PlayStation 5 is Sony's biggest attempt at creating an immersive player experience, and the DualSense controller is proof of that. The controller's many features, from improved haptic feedback to adaptive triggers, go beyond what previous generations have been able to accomplish. These features combined make it the most advanced PlayStation controller to date, and game developers have certainly realized that.
Several major titles on PS5 take full advantage of some of the DualSense's features in various ways. Whether it is Forbidden Horizon West using the adaptive triggers to allow players to feel the weight of the bow, or is it Marvel Spider-Man 2 using haptic feedback to replicate the heroes' spider-senses, DualSense has elevated the sense of immersion that players feel. However, one specific feature is often overlooked, despite having arguably the most potential to provide PlayStation gamers with more immersive experiences.
Not enough PS5 games take advantage of gyroscope controls
Its implementation is often extremely limited
At first, it's hard to see how gyroscope control is being neglected, as the feature is implemented quite frequently. While the number of third-party titles that support the feature leaves a lot to be desired, most PS5 exclusives have some kind of gyroscope implementation. Of course, the feature hasn't been entirely forgotten, as Sony ensures that the DualSense feature appears quite frequently in the biggest PS5 titles for gamers to use.
The question, however, is how limited the gyroscope implementation is in these titles. Many games that support gyroscope controls only implement the feature as an aiming option.which explains why several titles that use the feature are first- or third-person shooters. Even many PS5 exclusives that make great use of the DualSense's other features often restrict gyroscope controls simply as customization for aiming. That's not to say this inclusion is negative, as it helps make these games more accessible and adaptable to each player's preferred way of playing.
However, the very limited way in which the gyroscope is implemented in these games demonstrates a lack of enthusiasm from Sony and developers in harnessing the feature's untapped potential. Gyro is more than a simple customization option, but a gateway to more creative, engaging and engaging experiences. While not all games on PS5 would benefit from a greater reliance on gyroscope controls, the feature could be used to create a more diverse range of titles that gamers can enjoy on the console.
Nintendo shows how the gyroscope can be used creatively
Several games make the most of gyroscope controls
The hidden potential of the DualSense's gyroscope feature becomes even clearer when looking at its use by one of Sony's biggest rivals, Nintendo. For years, the company has consistently used gyroscope controls in a multitude of titles. Of course, many games utilize the feature in the same way that many PS5 games do now. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers a gyroscopic aiming option when using a bow and arrow. However, many other Nintendo titles implement gyroscopic controls in much more creative ways to offer players unique experiences.
This can already be seen on the Game Boy Advance with WarioWare: Twisted!The integrated gyroscope sensor adds a greater sense of chaos, as the player is required to perform rapid movements to keep up with the fast-paced microgames. Even today, the Nintendo Switch continues to provide access to a variety of titles with its unique gyroscope implementation. From the capture skills in Super Mario Odyssey which have gyroscope options, for the different games in Nintendo Switch Sports that involve large movements, the Switch takes every opportunity to add greater immersion and interactivity to its titles.
Nintendo's wealth of gyroscope-focused games shows how little the DualSense's gyroscope is being properly utilized in comparison. Considering that several PlayStation titles fail to take gyroscope controls beyond the minimum requirement, Nintendo's more creative use results in a multitude of titles that offer a much more immersive and immersive experience than what can be offered simply with button controls. If Sony chooses to approach gyroscope controls with the same attitude and ambition as Nintendo, it will open the door to a more diverse lineup of titles compared to what the PS5 currently offers.
How the gyroscope should be implemented in future PS5 games
More titles focused on gyroscope controls is the way forward
With the many possibilities that the DualSense's gyroscope sensor offers, Sony should consider how it can find more ways to implement the feature. One way to achieve this is to have developers create a series of titles that place greater emphasis on gyroscope controls, similar to Nintendo's own approach. By creating titles with a specific focus on gyroscopic controls, it gives developers greater freedom to experiment with the diverse ways players can use the feature, including the variety of different movements that can replicate certain in-game actions.
Fortunately, Sony may have shown a greater interest in a more creative implementation of the gyroscope with the release of AstrobotGOTY winner at The Game Awards 2024. As a title that utilizes the full capabilities of the DualSense, there are several moments in the game where gyroscope controls are heavily emphasized. Whether tilting the controller to steer Astro's rocket or rotating the controller to reassemble parts of the mothership, Astrobot is a fantastic showcase of the many implementations the gyroscope can haveand how it can help create a more energetic and engaging style of play.
Of course, you want Astrobot serves as a catalyst for greater gyroscope implementation in PS5 games remains to be seen. There's no doubt that the current use of the DualSense's gyroscope sensor is a huge step towards better accessibility, giving gamers the option to play some of the PS5's stellar titles however they prefer. That said, limiting the gyroscope controls to a simple customization option seriously undermines the avalanche of potential this feature offers for creating a wealth of unique, engaging, and immersive experiences for everyone. PlayStation 5 players to delve deeper.