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Dual Shock 4’s Light Bar Is “Always On”

John-Shepard 26 Comments

Here's something you might not have known about the fancy new Dual Shock 4.

You're likely aware of the Light Bar on the front part of the controller, but you might not realize that unfortunately, it can't be turned off.

A gamer asked Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida if this would be possible on Twitter , and Yoshida replied simply, "no." This would've been a way to save battery life, and it's a little confusing, too. If the PS4 camera isn't mandatory for playing on the system – and Sony has already confirmed that it isn't – then why exactly can't we turn off the Light Bar? Maybe it just doesn't work that way. Oh, and Yoshida also said the reason the PS4 only has USB ports on the front of the system is so you can "easily recharge" the controller.

Well, that makes sense. But this Light Bar business doesn't…does it?

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If You Haven’t Pre-Ordered An Extra Dual Shock 4, Do It Now

Ben-Dutka 26 Comments

The PlayStation 4 is guaranteed to be a hot item this holiday season, but don't forget about one very important component: That extra controller.

The PS4 only comes with one Dual Shock 4, of course, and you're bound to want an extra. Personally, I definitely need an extra so that I can always be charging one while playing with the other. However, you might not be able to just grab a Dual Shock 4 on day one.

GameStop has been warning customers that their initial allotment of Dual Shock 4s won't be very large. In fact, most stores around me are saying they're only expecting between 15 and 25 on launch day. Most are telling people that if they haven't already pre-ordered a controller, they can't guarantee you one come launch. I'm not sure about Amazon or other retailers but it definitely seems as if GameStop won't have many. Of course, they could get more; Sony may respond to the demand before fall arrives, but there's no guarantee.

So anyway, just a friendly PSA.

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Dual Shock 4: A New And Vastly Improved Dual Shock 3

Ben-Dutka 30 Comments

The PlayStation 4 controller is a pretty nifty piece of technology.

The Dual Shock 4 has been fully dissected and revealed over at the PlayStation Blog , and we get quite the education.

We learn that it has larger handles, a glossy cross-hatched texture, redesigned and retuned analog sticks with a new concave surface and "slightly stiffer deadzone," and a fresh d-pad. Sony Social Media Manager Sid Shuman says it's "not too mushy, not too deep, and not too shallow." The new R1 and R2 triggers boast a "slightly hooked design" and have less pressure resistance, and the L1 and L2 buttons feel basically the same as they do on the Dual Shock 3. Of course, you've also got the Share button, the front touchpad and several other high-tech new features, all of which combined makes this one highly advanced controller.

What do you think of it? Is it everything you want from a gamepad? Some people can be very picky about the type of controller they prefer, but Sony appears to have touched all the bases with this one.

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PS4 Has Upgradeable 500GB Hard Drive, Dual Shock 4 Priced

Ben-Dutka 31 Comments

More important details continue to arrive from E3 2013, and the PlayStation 4 continues to look better and better.

It has been confirmed that Sony's new console will ship with a 500GB hard drive and as boss Shuhei Yoshida confirmed via Twitter , it will be upgradeable, just like it is in the PS3. That's good news.

Furthermore, we've learned that the PlayStation Eye will not be included with the PS4; it will be sold separately with a price tag of $60. Microsoft's Xbox One will sell for $100 more but it does come with Kinect, although the latter is basically a requirement. Next up is the price of the Dual Shock 4, which comes in at $60 as well. Considering that the current Dual Shock 3 for PS3 retails for $55, that really isn't a bad deal at all. You will want that second controller, too.

Personally, I still want to see a bundle option that includes the Eye, a second controller, one free year of Plus, and a game for like $550 or something. It just sucks that they never do bundles when a system first launches; it's always bare-bones.

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Should Diablo III Use DS4’s Touchpad For Managing Inventory?

Ben-Dutka 4 Comments

If you didn't already know, the new Dual Shock 4 controller features a touchpad.

And if you hadn't already guessed from my opinion on the subject, I hate touchpads.

However, that's apparently what we'll have to use when managing our inventory in Diablo III . In speaking during the newest installment of Conversations with Creators , Blizzard entertainment production director John Hight talked about how the touchpad's functionality can help streamline the Diablo III experience:

"Diablo is a pretty deep game and we don't like a lot of overload on the buttons. We want to keep it really simple so you can get to the things you need to get to fast…you need to do it because the monsters are pouring at you, no matter what. We think the touchpad's going to give us a lot more opportunity to make that interface a lot easier."

Okay, at least he doesn't say we'll have to use the touchpad…or does he? This is one of those times when I wish modern technology didn't get in the way of simpler, more straightforward inputs. Touchpads have never been a fraction as accurate as pressing a button, but at least this doesn't directly involve the gameplay. It'll be interesting to see how developers utilize all the features of the Dual Shock 4 but for me, I want to press buttons , which remains vastly superior to any touchpad.