![DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 - Jet Black [Old Model]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ih-c4lfVL._SX342_SY445_.jpg)
As always, gamers are passionate in their opinions but make no mistake: objectively speaking the DS4 controller is a huge step up from the DS3. Sony has, at the very least, closed the gap in the controller discussion. Whereas the DS3 was almost universally considered inferior to the Xbox 360 controller, the DS4 is so good it makes any controller debates going forward one of subjectivity and individual preference.
I've seen and heard some rather interesting opposing viewpoints on the DS3/DS4. Too often, the controller debate gets caught up in the symmetrical vs. asymmetrical stick placement, which is largely a red herring argument. In the end, the problem with the DS3 was ergonomics which has largely been fixed on the DS4. Symmetrical stick placement has nothing to do with the DS3's problems. Rather, for most American gamers' hands the DS3 is simply not ergonomic & is considered too small by most of the male gamers out there (that said, my girlfriend prefers the DS3 to the 360 controller simply because of her small hand size). The DS3's sticks feel too tall, too "loose", and too close together with a slick convex surface & a "squishy" down click. The triggers are also squishy & curved downward which doesn't give a satisfying, natural "trigger feel". The DS3's overall build quality is often described as cheap, with the DS3 offering far more structural flex than the 360 controller.
In short, the DS4 fixes all of these issues and then some. The sticks are placed further apart, a shorter/stiffer throw with at least 50% more tension, a nice convex/"sticky" surface. The triggers are shaped like triggers. The size of the hand grips is just enough bigger that it fits comfortably in both my girlfriend's small hands and my much larger hands. The overall build quality is a huge step up and feels solid with absolutely zero flex even under hard/wrenching use.
To be sure, there are always going to be naysayers. But, the general consensus among the gaming press - as well as about 75% of the gamers I've personally talked to who have experience with both controllers - is that the DS4 is a huge step up from the DS3 and overall a much improved, highly comfortable controller. In particular, using the DS4 with FPS (first person shooters) is a joy and a welcome surprise given how much of a chore it was to play this genre with the DS3. I almost always purchase multiplat FPS games on the 360 simply because the DS3 is really that bad in this genre. This is no longer a problem, and in fact I'm looking forward to playing all multiplats on the PS4 now, especially FPS games (in no small part due to the PS4's significantly better shader power/memory bandwidth which will make multiplats look and perform better on PS4).
With all that said, I still slightly prefer the Xbox 360 controller and believe that overall it's the closest thing to perfection we have seen in a controller *for my hands* (bad d-pad notwithstanding). However, there is no question the DS4 is a huge improvement on the DS3 and it's a *very* close 2nd for me. I would place the Xbox One controller as a distant 3rd place because they changed up the bumpers and stick tension (it's actually looser than the DS4 and 360 controller now...bad move MS)... plus a slightly smaller size than the 360 controller are actually downgrades (for my hands). It's amazing MS spent $150 million redesigning the almost perfect 360 controller only to make it not quite as good for most gamers.
Sony needs to get it in gear and release a PS3 firmware patch to allow the DS4 to work wirelessly as an official DS3 replacement. As it stands right now, it will work via USB cable b/c the PS4 detects it as a standard HID device. But this thing is so good the PS3 really deserves to be fully usable with it. One thing is for sure: I have a huge backlog of PS3 games I will definitely spend a lot more time with simply because of the DS4. I can't think of any higher praise than that. If Sony does enable full PS3/DS4 compatibility they'd move these things to PS3 owners like hotcakes...even for people who don't intend to upgrade to the PS4 right away.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Revolutionary. Intuitive. Precise.
A revolutionary controller for a new era of gaming, the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features familiar PlayStation controls and innovative new additions, such as a touch pad, light bar, and more.
Greatness Awaits.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Touch PadLocated on the top of the controller, the TouchPad offers gamers completely new ways to play and interact with games. |
Light BarThree LEDs offer a simpler way to easily identify players and quickly see useful game information, like when a character is low on health or has taken major damage. |
Share ButtonShare triumphs and accomplishments by streaming live gameplay to Ustream or uploading recorded videos to Facebook. |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Built-in Speaker and Stereo Headset JackEnjoy high-fidelity sound effects of games from both the TV and also from the controller. Chat with friends playing online with the bundled headset. |
New ShapeImproved ergonomics means it's more comfortable to hold, while improved analog sticks and buttons mean more precise control. |
Enhanced VibrationMultiple vibration motors give games a greater degree of expression and heighten the sense of immersion for players. |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
2:58
Click to play video
Customer Review: Comfortable, but shorter battery life
MG
Videos for this product
4:09
Click to play video
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4
Elite Demonstrations
Videos for this product
2:30
Click to play video
PS4 Dualshock 4 Controller Tech
Merchant Video
Videos for this product
0:48
Click to play video
Customer Review: Command and Control (feels grrrrreat!!)
Cthulhu
Videos for this product
1:08
Click to play video
DualShock 4 Controllers
Merchant Video
Reviews with images
New Design, Feels Good in Hand
The new PS4 controller is a change from previous PS3 controllers. While I haven't played the PS4 yet since it hasn't been released, I do have the controller. It feels lighter than the Xbox 360 controller but very stable and comfortable. There isn't a battery pack like the Xbox 360 controller, instead the battery is built into the controller. You charge the controller by using the micro USB cable that comes with the PS4. The battery can't be replaced and eventually will lose its ability to be recharged according to the instructions, so that means you'll be throwing out the entire controller when the time comes. It will be interesting to see how long that is. My guess is that the controller will get worn out before you are needing to replace the battery much like my Xbox 360 controller did.There is headphone jack so you can use normal headphones which is a nice feature. There is an LED light on the front of the controller that faces the TV and that is supposed to help the PS4 track where you are sitting and can change the split screen if you move. Game developers can also use this light if they decide to use it, like flashing blue and red if the police are chasing you or to show your health level. Not sure how helpful that will be since the light is facing away from you.There is a touch pad on the very top which also serves as a big button. This could be used for scrolling. The trigger buttons have been redesigned and feel much more substantial and very comfortable. There is a subtle texture on the handles which feels good in your hands.Some have been successful with using this controller on a PC and a Mac.Will update after being able to play with it on the PS4.****Update 11/17After playing with the controller for a couple of days, it feels really comfortable in the hands. It is lighter than the Xbox 360 controller. Having the two sticks next to each other feels good. On the Xbox the left stick is moved up on the left. I ordered a 10 foot micro USB cable so I can play while it charges if need be. It was only about $7 here on Amazon. Mediabridge Hi-Speed USB 2.0 - (6 Feet) - A-Male to Micro-B Cable
