Hogwarts Legacy's PlayStation 5 version includes a ton of exclusive features as developer Avalanche Software looks to make full use of the DualSense controller.
Announced in a PlayStation Blog post to go alongside a new trailer (below), Avalanche explained that the DualSense's adaptive triggers "allow for more flexibility in combat", as the player has "so many spells" at their disposal, implying that pushing in the trigger at different rates could cast different attacks.
Haptic feedback will also make each spell feel individualistic and Avalanche has isolated all of these effects to the right side of the controller to represent the in-game character holding a wand (sorry lefties). Deflecting spells can also be felt as the player's Shield Charm sizzles with magic as it reflects and absorbs blows.
Various other activities throughout the world, such as crushing ingredients in Potions class, pulling Mandrake seedlings from pots, and flying on a broom will also have matching haptic feedback.
The lights on the DualSense will also flash with each spell being cast or damage being taken, but in more relaxed moments the controller will glow in your Hogwarts house colours: blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, scarlet and gold for Gryffindor, green and silver for Slytherin, and yellow and black for Hufflepuff.
Ambient sounds come through the controller too, such as the flapping of a Hippogriff's wings or the crackle of spells.
Finally, for the trophy hunters, Hogwarts Legacy supports the PlayStation 5's Activity Cards and Game Help features, letting players get quick tips when tracking down collectibles, performing certain actions, and so on.
Hogwarts Legacy is expected to be released in late 2022 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Set long before the events of the Harry Potter films, players will spend time in classes, exploring Hogwarts, and fighting a nasty goblin called Ranrok.
Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance writer for IGN.