be using a DualShock 4 on an Xbox come November 15th, but that doesn't mean it won't work on any of Microsoft's platforms. Sony's Shuhei Yoshida recently confirmed via Twitter that the PS4's gamepad will be compatible with Windows for "basic functions." In response to inquiries about said functionality, he specifically pointed out that "the buttons and joysticks will work just fine." There's no word on whether the drivers will allow PC games to automatically see it as a DS4, though; Yoshida replied in the thread further, stating that folks will have to "wait for [a] field report after the launch." As Joystiq points out, third-party controllers can show up as Xbox controllers on Windows thanks to the XInput API -- something that's non-existent in the PS3's DualShock 3. And with that, we're left to wait and see what PS4 insights Yoshida will reveal next.
Sony's DualShock 4 coming in 'Magma Red' and 'Wave Blue' at launch in Europe, North America to follow later
Colors! Who doesn't love colors, right? Well, if you were planning to snag a PlayStation 4, you'll be happy to hear that the console's DualShock 4 won't be available solely in black. As has been the case with previous generation PlayStations, Sony will be offering different color variations of its DualShock controller, this time in "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue." Both models will be available when the PS4 launches in Europe and in North and Latin America later in the year, where they'll cost £54 and $59, respectively. So, don't worry, it looks like you'll be able to add a bit of hue to your next-gen gaming sessions.
Sony patent application highlights the DualShock 4 that could've been
The patent application from Sony that popped up at the US Patent and Trademark Office this morning isn't quite the DualShock 4 that we've become acquainted with this year. While it contains many descriptors that apply to the controller Sony introduced alongside its PlayStation 4, it's also got a few extra bells and whistles that the current model doesn't include -- most notably, a microphone for tracking player location and a larger light bar that extends to the bottom of the controller. Apparently the light bar at some point could be "shaped to provide for a wide angle of visibility." There's also a variety of trackpad versions, and the patent describes a slight outward curvature "which provides a tactile sensation by virtue of its shape" -- the DualShock 4 models we've used don't seem to feature this, but we'll need to revisit the controller to be sure. Further, the trackpad was apparently tested as a display screen as well at one point. "In one embodiment, the touch panel can be coupled with a display screen to provide a touchscreen interface as part of the controller," the application reads. "For example, the touchscreen might display an image which delineates regions of the touchscreen that correspond to various functionalities for the interactive application." Beyond that, the patent dances around its connection to the PlayStation 4, as this was filed back in the end of June 2012 (it just published today). Make no mistake: this is very much a patent for the DualShock 4 long before the controller and its corresponding console were announced.
The Daily Roundup for 06.11.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Let's take a closer look at the PlayStation 4, DualShock 4 and PS4 Eye (video)
After getting a deeper hands-on with the PlayStation 4 and its very thorough tech demo today, The Playroom, we wanted to show you all the bells and whistles of the new console, its new controller and the new PlayStation 4 Eye. So we shot a video with Sony Japan's Nicolas Doucet and walked through the game's various demos. If you're looking for a thorough walkthrough of the various new PlayStation hardware, look no further. It's just below the break.%Gallery-191102%
PlayStation 4 hands-on: DualShock 4 and games (video)
This morning, we got our first official hands-on with Sony's brand-new PlayStation 4 -- unveiled last night at E3 2013. Though we got to put our hands on the new DualShock 4 last evening, today we were finally able to play some next-gen games. The first game we played was a new racing game, known as DriveClub, and it uses the PS4 Eye and DualShock 4. Right when we started, the game took a picture of us using the Eye and it... well it came out kinda blue. The room we're in was very blue, and the image reflected that -- it wasn't the highest quality, and it's a bit of a gimmick, but neat nonetheless. More importantly, when we actually played the game, the DualShock 4 felt great. It's light, responsive, and comfortable -- the new thumbsticks with convex tops cradle your thumbs, and the triggers easily hold your pointer fingers. As for the face buttons, things are nigh identical with previous DualShock iterations. The standard ex / triangle / circle / square combo remains, and looks just about the same as on the DualShock 3. Though the touchpad didn't have any in-game effect in DriveClub, the pad is easily clickable and not too far from your thumbs to quickly jump from face buttons to it.%Gallery-191102%
