PlayStation 5is Sony’s biggest attempt at creating an immersive experience for the player, and the DualSense controller is proof of this. The many features of the controller, from the enhanced haptic feedback, to the adaptive triggers, go above and beyond what previous generations were able to accomplish. These features combined make it PlayStation’s most advanced controller to date, and game developers have certainly taken note of this.
Multiple major titles on the PS5 take full advantage of some of the DualSense’s capabilities in various ways. Whether it’sHorizon Forbidden Westusing the adaptive triggersto allow the players to feel the weight of the bow, or it’sMarvel’sSpider-Man 2using haptic feedback to replicate the heroes' spidey-senses,the DualSense has elevated the sense of immersion players feel. However, one particular feature is far too often neglected, despite it arguably having the most potential to provide PlayStation players with more engaging experiences.
Not Enough PS5 Games Take Advantage Of Gyro Controls
Its Implementation Is Often Extremely Limited
At first, it’s hard to see how gyro control is being neglected, as the feature is implemented fairly often. While the number of third-party titles supporting the feature leaves a lot to be desired,the majority of PS5 exclusives have some sort of gyro implementation. It’s clear that the feature hasn’t been entirely forgotten about, as Sony ensures that the DualSense feature appears fairly often in the PS5’s biggest titles for players to use.
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The issue, however, comes in how limited the gyro implementation is within these titles.Many games that support gyro controls only implement the feature as an option for aiming, which explains why a number of titles that use the feature are first-person or third-person shooters. Even many PS5 exclusives, that make great use of the DualSense’s other capabilities, often restrict the gyro controls simply as customization for aiming. That’s not to say that this inclusion is a negative, as it helps to make these games more accessible and adaptable to each player’s own preferred way to play.
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However, the very limited way in which gyro is implemented into these games demonstrates the lack of enthusiasm from Sony and developers to take advantage of the feature’s untapped potential. Gyro is more than a simple customization option, but a gateway to more creative, engaging and immersive experiences. While not all games on PS5 would benefit from a heavier reliance on gyro controls,the feature could be used to create a more diverse range of titlesthat players can enjoy on the console.
Nintendo Shows How Gyro Can Be Used Creatively
Multiple Games Take Full Advantage Of Gyro Controls
The hidden potential of the DualSense’s gyro feature is made all the more clear when looking at its utilization by one of Sony’s biggest rivals, Nintendo. For years, the company has consistently used gyro controls within a multitude of titles. Of course, many games utilize the feature in the same way as many PS5 games do now. For example,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildoffers a gyro aiming option when using a bow and arrow. However,so many more Nintendo titles implement gyro controls in far more creative waysto offer players unique experiences.
This can be seen as early as the Game Boy Advance withWarioWare: Twisted!’s built-in gyro sensor adding a greater sense of chaos, as the player is required to deliver swift movements to keep up with the fast-paced microgames. Even today, the Nintendo Switch continues to provide access to a range of titles with their own unique gyro implementation. From the capture abilities inSuper Mario Odysseythat have gyro options, to the differentgames inNintendo Switch Sportsthat involve huge motions, the Switch takes every opportunity to add greater immersion and interactivity to its titles.
Nintendo’sSplatoonseries is often a paragon for gyro aiming, as it’s generally considered the best method (compared to traditional joystick aiming) for those interested in playing competitively.
Nintendo’s wealth of gyro-focused games shows just how little the DualSense’s gyro is being properly utilized in comparison. Whereas multiple PlayStation titles fail to push gyro controls beyond the minimum requirement,Nintendo’s more creative utilization results in a myriad of titles that offer a far more engaging, immersive experiencethan what can be offered simply with button controls. If Sony chooses to approach gyro controls with the same attitude and ambition of Nintendo, it would open the door to a more diverse line-up of titles compared to what the PS5 currently offers.
How Gyro Should Be Implemented In Future PS5 Games
More Titles Focused On Gyro Controls Is The Way To Go
With the many possibilities that DualSense’s gyro sensor offers, Sony should consider how it can find more ways to implement the feature. One way in which this can be achieved is by having developers create a range of titles that place heavier emphasis on gyro controls, similar to Nintendo’s own approach. By creating titles that have a specific focus on gyro controls, it gives the developers greater freedom to experiment with the many different ways players can use the feature, including the range of different motions that could replicate certain actions in-game.
Luckily, Sony may have shown a greater interest in more creative gyro implementation with the release ofAstro Bot,GOTY winner at The Game Awards 2024. As a title that utilizes all the DualSense’s features, there are multiple moments in the game where gyro controls are heavily emphasized. Whether it’s tilting the controller to steer Astro’s rocket, or rotating the controller to reassemble parts of the mothership,Astro Botis a fantastic showcase of the many implementations gyro can have, and how it can help to create a more energetic and immersive style of play.
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Of course, whetherAstro Botserves as the catalyst for greater gyro implementation in PS5 games remains to be seen. There’s no doubt that the current use of the DualSense’s gyro sensor is a huge step for better accessibility, giving players the option to play some of the PS5’s stellar titles in the way they prefer. That being said, limiting the gyro controls to a simple customization option severely undermines the avalanche of potential this feature offers to create a wealth of unique, engaging and immersive experiences forPlayStation 5players to delve into.
PlayStation 5
The fifth flagship video game console from Sony Computer Entertainment, the PlayStation 5, is a part of the ninth generation of consoles. The console features full backwards compatibility with PlayStation 4 games and features a digital storefront that gives access to older generations. The console can output images at 4K resolution, with alternative options including 1440p at 120 frames per second for gameplay. This console is also known for implementing 3D audio, which allows headphones to be connected to the console for simulated spatially accurate audio.
