As we know, Android now runs on top of the official Linux kernel which means that whenever there is a brand new Linux kernel feature, it would usable on Android devices. However, Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller, which is commonly called the Sony PS5 controller, usually works differently for several Android devices. But the two best features that aren’t supported by the official Linux kernel and also by Android are the adaptive triggers and the haptic feedback system.
So in that situation, the Linux kernel is planning to add support for more PS5 controller features. Last year, Phoronix spotted a brand new Linux kernel driver that was actually submitted by Sony engineers which would add support for the new DualSense game controller when it is connected through USB or Bluetooth.
Android PS5 Controller Support
And now as per XDA-Developers, the kernel driver would add all the key controller functionality which would include motion sensors, LEDs, touchpad, reading the lightbar, battery level, and the rumble. According to Lofelt, the driver would allow Android apps to control both the left and right actuators independently.
Intensity will be the only thing that can be controlled by the user and not the frequency or even the waveform of the vibration could be controlled by the user. The key features that are not yet supported are VCM based haptics and the adaptive triggers because of Linux’s force feedback framework.
The kernel driver was merged into the Linux 5.12 and is claimed to be in the process of being officially ported over to the Android Common Kernel and is said to have already been merged to the Android 12-5.10 and the Android 12-5.4 branches. This signifies that the Snapdragon 888 devices could be getting the new driver.
The upcoming Google Pixel 6 series might launch with Linux kernel 5.10 which means that it would have the new Linux kernel driver for the Sony PS5 controller. Linux Kernel Driver is backported to the Android-4.9-q, Android-4.14-stable, and Android-4.19-stable which give OEMs the option to be able to cherry-pick the needed patches.
XDA-developers predict that the DualSense controller feels incredibly immersive. When it comes to implementation, it still isn’t even possible for the Android apps to activate the vibration of the Sony DualSense controller like the PS5 gamers are designed. Android cannot support the controller’s somewhat adaptive trigger features which technically add a bit of resistance.