FUTURE WATCH: PlayStation 4 (Page 3 of 3)

The Controller

It's more than obvious that Sony is in dire need of a controller redesign. Sony's long-living Dual Shock design isn't terrible, but compared to the Wii Remotes and Xbox 360 controllers of the world, it's undeniably showing its age.

Welcome the Sony Galaxis: a next-gen revamp of the venerable Sony controller, complete with several key features that have, until now, been strangely missing from the PS3's SixAxis. One key feature is the (re-)introduction of rumbling technology; namely, Immersion's next-generation rumbling technology that relies on one powerful motor and provides stronger, more immersive rumbling effects.

The Galaxis Kickaxis

The Galaxis Kickaxis

Ever wondered why first-person shooters thrive on the Xbox platforms? Easy -- offset analog sticks! Another long-overdue addition to the Galaxis is an offset analog stick configuration, in a nod to the Xbox 360 controller's superior layout. The offset design is superior in every way, providing for a more comfortable feel in first-person and third-person shooters, as well as eliminating the problem of "thumb butting" that plagues the older PS3 analog stick design.

One of the more intriguing features of the Galaxis controller is the unique biometric login feature that eliminates the need for a dedicated PlayStation Login button. The Galaxis's integrated fingerprint scanner stores and recognizes up to 100 unique player logins; When you're ready to play, press your finger to the scanner and it retrieve your stored profile, controller settings, saved games, and media files. Twist your thumb on the sensor to access the Galactic Dashboard Menu, similar to the PS3's cross media bar and the Xbox 360 Dashboard.

Offset analogs and a biometric scanner makes the Galaxis your new best friend

Offset analogs and a biometric scanner makes the Galaxis your new best friend

In addition to these new features, the Galaxis controller is completely wireless in all ways. In order to charge the controller, the user lays it on the included Galaxis Charger Pad. The pad, in turn, is plugged into a wall outlet and provides enough juice to recharge up to two controllers at a time with no wires or connectors. As crazy as this technology sounds, it's actually based on real-world technology -- check out the WildCharge cell phone charger. It's not yet ready for prime time (the company will present at CES 2007), but the technology should be ironed out 2012.

Otherwise, the Galaxis is quite similar in design to the SixAxis: roughly the same size, weight, directional pad design, and analog stick feel as its predecessor. The motion-sensing feature will receive further adjustments to increase its precision, but will otherwise remain the same.

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teen645

what the hell a sphere. how about a triangle...

also i reckon that the name needs to stay with playstation and then a number. who cares about the 4. also the playstation death sounds pretty cool and they might set a trend

ps. does that mean that the Japanese dont use the number 4

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