Sony E3 2013 PlayStation briefing roundup: PS4 takes E3 with $399 price tag
Finally, the PS4's menacing-looking box has been revealed. More importantly, however, Sony clearly aimed for the Xbox One's throat during its E3 press conference -- especially with software, services and a cheaper retail price. Alongside a friendly policy toward used games and epic title reveals for the PS4, Sony introduced a new PS3 bundle for the fall and more. Get your fix of all the stories from the event by clicking past the break for our full roundup. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Sony DualShock 4 hands-on (update: video)
Sony just wrapped its E3 press event, delighting attendees and future console buyers with showstopping news: a $399 retail price and lack of used game restrictions on the PlayStation 4. Now, with all those important bits behind us, it's time to once again focus on the hardware, specifically the PS4 controller. We got our grips on the controller immediately following Sony's E3 2013 presser -- our first chance to check out the new DualShock -- and it feels great! We're glad to say that the thumbsticks have dramatically improved and no longer allow your thumbs to easily slip out. The triggers are also much improved, with a little lip enabling a comfortable cradle. The front face buttons are nigh identical with the DualShock 3, as is the d-pad (despite a slight visual alteration) -- the biggest difference is the new touchpad. It's clicky and feels like a surprisingly nice addition to the DualShock. It's easily clickable from the standard two hand position on a controller, though the share and options buttons are a bit out of reach (at least for our small hands). We'll have a closer look at the DualShock 4 this week from E3 and some impressions of it with actual games, so stay tuned for more from E3 2013!%Gallery-190993% Update: We've got our hands-on video embedded after the break, so head on down to check it out. Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub. Zach Honig and Benjamin Harrison contributed to this report.
PlayStation 4's DualShock 4 controller passes through the FCC solo
We still haven't actually touched the redesigned DualShock 4 destined to ship with Sony's PlayStation 4, but we're getting another look at it in this FCC filing. Appearing in wireframe form to show off where its FCC label will be placed, what's available reveals very little. As we were told, it's still a Bluetooth 2.1+EDR device and carries a CUH-ZCT1U model number, and its PS Eye-compatible light bar can be seen in the diagram. Of course, what we're really waiting to see is the system that will accompany this remote control and do battle with the Xbox One for console supremacy, but barring a leak or unexpected revelation that will have to wait until E3. Hit the source link to check out the docs yourself, or get a better angle on it in our galleries below.%Gallery-179414%
PlayStation 4's Blu-ray drive is 3x as fast as PS3's, PSN friends list cap raised, and other tidbits from Sony's GDC panel
The PlayStation 4's new DualShock 4 controller can be charged even while the PlayStation 4 is turned off. The PlayStation 4's new Eye motion camera has a tilt sensor so it can tell players when its facing the wrong direction or if it's fallen off your TV stand. The PlayStation 4's Blu-ray disc drive is three times as fast as the PlayStation 3's. In case it weren't clear, Sony's PlayStation 4 panel at this week's Game Developers Conference wasn't chock full of major revelations, but it did provide plenty of interesting little details about the PlayStation 4 and its various hardware companions. For instance, the console's "True Name" social functionality isn't automatic -- you have to opt-in to who will see your real name versus your PlayStation Network ID. That is, unless you find a friend through Facebook or another social network where your real name is already your main ID; in that instance, the console defaults to displaying your actual name. That's not the only change coming to your friends list, either, as the standing 100 friends cap is being raised to an unknown amount. Additionally, the Gaikai-powered Remote Play functionality between the Vita and PS4 is said to be "much better," according to Sony senior staff engineer Chris Norden. Not only can it display your PS4 games in the Vita's native resolution (960 x 544), but it can be activated at any given time rather than having to be preset. And unlike Remote Play on PS3, with PS4 the game being pushed to the Vita is mirrored on your television screen. None of this stuff is what we'd call red hot, but we're hungry for PS4 details and this is what Sony's delivering. Here's hoping the company's more forthcoming at E3.
