Following hot on the heels of the last update we have another one for you, this time we are putting a bit of a focus on the console version of The Sims 4, streamlining some key interfaces for easier controller interaction. While you can use a mouse and keyboard on both PlayStation and Xbox versions of The Sims 4, most console Simmers love to sit back with a controller; these updates are a small part of a larger ongoing focus to improve the console experience for all.
We also continue to invite all console Simmers to give us your thoughts and feedback on playing The Sims 4 on PlayStation and Xbox (especially with a controller) over on Answers HQ, where we have had some excellent feedback so far that the team is reviewing.
Not playing on console? No problem, we have some new content and fixes for everyone in this update as well. So let's kick things off and see what's new.
-The Sims Team
What's New?
We have so much new stuff with this release and we can’t wait to dive in and tell you all about it. We do want to make a quick note that while we have added quite a few new assets, these are purely visual and don’t add new gameplay functionality. Now, let’s get to the good stuff.
Medical Wearables
There’s a new Medical Wearables category under Body and Face Accessories in Create a Sim.
Select the Sims face and then select Accessories to find the Medical Wearables category that contains a new hearing aid for your Toddler or older Sims. This medical wearable comes in fifteen color variants, and can be assigned to your Sims right, left or both ears.
The Medical Wearables category can also be found by selecting the Sims body and then selecting the Body category. Here you can find Glucose Monitors for your Child and older Sims that can be added to your Sims right and left arm, and to your Sims lower abdomen on the right or left side as well.
Top Surgery Scar
Under the same Body category, all players can find a Body Scars category with an option for Teen and older male Sims (masculine or feminine frame) to add a Top Surgery Scar to their Sims.
Binders and Shapewear
With this update, players can find two new assets in Create a Sim. Under the Tanks, in the Tops category, you will find a Binder top asset for your Teen and older Sims. In the Underwear category for Bottoms, there is a new shapewear asset for your Sims as well!
Let there be Light Switches!
For our builders who have long desired to complete that perfect room, a new light switch is now available in Build Mode!
UI Placement comes to PlayStation
Previously, The Sims 4 on PlayStation required Simmers to calibrate their screen settings at a system level by going to the consoles Settings > Sound and Screen > Display Area Settings and configuring the display.
This option will continue to work but now, PlayStation Simmers will be able to adjust the UI placement. The wizard will run during the initial launch of The Sims 4 or can be manually initiated from Game Options > Other .
We still recommend you calibrate your Display Area Settings through your PlayStation settings.
Cursor Scaling
Simmers can now adjust the size of the cursor on both PlayStation and Xbox when displayed in virtual cursor mode on your controller, or while you are using a mouse and keyboard to play.
This additional level of customization allows you to have a larger cursor without needing to scale up all of the game UI. This should make it easier to see even when you’re kicking back, relaxing in your favorite seat looking at the TV screen across the room.
You can adjust the cursor size in game by going to Game Options > Accessibility.
Console Build Mode Improvements
Jumping into Build Mode will feel a little different… well OK, a lot different. Now the Catalog is opened by default and STAYS open as you grab items and interact with the lot. You no longer need to reopen the Catalog and re-navigate to the menu you were in every. single. time.
Regardless of which cursor mode you're in, you can seamlessly interact with either the Catalog or lot, which aligns our console experience more closely to that on PC.
Console Build Mode Guidance System
If you are a new player or have the Guidance System enabled, the help you received from Emily in CAS and Live Mode will continue through to Build Mode. If you aren’t familiar with building, using the tools, or how to find the right looking object and place it exactly where you want it, Emily will be there to guide you around Build Mode to help you unleash your creativity.
Controls and Navigation Updates
While we have kept the ability to toggle control methods by tapping the Touch Pad on PlayStation or View button on Xbox, we have reduced the amount of times we switch between the two modes automatically.
Since we are talking about toggling the control methods, if you have the Controls Legend enabled in Game Options > Other, we now show a prompt for Toggle Cursor at the top. Not only that, next to the prompt is a little reminder of which control scheme you are currently using.
We have also added controller shortcuts to some dialogs and screens to help simplify and speed up navigating the game. These button prompts are displayed on supported screens and can be used where usually you would have a lot of scrolling to get to the Confirm or Cancel button.