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Rumor: PS4 SplitShock Controller Ditches Analog Sticks

Rumors concerning the new controller that will launch with the PlayStation 4 continue to circulate. The latest might be borderline official.

It seems an insider document has been leaked and it contains all the pertinent details of what will be known as the "SplitShock" controller; an evolution of the standard DualShock.

According to the information, the SplitShock will feature three major changes: First is the removal of the analog sticks; a front touch-pad has replaced the time-honored form of control. There are actually two touch-pads and games can be ported from iOS or Android platforms as well. Change number two is the "SHARE" button, which lets users "store any pictures, music, or movies on their SplitShock controller." It will even sync with their PSN account and remain updated with their profile. Pressing the SHARE button essentially means that any files on the SplitShock can be used on another PS4.

Last up, the SplitShock incorporates PlayStation Move sensors:

"With a press of a button, the SplitShock separates into two halves. This opens up yet another way for developers to customize whatever control system they desire. While the SplitShock is in split mode users can experience a full motion control setup that consumers have become accustomed to with the Move and Navigation controller combination. Another benefit is that since both halves of the SplitShock are Mirrored, even left handed players will have no issues."

Removing the analog sticks sounds like a horrendously bad idea. So much so that I have to question the veracity of this information. But if it's true...there may be a widespread Sony fan revolt.

Tags: ps4 controller, dual shock controller, splitshock controller

2/14/2013 12:56:23 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (39 posts)

JLB1
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:22:00 PM
Reply

This doesn't worry me. There's different controllers released all the time. If Sony adopts this new controller, it doesn't mean the end for the analog sticks. If anything, third party controllers will have a field day. Anyway, I'd be interested in giving the controller a try. I'm not scared of change, but I am skeptical.
Last edited by JLB1 on 2/14/2013 1:22:19 PM

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BTNwarrior
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:24:19 PM
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So they want to make it so that any shooter is unplayable? Makes sense to me, this has got to be a legitimate rumor

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Buckeyestar
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:44:01 PM

I am always beseiged with claims that a mouse makes PC shooters superior to console shooters. That's basically what this sounds like, mouse controls rather than sticks.

Last edited by Buckeyestar on 2/14/2013 1:44:22 PM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:11:39 PM

mouse fails

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Axe99
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 6:13:23 PM

Claims of mouse/kb superiority are overblown. It's a much more casual and accessible form of control, but I personally find it just a bit too easy. I'd rather my shooters feel like shooters, not point-and-click adventures ;).

As for the rumour, sounds a bit far-fetched to me. After all the focus on sticks for the Vita, taking them out for the PS4 would be seven shades of odd.

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Killa Tequilla
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 7:15:30 PM

Look at the "prototype" on IGN.

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Dukemz_UK
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:25:16 PM
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Interesting. I think it'll be wise to first try it before making rage-filled judgements

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Beamboom
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:25:42 PM
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This is obviously fabricated bullshit. Why even talk about porting Android and Ios games... to a controller??? It makes no sense.

This is not even worth wasting bandwidth on.

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AcHiLLiA
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:35:12 PM
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Interesting looking controller, but if this is true, I'll have my DS3's handy just in case.

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cLoudou
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:42:20 PM
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Bad bad move if true. I call BS as well.

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dillonthebunny
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:47:31 PM
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im happy to try anything, I like change.. sorta.

but BB is right, I don't believe this. people choose to buy a game on the PS3 or 360 on controller alone, I know people who will only play a console due to the pad.. sounds silly, but its incredibly important. I feel if this is true then Sony must of really thought about it, tested it and we should have faith in them. if its bull.. then its bull and we will carry on as normal.

but I have to admit that I have been thinking that the pad will split in to two and be a Move-esq pad for some time, so this design doesn't shock me, but the removal of the sticks is worrying, im happy to try it if it turns out to be correct information. I do trust Sony.

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GuernicaReborn
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:52:56 PM
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I clicked the link and just started laughing. I'm sure sony is fishing for feedback, so don't hold back opinions. I don't like the looks of this at all.

