First Pictures Of SplitShock Controller For PlayStation 4?

By Shaun Munro / February 14, 2013

Alright, probably not, but it's an intriguing glimpse at what it could be all the same. We received materials earlier today from a source claiming to work for Sony's creative agency BBH New York, with what are apparently early-stage renders - and therefore in no way up to date - of what the new PlayStation 4 controller might look like. Named the SplitShock, the most noticeable feature is that the classic analogue sticks have been removed and replaced with touchpads which apparently serve the same function. The accompanying literature, if it is to be believed, says this about the touchpads:

"When a consumer is not playing a game, the SplitShock touchpads function as a track pad with both halves making a larger area to swipe and select items. The touchpads are also fully programmable by developers. This gives them the freedom to use the touchpads as they see fit. For example, if the game doesn€™t require analogue controls, the touchpads can be used as an alternate input device. This allows games ported from IOS or Android the ability to retain their original control scheme".

The addition of a "share" button at the bottom of the controller will enable players to instantly share data with friends, aided by a 4GB memory chip in the controller, which will sync with a user's PSN account. Furthermore, the ability to split the controller into two halves will allow for PlayStation Move functionality on the fly; users won't need to splash out on extra peripherals as the controller has built-in motion sensing.

What do you think of these (admittedly dubious) renders? Let us know in the comments below.