An image of what appears to be a PlayStation 4 controller, or at least a prototype, has been leaked onto the Internet.
The image seems to confirm previous reports that suggested Sony would incorporate a touch screen into the controller's body.
First posted on the gaming website Destructoid, the photo also sports a blue, glowing ... thing on top of the controller, sitting between the L and R triggers. Whether it serves some kind of purpose is unknown at this point.
"An industry source familiar with the new system" has told Kotaku that the photo is real, although it's missing the "Share" button that Sony is reportedly adding. The Share button would allow players to edit gameplay videos and upload them to the Internet in order for others to view online.
The touch pad will feature two-point multi-touch similar to the one on the back of the handheld PlayStation Vita, and will be clickable for added functionality. Last month iTech Post reported that Sony was looking into mimicking the Vita's functionality with the PS4 controller.
Although our previous report indicated that Sony was dropping the DualShock controller design it has popularized since it was first introduced during the lifecycle of the original PlayStation, this prototype bears a striking resemblance to it. It's been suggested that Sony will still allow gamers to use PS3 DualShock controllers on the PS4, much as the Wii U can still operate with original Wii devices.
Of course, it's good to keep in mind that Sony hasn't confirmed the image is real.
The company recently announced a Feb. 20 event to showcase the future of the PlayStation brand, leading many to expect an official unveiling of the PlayStation 4, currently code-named Orbis. Rather than emphasize the new console's graphical upgrades, Sony is expected to focus more on the way players interact with games.
The new system is expected to launch later this year for around $400.