What's with the controller separating into two parts? I can't imagine using the touchscreen when the controller is separated with any accuracy. I do like the idea of the share button.

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frostface
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 1:57:33 PM
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I'm calling BS on this. And not telling anyone how to do their job or anything but if it was me contributing articles to the site, I wouldn't be too arsed about reporting every single rumour regarding the new Playstation. The 20th is just around the corner and all will be revealed then. There's so much crap floating about that it's taking all the buzz out of what ever the real deal reveal is on the 20th. ( And I'm not just referring to this site, everywhere is reporting the same crap and it's getting tired real fast imo ).
Last edited by frostface on 2/14/2013 1:58:32 PM

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Highlander
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 2:01:24 PM
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Somehow I doubt it. Anyone remember the boomerang? Anyway, I digress. When the Vita arrived they made a specific point that it included twin sticks allowing better control. remember all the crap that they took over the PSP with 1 stick? I could see the Splitshock being an optional controller.

Actually, I could see them bundling the Splitshock - assuming it exists - with the actual console, but keeping 100% compatibility with the existing DualShock 3 controllers. There's no reason why the existing dualshock 3 should not continue to be the standard for gamers if they want. It's bluetooth communications and I'm certain the PS4 will use the same thing. So even if you only get a 'SplitShock' with the console, the venerable dualshock 3 you already have or can buy at a reasonable rate from Amazon will continue to serve you well.

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jdt1981
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 2:15:14 PM
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I hope this is fake... There's gotta be at least one analog stick for moving the character around, I wouldn't mind using the touch pad for aiming though if it's precise enough.
Last edited by jdt1981 on 2/14/2013 2:16:39 PM

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slugga_status
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 2:16:24 PM
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I really hope not. Maybe as a option I guess or use it to replace the current Move set up. If those photos are real then I don't like the look of the thing either. Just looks weird. Next week can't come fast enough.

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ChaseHammer
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 2:16:59 PM
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More and more I am disliking the direction of next-gen consoles. I guess PS3 will be it for me, Im slowly easing back into PC anyways.

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Beamboom
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 2:22:23 PM
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Guys, guys. Please. Come on. Just look at the pictures attached to the article Ben links to. They are so obviously amateur 3D model renderings it's not even funny.
This is a joke, a poor joke, just like the other jokes made right around the launch of something new.

Last edited by Beamboom on 2/14/2013 2:22:37 PM

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ryu
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 3:46:05 PM
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sounds legit but also really dumb, while i do agree the industry wants to push beyond analog stick i don't believe a touch pad off screen is an answer

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cLoudou
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 3:57:23 PM
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Possible controller apparently leaked. article in forums .

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Beamboom
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 3:59:36 PM

lol you beat me with 5 seconds. :)

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AcHiLLiA
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 8:06:37 PM

more like over 2 minutes.

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Beamboom
Friday, February 15, 2013 @ 12:32:45 AM

AcHiLLtEriVuS, nope, look at the timestamp on my post below.

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Beamboom
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 3:57:28 PM
Reply

Here's what seem to be a legit photo of a *prototype* of the new controller.

http://kotaku.com/5984353/this-is-a-real-prototype-ps4-controller

This story I at least can be tempted to believe in. Looks like a Move functionality indeed is integrated in it too.

And yes it has two analogue sticks. *of course*.

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DIsmael85
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:02:01 PM

I was about to post that exact link. I believe that is more logical that what is rumored in this article. A lot of places say that Sony is planning to keep the controller with a similar look to the DS3. I wouldn't change what isn't broken.

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DIsmael85
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:02:01 PM

I was about to post that exact link. I believe that is more logical that what is rumored in this article. A lot of places say that Sony is planning to keep the controller with a similar look to the DS3. I wouldn't change what isn't broken.

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DIsmael85
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:02:01 PM

I was about to post that exact link. I believe that is more logical that what is rumored in this article. A lot of places say that Sony is planning to keep the controller with a similar look to the DS3. I wouldn't change what isn't broken.

