DualShock
The DualShock is a line of gamepads with vibration-feedback and analog controls developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation family of systems. The DualShock was introduced in Japan in November 1997 and launched in the North American market in May 1998. First introduced as a secondary peripheral for the original PlayStation, an updated version of the PlayStation console included the controller. Sony subsequently phased out the digital controller that was originally included with the console, as well as the Sony Dual Analog Controller., more than 28 million DualShock controllers have been sold, excluding bundled controllers.
DualShock
The DualShock Analog Controller, a controller capable of providing vibration feedback, was based on the onscreen actions taking place in the game, as well as analog input through two analog sticks. Its name derives from its use of two vibration motors. These motors are housed within the handles of the controller, with the left one being larger and more powerful than the one on the right, so as to allow for varying levels of vibration. The DualShock differs from the Nintendo 64's Rumble Pak in this respect as the Rumble Pak only uses a single motor. The Rumble Pak uses battery power for the vibration function but all corded varieties of the DualShock use power supplied by the PlayStation. The rumble feature of the DualShock is similar to that of the first edition of the Japanese Dual Analog Controller, a feature that was removed shortly after that controller was released.The DualShock, like its predecessor the Dual Analog controller, has two analog sticks. Unlike the earlier controller, the DualShock's analog sticks feature textured rubber grips rather than the smooth plastic tips with recessed grooves found on the Dual Analog controller. Other differences between Dual Analog and the DualShock include the longer grips/handles and slightly different L2/R2 buttons. The Dual Analog controller also has an additional mode accessible by pressing the "Analog" button that provides compatibility with the PlayStation Analog Joystick which results in the analog indicator light turning green instead of red; this feature was removed in the DualShock.
The DualShock controller is widely supported; shortly after its launch most new games, including , Spyro the Dragon, and Tekken 3 include support for the vibration feature and dual analog sticks, and Capcom re-released Resident Evil: Director's Cut and Resident Evil 2 with support for the controller added to these newer versions. Some games designed for the Dual Analog's vibration capability, such as Porsche Challenge and Crash Bandicoot 2, also work. Many games take advantage of the presence of two motors to provide vibration effects in stereo including Gran Turismo and the PlayStation port of Quake II. Released in 1999, the PlayStation hit Ape Escape is the first game to explicitly require DualShock/Dual-Analog-type controllers, with its gameplay requiring the use of both analog sticks. In 2000, when the PS one was released with the slightly redesigned DualShock Controller, similar to the first one, except its color is white instead of gray, in the middle of the controller has the "PS one" logo, instead of the "PlayStation" naming, most of the buttons, analog sticks and the cord are brighter than the previous one, and the connector is more of a semi-circle shape than having round edge, it also came in colors.
The DualShock is compatible with the PlayStation 2, as they use the same connector and protocol. However, certain PS2 games that utilize the DualShock 2's analog buttons, such as The Bouncer, are not compatible with the DualShock. The DualShock is fully compatible with the PlayStation 2's ability to play PlayStation games.
DualShock 2
The DualShock 2 Analog Controller included with PlayStation 2's launch is almost identical externally as the previous DualShock analog controller, with a few minor cosmetic changes. It has different screw positioning and one fewer screw. A blue DualShock 2 logo was added to the top of the controller, the connector is more square than the DualShock, and both the cable and connector are black rather than grey. The standard controller is black, rather than grey as with the original DualShock. The analog sticks are also noticeably stiffer than on the original DualShock.Internally, the DualShock 2 was lighter and all of the buttons were readable as analog values.
The DualShock 2 has been made available in various colors: black, satin silver, ceramic white, slate grey, ocean blue, emerald green, crimson red, and candy pink.
The original PlayStation is forward compatible with the DualShock 2. The PlayStation 3 is backward compatible with the DualShock and DualShock 2 by the use of third party peripherals, which connect the controller to the console via a USB port. However, the DualShock and DualShock 2 will not work properly with games that require Sixaxis functionality, such as Heavy Rain.
