Many players are excited about the upcoming PlayStation 5 but some of the directions that the console is pursuing is concerning players despite it not being released yet. While many have been happy with the specifications of the PlayStation 5 concerns about its appearance have been apparent. Players have critiqued both the controller and the system itself and it is becoming increasingly evident that players will have to give up their current DualShock controllers. This has led to a mixed reaction from players and now a former Xbox Marketing Lead has given their thoughts.
The PlayStation franchise has been incredibly successful so it is unsurprising that the expectation for the next console is significant. However, many were disappointed at the prospect of DualShock 4 controllers becoming redundant on the PlayStation 5. Sony has justified the decision by claiming that the new DualSense would be vital in allowing players to have a full experience of next-generation games. Despite this, fans and now Albert Penello have differed on what they believe to be the reasoning behind the strategy.
Using their personal Twitter account the marketer, who now works with Amazon, firstly expressed an understanding of Sony's justification before explaining that it does "feel off." While many were disappointed that the DualShock 4 would not be compatible with the next generation, Penello, actually gave some insight into why the announcement shouldn't sit right with consumers. Penello explained, "Technology-wise, they [DualShock 4] clearly work, other accessories will be supported (Fight sticks, PSVR) and that's awesome. When you look at the actual DualSense features, there is nothing about what they are doing that should prevent DS4 from working". The Twitter thread then went on to theorize why Sony is implementing these changes for the PlayStation 5.
After suggesting an alternative route which would have been to have the new DualSense work on both platforms and phase out the production of the DualShock 4, Penello concluded that the real reason this policy was implemented was because of an attempt to boost financial returns. While many will have expected Sony to take advantage of the monopoly it has on the gaming market, some will be disappointed that this is being done with a negative impact on the finances of players.
Despite the questionable motives behind the strategy of Sony, they look set to stay. This announcement of controller incompatibility has come at the same time as the unfortunate news surrounding Marvel's Avengers gating experiences for those without a PlayStation. It will be interesting to see how long fans will be pleased with moves that damage their finances and raise questions about how the gaming industry works. For now, it seems that the PlayStation 5 is still in good footing to dominate the console wars once more.
PlayStation 5Â releases Holiday 2020.
