Android Central: PlayStation Aim controller: Everything you can do!

Friday, March 16, 2018

PlayStation Aim controller: Everything you can do!

This is your rifle. There are many like it, but this one is yours.

The PlayStation Aim controller was built to bring a new layer of immersion to PlayStation VR games where you're shooting anything that moves, but it's good for much more than feeling like a gun when you can't see the real world.

It's got the functionality of a DualShock controller in an entirely new format, and we have the details on everything it can do here.

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Getting started with the Aim controller

When you first pick up the Aim controller, it does feel like the controller equivalent of a rifle. It's light enough that the weight doesn't make holding it for extended periods of time a drag. On that same note it's also hefty enough that you won't wear out immediately, although after extended play sessions your shoulders might disagree. Furthermore, it is armed with a trigger mechanism, two analog sticks, and buttons all over the place.

This controller was built for games like Farpoint on PlayStation VR, adding serious degrees of immersion when you are shooting things in VR. It operates like a Move controller, with far more functionality than a normal move controller. The most comfortable way of using it involves using both hands to figure out where everything is and find what you need by touch.

Buttons

The buttons on the PlayStation Aim controller are really what gives it the type of functionality that it has. There are L1, L2, R1, R2, Options, Share, and more built directly into the controller. So unlike a normal move controller, you have far more access to everything that you can do with a normal controller. In fact, when navigating the PlayStation menu, you'll use those buttons and analog sticks to select the app or game you want to play.

This essentially means that using a combination of the buttons usually found on a DualShock 4 controller, and a Move globe, the Aim controller has all the functionality of both previous controllers. This allows you to share screenshots or video while shooting things in VR with the push of a button, as well as being able to jump completely out of a game and back to the home screen.

Where can I use it?

At release, the PlayStation AIm controller was only compatible with one game, Farpoint. While the selection started off small, more games have been added, making it more immersive than ever to play a shooter in VR.

While you can try to use it in unsupported games, it really does not work out particularly well. Trying to use it like a two-handed move controller feels particularly unwieldy and doesn't link up well, and trying to use it like a controller is difficult in the same way. It's very obvious that the games with Aim support have put thought into ensuring that the controls sync up with the controller in your hand well.

Where do I buy an Aim controller?

The PlayStation Aim controller first hit the market on May 16th, 2017, and initially, finding one was a bit difficult. Thankfully that issue has been solved, and you can pick it up separately for about $60, or grab it in a Farpoint bundle for about $83!

This means you can order your controller offline, or head up to the store and pick one up in person. You should be able to find them at places like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and of course GameStop if you prefer buying in person.

See at Amazon