This week Sony took the Gamescom expo in Cologne Germany by storm, announcing several new titles for its next-generation console the PlayStation 4 and setting a release date for the device of November 15 for the U.S. and Canada and November 29 for Europe. However, the good news didn't stop there.
Earlier this week at Gamescom Sony displayed two new color variations for the PlayStation 4 Dualshock 4 controller. A "Magma Red" and "Wave Blue" controller will be available for anyone who wants to add another player to the mix when they purchase their PS4 in the fall. The color variations will still be priced at $59.99 but will be sold separately from the console itself. So if you were hoping to pre-order a PS4 and have the coolest colored controller in town, you're out of luck unless you want to foot the extra bill.
As of now, it is unclear with which launch date the controllers will come, Nov. 15 or 29. The DualShock 4 controller promises to improve upon the DualShock 3 controller in almost every possible way. It has improved upon several of the old features from the previous version including new thumbsticks that have abandoned the previous concave angle in favor of sunken in spots that allow the thumbs to rest and maneuver comfortably. One tester at IGN was thrilled with the new hand grips. Previously the DualShock 3 felt light and not secure in a gamer's hand as it was so small. Now the Dualshock 4 comes with grips that conform to the human palm, making it feel much better and more secure. The D-pad buttons have been raised and dip slightly toward the middle, making sliding in between directions much easier on the thumb. The most important improvements to the controller come from the triggers, which have gone the way of the thumbstick and abandoned convex angles for concave features that feel significantly more like a trigger.
Finally, the DualShock 4 will come with an integrated track pad and speaker system. This will allow individuals to have more control over the gaming environment and gain a sound element that will individualize the gaming experience.