Sony's PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller and Eye found at GDC 2013, we go eyes-on
Sony's next-gen console, the PlayStation 4, is getting an updated DualShock controller when it arrives at retail this holiday. It's also getting an updated PlayStation Eye camera, which brings the camera much more in line with Microsoft's Kinect than any previous versions. We found the PS4 peripherals trapped under a glass box on the Game Developers Conference show floor, and Sony sadly wouldn't let us free them. We of course snapped a mess of pictures regardless, which you can see just below in the gallery. We anticipate the first hands-on opportunity with the DualShock 4 and PS4 Eye at E3 2013 in June, so hang tight for a few months!
PS4's final look is unknown even to a Sony exec, but it won't support the DualShock 3
There's been some debate over the state of the PlayStation 4's hardware when Sony declined to display the console itself at its PlayStation Meeting. As we're quickly learning, the company had good reason to keep the box under wraps: it's not quite done yet. Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Hiroshi Kawano has revealed to 4Gamer that even he hasn't seen the finished system, and he only saw the DualShock 4 the day before it went on stage. We wouldn't worry about the design's progress just yet, but the news hints that Sony's timing on pulling it all together is much tighter than it was for the PS3 -- although that's not necessarily a bad thing. Whatever the PS4 looks like in the end, we know it won't support the DualShock 3. Perpetual font of wisdom (and Worldwide Studios President) Shuhei Yoshida has warned that the PlayStation Move is the only controller making the leap to the next generation. That's not entirely surprising given the changes in button layout and the addition of some Move technology -- Sony likely wants to set some expectations, and our existing game library won't play on the PS4 as-is. The cutoff may still be disappointing for anyone who invested in a full set of gamepads for LittleBigPlanet sessions and has to once more start from scratch.
PS4 Eye promises to unlock your PlayStation at a glance, tips hat to Kinect
Just finished watching Sony's "see the future" of PlayStation event? We hope you didn't blink, you might have missed a quick reveal of the next PlayStation Eye The optical sensor was overshadowed by the reveal of the DualShock 4, but it's nothing to scoff at -- the second generation Eye features two 1280 x 800 cameras, four microphones and an 85-degree field of view. Put together, the setup promises facial recognition, player positioning and depth sensing and enhanced PlayStation Move support. The Kinect-like camera is designed to work with Sony's new controller standard too, recognizing each player by the color of the DualShock 4's LED light bar. Sony says the Eye will allow the PS4 to use face login, and the collection of microphones might make voice control possible as well. No word yet if the new camera device will be a PS4 pack in or sold separately, but if you're interested in mining press releases for details, you'll find one after the break.%Gallery-179414%
Sony's new DualShock 4 controller official: all-new design, touchpad, share button and more
We had a hint or two about its imminent arrival, but Sony's now made its next-generation DualShock 4 controller official at tonight's PlayStation 4 event in NYC. The company's Lead System Architect Mark Cerny took to the stage to reveal the all-new companion, which has been redesigned and now features a more rounded form factor as well as what appears to be a slightly rubberized grip with "enhanced rumble capabilities." There's also a touchpad now (clearly taking a cue from the Vita), a headphone jack, the long-rumored share button, a light bar that, according to Cerny, will be utilized as a "more friendly way to identify players" and a stereo camera which is used to track the 3D position of the Move-compatible controller. Not surprisingly, Sony's touting the addition of the "Share" button as one of the biggest features of the DualShock 4, allowing players to easily send tidbits like video clips and screenshots to places such as Ustream, Facebook and, naturally, the firm's own PlayStation Network. That's all we know thus far, but we're sure to hear more about the DualShock 4 in the coming future -- for now, head on past the break and enjoy the gallery from Sony's presentation. Check out our liveblog of Sony's event to get the latest news as it happens!%Gallery-179414%