DualShock 3
Announced at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, the DualShock 3 wireless controller is a gamepad for the PlayStation 3. It replaces the Sixaxis wireless controller originally released with earlier versions of the console. The DualShock 3 is nearly identical to the previous Sixaxis version but adds the haptic feedback – also known as force feedback – capabilities found in the DualShock and DualShock 2. Sony settled a patent infringement lawsuit with Immersion in March 2007 following a lengthy legal battle. The settlement cleared the way for incorporating the missing "rumble" feature that the Sixaxis lacked. Both the vibration function and motion-sensing capabilities of the DualShock 3 can be used simultaneously without one interfering with the other. Like the Sixaxis, it also has a USB mini-B port for charging and can also be used on a PSP Go via Bluetooth, though the controller and the PSP Go must be registered using a PS3 console.The DualShock 3 can be identified by its "DualShock 3" and "Sixaxis" markings. It also weighs, 40% more than its predecessor, the Sixaxis, which weighed only.
The rear markings indicate the original DualShock 3 draws up to 300 mA of current at 3.7 V for a power consumption of 1.11 W, an order of magnitude increase from the 30 mA of current at 3.7 V listed on the Sixaxis. However, this current is not drawn constantly and is the maximum current when the rumble is active. Its main power source is an internal 3.7 V Li-ion battery tentatively capable of storing 570 mAh, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. Third party replacement batteries are also available. Like the Sixaxis, the DualShock 3 comes with instructions on how to remove and replace the battery. The DualShock 3 can also draw power over a USB cable via a USB mini-B connector on the top of the controller. This allows the controller to be used when the battery is low and is also used for charging the battery. When connected via USB, the controller communicates with the console through the USB cable, rather than Bluetooth.
Along with the release of the 'slim' model PS3, Sony released a new version of the DualShock 3 which uses 5.0 V at 500 mA while connected, but still contains a 3.7 V battery. This revision of the DualShock 3 does away with the additional plastic brackets between the L1/R1 buttons and the L2/R2 triggers, has indicator lights soldered directly to the board, and comes in slightly revised color schemes.
While the DualShock 3 is compatible with any standard USB mini-B cable and many USB chargers, official charging cables are available from Sony. These include an official cable, the USB 2.0 Cable Pack and a wall charger, the AC adapter charging kit. Any third-party USB charger used must act as a USB host device, rather than simply providing power over the appropriate pins, since both the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 require a host signal to "wake up" and begin charging.
A Sony representative confirmed on April 2, 2008 that the original Sixaxis controller would officially be discontinued with the release of the force-feedback enabled DualShock 3 in mid-April 2008. The Sixaxis was no longer produced after 2008, being dropped from stock by most retailers.
Variations
The DualShock 3 has been produced in various colors: black, satin silver, ceramic white, classic white, metallic blue, deep red, pink, "jungle green", "candy blue", "urban camouflage", "crimson red", and "cosmic blue". Not all colors have been made available in all markets or at all times.Additional colors have also been made available alongside limited edition consoles, including gun-metal grey and "cloud black".
A limited edition baseball themed DualShock 3 controller was released on March 8, 2011 to coincide with the release of. Another color, "Metallic Gold", became available in June 2012 as a limited edition in Europe, while in North America it is sold exclusively in GameStop from October 2012. A limited edition controller is available in the UK as part of a console bundle to coincide with the launch of the game and in the Americas as a game and controller bundle. On November 1, 2013 Sony announced a new see-through "Crystal" model of the DualShock 3 controller in Japan.
DualShock 4
The DualShock 4 is the PlayStation 4's controller. It is similar to the DualShock 3, with several new features. One new feature is a built-in two-point capacitive touch pad on the front of the controller, which can be clicked. This allows the touch pad to represent multiple buttons, as demonstrated in the PS4 version of Elite Dangerous in which the four corners of the touch pad can be mapped to a separate clickable actions. The controller supports motion detection via a three-axis gyroscope and three-axis accelerometer and vibration. It includes a non-removable, rechargeable 3.7 V, 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged while the system is in rest mode. It weighs and has dimensions of. It also lacks a Sony logo on the front due to the touch pad in its place.The top of the gamepad features a light bar with three LEDs that illuminate in different colors, which can be used to identify players by matching the colors of the characters they are controlling in a game, or to provide enhanced feedback or immersion by changing patterns or colors in reaction to gameplay.. It is also used in conjunction with the PlayStation Camera to judge the positions and movements of multiple players. The light bar was developed for PlayStation VR.
