PS4’s DualShock 4 touchpad is also a clickable button

Did you know the DualShock 4 controller's touchpad for the PS4 is also a clickable button? Neither did I until I went hands-on with the controller for the first time at E3 last week.

The surprise hit me while I was previewing DC Universe Online for PlayStation 4. While the touchpad wasn't functional, the developers explained to me that they are still deciding how the game will make use of the feature. I was told the touchpad could be used as a way to adjust the camera angle behind your character, possibly swiping to move the camera or pinching to zoom in.

It's not hard to imagine how clicking the touchpad could be beneficial to player, especially when it comes to an MMO and inventory management. Like Blizzard will do with Diablo 3, managing an inventory with the touchpad should be fairly easy. Imagine pulling up the inventory and using the touchpad as a mouse cursor: clicking the button to select an item, dragging it over to the slot, and clicking it again to equip it.

Were you surprised to learn the PS4 touchpad is clickable?