The Use of Dualshock 4 Controllers:
Technical Description of PS4 Controllers
Daniel Ignacio
City College of New York
Introduction
The DualShock 4 controller is the newest version of gamepads with vibration-feedback and analog controls and buttons developed by Sony Entertainment for the Playstation 4 which is the latest system from the family of Playstation. The DualShock 4 controller brings new features that brings a brand new experience for the people in the Playstation community. It allows the public to be more comfortable, interested, and familiar with the game due to the different amount of designs. Sony Entertainment wanted to adjust to the modern day perspectives of people, especially children to bring both a nostalgic and brand new way of playing new and old games on a more enjoyable controller. From coming home from school, or a long day of work, the image of picking up the controller brings amusement to many people around the world. As being one of the newest features, as the light turns on, the new gaming experience will begin.
History
The DualShock controller was introduced in Japan in November 1997 and launched in the North American market in May 1998. First, it was 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. Developers Goto and Kutaragi, recalled that Sony president Norio Ohga showed a special interest in the development of the controller, and strongly supported the final version. On April 2, 1996, Sony released a revised version of the PlayStation Controller (model SCPH-1080), which is 10% larger than the launch model and features a longer cord with a ferrite bead. This model was bundled with all subsequent PlayStation consoles including North American launch models. After briefly selling the Dual Analog controller in 1997, Sony began phasing out the PlayStation Controller later that year with the introduction of the DualShock controller, which would become the new standard controller for the PlayStation, although the first game to require its use. As of 2008, over 28 million DualShock controllers have been sold under the brand’s name, excluding bundled controllers.
Context
The DualShock 4 Controller, the newest version of the Playstation controller is capable of providing vibration feedback and many other new features. Its original name derives from its use of two “dual” vibration motors “shock”. 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. It is similar to the DualShock 3, but 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. The controller supports motion detection via a three-axis gyroscope and three-axis accelerometer and vibration. In addition, 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 and glows orange. It weighs 210 g (7.4 oz) and has dimensions of 162 mm × 52 mm × 98 mm (6.4 in × 2.0 in × 3.9 in). It also lacks a Sony logo on the front due to the Touchpad in its place. These new additions are to make the controller provide a more comfortable and smooth grip for your hands, longer use of time before charging, and allows the controller and system to function while the Playstation is off.
Body Parts
Keys/Buttons:
PS button, SHARE button, OPTIONS button
Directional “Up/Down/Left/Right” (D-Pad) buttons
Action “Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square” buttons
“R1/L1/R2/L2” buttons
Left joystick / L3 button
Right joystick / R3 button
TouchPad Button with featured light on newest version.
TouchPad/Motion Sensor:
2 Point Touch Pad, Click Mechanism, Capacitive Type
Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)
Other Features/Ports:
Light Bar, Vibration feedback, Built-in Mono Speaker
USB (Micro B), Extension Port, Stereo Headset Jack
Communication Specifications:
Bluetooth v2.1+EDR
USB HID Class, USB Audio Class
Description
The DualShock 4 controller marked several changes from the DualShock 3 and other previous PlayStation controllers. The START and SELECT buttons were merged into a single OPTIONS button on the PS4 controller. 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 competitor’s controllers.
Furthermore, the main action buttons focus on how to operate and navigate the system. The X button serves as an “A” button which selects anything that can be accessed in the system and the button O serves as a “B” button which goes back to what you have previously selected. The “Triangle” and “Square” button are not mainly used to operate the system, unless for typing, but these buttons are very crucial when it comes to video games.
On the other hand, as goes for the interior of the controller is the main operation and movement of the DualShock controller. The actual shape of the controller is the circuit and main internal casing of the controller. Attached to the main circuit are different rubber membranes and circuit boards with a bunch of springs and wires. There are only five rubber membranes inside the controller. The rubber membranes are rubbered like cushion under the buttons of the controller that gives the controller soft and repeatable presses from the buttons. However, if these rubber membranes gets misplaced or breaks, the buttons will not function properly making the buttons become “jammed”. The huge green circuit is the Touchpad Cable which allows the touchpad to properly be used for the PS4 system. Lastly, the Bluetooth Circuit Board is a white wire that allows the controller to wirelessly be used and picks up feedback from the system or game and leads to the controller to function or vibrate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sony confirmed a second generation of DualShock 4 controllers, known as the DualShock V2 (CUH-ZCT2), which hosts slight improvements over the original DualShock 4 in early September in 2016. It includes USB communication, a longer battery life, and the ability to see the light bar from the top of the touchpad. Present day, Sony and Scuf (Gaming company that releases upgraded controllers and gaming accessories) have published even newer versions of DualShock 4 controllers which contain grip on each handle of the controller, paddles in the back for better use of action buttons, adjustable space between the buttons for more comfortability, and different button design layouts for different preference. From this, you can see that Sony is always adjusting to new ideas to make people’s experience more interesting and easier each day.
Present Day Scuf DualShock 4 Controllers
Reference Page
DualShock. (2019, April 15). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DualShock
Gallagher, J. (2010, September 16). The Evolution Of The PlayStation Controller. Retrieved
fromhttps://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/09/16/the-evolution-of-the-playstation-
controller/
Tech specs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/explore/ps4/tech-specs/
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