It's rumoured Sony has been developing a new PlayStation 5 Pro controller and it could launch as soon as July. Fans have been demanding a new PS5 controller for some time, and many were disappointed that some of the suggested features – such as rear 'paddles' for pro gamers – never made it into the PS5's DualSense design.
Reaction was mixed to the reveal of the DualSense controller design and the look of the PlayStation 5 console came as a surprise when it was announced. Rumours of a new PS5 controller concept have been around for some time too, but journalist Tom Henderson says he as seen the new Pro controller.
Codenamed 'The Hunt', this new gamepad for PS5 has been reported by Henderson over at Try Hard Guides, and it could solve one of PS5's biggest design fails, and something pro players have been demanding for some time.
rumours of a new PS5 pro controller have emerged for games such as Gran Turismo 7 (Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment)
The games industry insider claims the new controller will feature removable analogue sticks, trigger stops, and rear button paddles. This is a feature Sony released as an attachment on the older DualShock 4 for PlayStation 4 (see below) and many die hard gamers loved these paddles, especially for racing sims like Gran Turismo 7, which is one of the best games on PS5.
Henderson says he has seen a prototype of the new Pro pad and claims the controller retains the same design notes as the DualSense controller. There are now, however, small buttons below the analog sticks to release them so they can be changed for new ones – meaning you can install shorter or taller analog sticks. Depending on the game you're playing this can have a huge impact on response times.
Likewise, the triggers can be adjusted to shorten the 'stop' distance and length of travel. Again pro players demand this level of customisation. The reporter also says there are removable grips on the new PS5 Pro controller.
Some of these customisation options will be welcomed by PS5 owners who demand a greater level of usability from their controller. It could also have an impact on the core features of the DualSense, such as its adaptive triggers. Will this still work?
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This rumour of a new Pro controller for PS5 comes as Sony is set to launch even more of its games on PC, and is relaunching its subscription service and cloud gaming platform as PS Plus and PS Now merge. The release of a Pro controller could be aimed at PC players who prefer this level of customisation, as well as PS5 pro players who demand a level playing field when using cross-play – PS5 gamers playing against PC and Xbox players.
PlayStation 5 has been plagued by consumers unable to buy a console, take a look at our regularly updated PS5 deals guide to find the latest offers and availability. We also have offers on the best SSD for PS5 and the best TV for PS5.
Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.
