I just realised that touchpad wasn't just implemented by chance. I have a strong feeling Sony put it there to port over underperforming Vita games to the PS4. There are quality games just sitting there on a stagnant platform. Tearaway unfolded might just be the first of it. They have been supporting Soul Sacrifice a lot with DLC which leads me to think they might make a definitive edition at 1080p 60fps with all the DLC included. I'll admit i'm torn about this since I own both but whether or not we like it they're slowing stifling their handheld which isn't going to bode well with the fanbase.

Thoughts?

Nope... sony probably considered having a screen on the controller... and |i wouldn't be surprised to see a DS4.5 sometime during this gen where they actually make that touch pad a screen too.

To some extent I do agree; But if you look at how the VitaTV/PSTV will soon support DS4 as well it makes perfect sense since one of its main functions allows the end user to play Vita games without a Vita. So yeah, I'd say you're right

EDIT -

More than that though I've viewed the Vita since early 2013 as an accessory to the PS4. 

It's almost like you can get a Wii U which is aimed at a certaim demographic....

Or you can get the Sony version (PS4+Vita) which is substantially more powerful, standalone from each other and on the cutting edge of technology.

Honestly it makes pretty good sense too since the Wii U could be considered entry level to gaming, X1 representing mid tier while PS4/Vita represent high performance (this is all barring PC which is a discussion I'd like to avoid).  In this way Sony has allowed all of the functionality of the traditional home console as well as Nintendos current take on it.  Nothing is being alienated as long as you'll pay the premium, now we just need to hope they'll have killer software to make full use of the Vita/PS4 combo

You realise how small that screen would be? Unless they went the Wii U route which is highly unlikely. DS4 can't have a screen.

It's a theory. Not a bad one either. I personally don't think that was the intent so much as trying to make an old device feel somewhat fresh again.

I honestly don't know what the point of it was lol. I do like it as a sort of replacement for select but another button could've done that

Maybe they want it to be compatible with PS TV. I was honestly surprised that the PS TV used the DS3 and not the DS4, it would alleviate many of the compatibility issues.

No. The touch pad is hardly functioning as it is. You can't replace a touchscreen with a touch pad. You can't look at what you're tapping. The only thing the pad can be used for are gestures.

So the only games you could port are the ones that don't facilitate the touch screen properly in the first place and could've been done without one.

You can use it as a mouse. Works well in FFXIV

You realise theres a touchpad on the back of the Vita as well, right? lol

With that out of the way i'm sure they could map the touch controls to the thumbsticks or buttons.