The PS5 has fast load speeds, attractive 4K graphics, and a fast SSD, but perhaps the most exciting feature is the DualSense controller: the colorful Astro's Playroom platformer preinstalled on the PS5 was played, Sony's new gamepad offered an immersive experience unlike any other gaming console to date."

Gameplay-wise, Astro's Playroom is a simple Super Mario 64-style 3D platformer in which you run, jump, float, and punch your way through a series of colorful levels. But by using dual-sense built-in speakers, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers in tandem with each other, the game delivers a tactile experience unlike anything you've ever felt before.

During my time spent on the colorful Cooling Springs level, I encountered a variety of gameplay scenarios enhanced by Sony's immersive new controller. For example, the sound of the in-game sandstorm grains perfectly matched the small vibrations I felt while walking through them, as did the subtle sliding and ice scraping sounds I felt while sliding on the ice.

The haptics were especially impressive every time I pulled the rope in the game. The controller did an excellent job of simulating the feeling of resistance each time I pulled on the rope to advance through the level. Speaking of resistance, the controller's adaptive triggers took center stage when I jumped into the spring-loaded robot suit, swiped the touchpad to zipper it up, and used the triggers to guide Astro left and right.

While in the suit, the trigger operated with much greater pressure than normal, successfully replicating the sensation of the spring flying away when the spring was pushed down and released. Again, the sound effects and tactile feedback perfectly complemented the springy side-scrolling platforming in this section.

In addition, the player had to tilt the DualSense left and right to move Astro to his destination, a very physical gameplay experience that used every part of the unique controller. In a later segment, he also had to breathe on the controller to move the ice platform forward while advancing through the river.

Astro's Playroom is largely positioned as a technology demo for DualSense, but it is also simply a fun game. The art style is lovely and vibrant, the platforming and combat accessible and tight. There are also some really clever collectibles and Easter eggs that will make hardcore PlayStation fans groan.

We'll have more to tell you about Astro's Playroom closer to launch. But Sony's pack-in platformer is worth checking out as soon as you boot up your PS5, and we look forward to seeing how other developers take advantage of the great potential of Sony's unique gamepad. Fast load times and ray-traced graphics are great, but the added immersion that the dual-sense controllers bring feels like one of the most "next-gen" things about Sony's new console.