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DIsmael85
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 6:16:41 PM

Wow sorry about that guys, had no idea my post was spammed 3 times. :( If at all possible can that be condensed?

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Hand_of_Sorrow
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 4:39:56 PM
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dear sony,

if its not broke, don't fix it.

i hope this is just a rumor and nothing more.

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ulsterscot
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 4:45:16 PM
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if this is so - they damn well better make the good old DS3's compatible with the new system - anything else would be suicidal - really Sony? really?

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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:09:31 PM
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I hope this is bullsheet, I need my sticks, they aren't just effective, they give you a physical sense of movement you can't get from touchpads.

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Knightzane
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:13:55 PM
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Kaz Hirai is so funny. He said "Cannot confirm or deny the controller picture but i assure you that is an amazing controller everyone should buy." The sarcasm is strong with this one.

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AshT
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 5:38:37 PM
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This is obviously not legitimate, i hope, really like the analog sticks.
Last edited by AshT on 2/14/2013 5:38:57 PM

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bigrailer19
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 8:27:06 PM
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If the joysticks go, I go. Unless I can use my DS3 ;). Seriously though, thats a terrible design idea. Motion controls are not that good to completely get rid of joysticks.

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BIGRED15
Friday, February 15, 2013 @ 1:41:07 AM
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okay i first have to say. would it really be that big of a deal if the sticks moved to a touchpad instead? honestly i'll buy this. If the pad is sensitive enough to where i don't have to lay into the pad to register movement then ill be pretty stoked actually. Those analog sticks are the most aggravating thing in the world sometimes. If I use mine fairly religiously they wear out in a matter of months. They start to stick which can be the most irritating issue when playing games with no real longterm way to fix it. You want your avatar to go one way and your stick pulls it elsewhere. Not only do u deal with it sticking when the controller ages but you also have to fret about getting thru that "new controller syndrome" where the analogs of a new control are super taught making the most minor movements near impossible. So for days you crank on that controller hoping you can get that perfect analog where its just loose enough but can still snap back to its start position. Doesn't last for long though.

This prototype looks blocky a bit clunky too but is touchpad tech a good option to replace analog sticks. thats a definite possibility. I could see this increasing the longterm usefulness of a controller as well as being much more accurate with your movements because at that point there is no resisting force that can screw with your aiming all you have is your thumb nothing working against it whatsoever. becomes the console's answer to the PC's mouse.

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Beamboom
Friday, February 15, 2013 @ 4:07:51 AM

You obviously need to experience the difference between a analogue stick and a touchpad. Just go and try a FPS game on your smartphone and you'll never again say that it is a valid replacement.

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___________
Friday, February 15, 2013 @ 4:20:10 AM
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i quite like the look of the leaked pic, its solved every issue i have with the DS3.
only thing is the touch pad, do we really need it?
IF there going to allow easy porting of mobile games than id be worth it, but if not than what would it be used for?
i really hope $ony has some sort of gamepad controller as well so they can have features ninty and M$ already offer!

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chuygr35
Friday, February 15, 2013 @ 1:59:29 PM
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I was contemplating, what if this DS4 can be used in this current generation??? Sony is always adding different versions of console. What if Sony is upgrading the controller. Can the PS3 handle all the features the DS4 is rumored to have? Just a thought. I have not seen a PS4 prototype. Has anyone seen it?
Last edited by chuygr35 on 2/15/2013 2:05:25 PM

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PHOENIXZERO
Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 11:05:35 PM
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Using a touch pad instead of analog sticks was discussed during the Vita's design and the idea was tossed out due to touch pads not offering quick and precise control the same way sticks can. This would also be nothing like a KB/Mouse set up, it'd be the worst of three options.

Besides, we've already seen a legitimate prototype of the new controller and it still has analog sticks. I do hope the change to those analog sticks stays similar in the final design, never liked the convex tops when that change was made.

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