One of the key features of the upcoming PlayStation 4 from Sony is its newly revamped DualShock 4 controller that’s set to offer a lot more than just mashing buttons to put up an impressive combo move. And while there are a number of new features incorporated into the device, there's at least one aspect that some gamers could find a bit irritating. As reported, the PS4 controller will arrive with a light bar, and apparently, this light bar can't be turned off.
The DualShock 4’s light bar has been in the news since the console’s official reveal back in February with fans and critics addressing their concern over the controller’s bright blue light that originates from its backside.
When asked by a fan on Twitter, “Can I turn off the lightbar on the DS4 so the battery lasts longer,” president of Sony Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida simply replied "no." The question is legitimate since battery drain can be an irritating issue to deal with, let alone running out of it in the middle of a game.
First introduced back in February, Sony stated that light bar is needed to identify players in local multiplayer games, and also used in conjunction with the PS Eye. However, there isn’t any option to turn it off even while playing single player games and single player games don’t really need any kind of multiplayer influence. And while the bright blue light could be tagged as a needless distraction for few, it does show the company’s inclinations toward a multiplayer approach in the industry and the future of it.
The rear facing light is already known for its specific functionality for certain games. For example, as Eurogamer states, “the brightness will help PlayStation Eye-enabled games detect the controller, and the light will change color from green to red to determine your health in Killzone: Shadow Fall.”
As far as the DualShock 4 is concerned, SCE boss Shuhei Yoshida earlier confirmed that creative director Nathan Gary from Sony Santa Monica was responsible for upholding the social quotient that finally made its way to the DualShock 4.