The controller features several input and output connectors: a stereo headset jack, a micro-USB port and an extension port. It can be charged using a dedicated charging station, via microUSB using a standalone charger, or the console. It also includes a mono speaker, like the Wii Remote, and is the second major controller in video game history to have such feature.
The DualShock 4 features the following buttons: PS button, SHARE button, OPTIONS button, directional buttons, action buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers, analog stick click buttons, and a touch pad click button. These mark several changes from the DualShock 3 and other previous PlayStation controllers. The START and SELECT buttons have been merged into a single OPTIONS button. A dedicated SHARE button allows players to upload screenshots and videos from their gameplay experiences. The joysticks and triggers have been redesigned based on developer input, with the ridged surface of the joysticks now featuring an outer ring surrounding the convex dome caps.
The DualShock 4's buttons differ slightly in functionality from the DualShock 3. Only the L1, L2, R1 and R2 buttons are pressure-sensitive, a change from the functionality of the DualShock 2 and 3. This is likely due to the fact that most games did not utilize these buttons as well as due to it not being used on competitors' controllers.
The PlayStation 3 is forward compatible with the DualShock 4. Firmware update 4.60 for the PS3 added wireless connectivity; however, motion and vibration functions are not supported. As the START and SELECT buttons are no longer present, the OPTIONS and SHARE buttons respectively replace them.
Version issues and modifications
Sony's initially-released DualShock 4's had wear issues with the rubber surface on the left analog stick, which exhibited excessive wear or tearing after short-term use. In January 2014, Sony issued a statement acknowledging an issue on a small percentage of controllers.In early September 2016, Sony confirmed a second generation of DualShock 4 controllers, known as the DualShock V2, which hosts slight improvements over the original DualShock 4, including USB communication, a longer battery life and the ability to see the light bar from the top of the touchpad. It released on September 15, 2016.
In the initial controller version, the light bar is a permanently illuminated, bright-colored light. The needless light pollution and battery drain prompted inquiries as to whether the light bar could be switched off by users. Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida initially responded in the negative in July 2013, though game developers have the option to disable the light in game. In early 2014, the company announced that a future update would allow the light bar to be dimmed, which was delivered in 1.70 in April 2014.)
Variations
The original DualShock 4 is available in Jet Black, Glacier White, Urban Camouflage, Wave Blue, Magma Red, Gold, Silver, and Steel Black.The newer DualShock 4 has been produced in Jet Black, Glacier White, Green Camouflage, Blue Camouflage, Red Camouflage, Rose Gold, Electric Purple, Wave Blue, Magma Red, Gold, Silver, Sunset Orange, Crystal, Red Crystal, Blue Crystal, Steel Black, Midnight Blue, Metallic Copper, Alpine Green, and Berry Blue.
Exclusive console bundles with DualShock 4 include the 20th Anniversary Edition, Gun Metal, ', Metal Gear Solid V, ', ', Star Wars Battlefront, Monster Hunter World, God of War, Gran Turismo Sport, ', the Days of Play, Marvel's Spider-Man, Death Stranding, The Last of Us Part II, and the 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro.
DualSense
The DualSense is the PlayStation 5's controller and was unveiled on April 7, 2020. It is based on the DualShock 4 controller that came before it but with an evolution to its design and capabilities influenced by discussions with game designers and players.Unlike previous DualShock controllers, the DualSense has a two-tone coloring scheme and monochrome action buttons. It incorporates a more ergonomic design that is somewhat bigger and rounder than the DualShock 4. The light bar has been moved from the top of the controller to the left and right edges of the touchpad. While the controller maintains the same number of buttons as the DualShock 4, the "Share" button has been replaced with "Create" with an expanded focus on creating content to share with others. The DualSense has strong haptic feedback through voice coil actuators, which are intended to give better in-game feedback. The controller speaker has been improved and is now augmented by a new built-in microphone array allowing players to speak to others using only the controller. The controller has adaptive triggers that can change the resistance to the player as necessary, supporting an experience such as virtually drawing an arrow from a bow. Connectivity includes a 3.5mm audio jack and USB-C, which replaces the microUSB port on the DualShock 4. Its battery has been upgraded to a higher-rated capacity.