What’s the best d-pad of all time? Many would probably point to the SEGA Saturn, but here’s an outside shout: the PlayStation Vita. Sony’s ill-fated handheld boasted a mechanical d-pad that had just the right amount of resistance to make it seriously satisfying to push – and now PlayStation 5 fans are hoping that DualSense will adopt a similar style.
To be fair, the PS5 controller’s d-pad looks more like a traditional DualShock, with its trademark segmented style. However, it’s using translucent plastic like the PS Vita, as opposed to the soft textured plastic that the DualShock 4 employs.
And one tweet in particular has, of course, sent fans into a frenzy. “I see a similar d-pad like the PS Vita had,” exclaimed Mystifizor on the social media platform. “Oh my god!” The message was liked by ex-Worldwide Studios chief and current PlayStation indies evangelist Shuhei Yoshida, leading many to believe that the d-pad really is inspired by the portable.
Now it’s worth stressing that Yoshida was probably reacting to the message’s enthusiasm, rather than hinting at anything in particular. However, we remain hopeful that the platform holder may have turned to its handheld for inspiration, because that d-pad really was the GOAT in our eyes.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 21
We can dream.
I think we’ve covered almost everything now?
The D-pad looks more PS1/2/3 design like more than the Vita’s. As you already said, it remains segmented (the bane of the majority of Sony d-pads).
Of course, nothing would make me happier than slapping a Vita d-pad onto the controller and destroying all of this 4-button nonsense.
I do like the Vita D-pad and increasing the size would make it usable in fighting games. It would be a nice touch.
The vita d-pad is truly a beautiful thing! Wise to take inspiration from it if true
You haven't done an article about it using USB-C yet - surely there could be some mileage in that?
I have to say that’s one of the first things I noticed on the dualsense. Hope it’s the same as the vita’s, that was an awesome d-pad!
@JohnnyBastos lol but you gotta feel for the PS guys. The videogame world is largely shut down with not much to actually report on atm!
The vita has the best dpad that I ever used for gaming, I finished hard 2D games like spelunky and hotline miami 1 & 2 on vita, it's nearly perfection, the only downside is the dpad is too small (because it's on portable system).
If dsense has the vita gamepad, I can imagine ps5 will be the best place to play 2D games 😃
I believe that one of the fittings shares a screw size that is actually very similar to one used in the original 'nintendo playstation' prototype!!
@JohnnyBastos I urgently need an article identifying the Pantone colors used for the controller. There are at least 100 variations of "white" and "black".
@Dodoo and @badbob001 It's not like I actually mind or begrudge them milking it. I've got total respect for the writers and editors and on this site. (I do dislike the listicles, but they're few and far between). I was being a bit sarcastic yes, but USB-C is worth drawing attention to as all current gen peripherals and most charging cables lying around people's houses are micro-USB. Also noting that Microsoft are sticking with the replaceable batteries again. If the controller has some good fast-charging electrickery inside that could become a sales point.
@JohnnyBastos Actually in 2020 the only things still using micro are two of the three home consoles, and a few odd gadgets.
Phones, Switch, and even computers now use USB C almost exclusively.
So if anything, gaming has yet to catch up.
Though as you say, US -C could be a marketing point...but so are simply replaceable batteries.
@JohnnyBastos “ If the controller has some good fast-charging electrickery inside that could become a sales point.”
And a new article! 😂
@Dodoo And there is still no article that if you narrow your eyelids, than shape of black color area of DS looks like Google Android's head.
The d-pad is incredible on the Vita, it makes playing Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 hella fun.
@kyleforrester87 Have they covered it's weight yet? Only counts if it's in "stones".
@JohnnyBastos Sure that was sarcasm but.....I for one am pretty pumped about the USB-C! I am usually pretty good about always having a controller charging while I am playing with another. That being said sometimes drunk Jeremiah screws up that whole system so a fast charge option is most welcome.
@Jeremiah_Thor USB-C is to be expected at this point. But how about wireless charging? And to really get our attention, kinetic charging (shake it for 5 minutes to get 20 minutes of play!).
See @get2sammyb , there's totally an article covering USB-C to be had!
@Jeremiah_Thor Yes, I was genuinely a little excited about USB-C too. The difference in charge speed, and ease of inserting the cable, are a huge step forward. That said, the charging cables strategically placed around my house for PS4 controller, headphones, camera batteries, portable power pack, wife's phone, mini speakers, PC mouse etc are all micro-USB. For sure all NEW tech is USB-C these days, but the majority of kit I have is still using micro.
@Haruki_NLI By sales point, I meant that traditionally the need to use a cable if on a marathon session (or a badly planned lack of overnight charging!) with a PS4 controller has been a mark against it, and the Xbox replaceable battery possibly preferred by the general public. However, if the DualSense can charge in 15 minutes rather 2 hours, that could turn opinion back towards it.
These are tiny tiny things to be discussing, but hey, coronalockdown, whatyagonnado?
For me, as long as it is quieter than the DualShock is the main thing I care about. The clicky buttons and noisy rumble motors are quite noticeable when there's someone else around.
Guess I'm in the minority but as much as I like Vita's D-Pad, I prefer the one on DS4.
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