In 2016, Sony dropped the first console VR headset in the form of PlayStation VR for PS4. The headset was a much more affordable solution to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive while also providing a premium VR experience with high-quality games like Resident Evil 7, Batman: Arkham VR, Farpoint, The Inpatient, and many others.
With Sony’s commitment to VR, it looks like they’re planning on revising some of their hardware to help make the future of the PlayStation VR more convenient and enjoyable. According to some patents filed by Sony, the team in Japan is cooking up some new PlayStation Move controllers that introduce a much more functional and immersive solution to movement.
Most games feature the use of teleporting from place to place instead of having the character walk. Games like Resident Evil 7 require players to use the Dualshock 4 to play, so they can control the character like normal but other games like Batman: Arkham VR require the Move controllers and there’s no analog stick on them to move your character so they point and teleport. It’s a flimsy and less immersive solution but it’s a solution no less.
Part of the reason for this was it was much cheaper to reuse PlayStation 3 Move Controllers, Sony didn’t have to invest in all-new tech and manufacture it and risk the PlayStation VR failing. Now that it’s proven to be a success, they’re looking to compete with HTC Vive and Oculus even more with new controllers.
The controllers will add an analog stick, remove those orbs on top of the Move controller, and include a hand strap similar to the one seen on Wii remotes. Another patent filed in 2017 also notes that since the glowing orbs will be removed, the controllers will be tracked via the PlayStation VR headset rather than the PlayStation Camera that we have to use already. This could suggest that a new headset is on the way as well.
Of course, some patents never actually release but this could help bring other games over to the PlayStation VR that require a controller with analog sticks if it actually releases. If Sony plans to release this within the next year, we’ll likely see an announcement at E3 this summer.
