DualShock 4 might have a stick problem

Some reports indicate that the sticks of the new DualShock 4 could wear down very fast.

[JustPlay4]

that's kinda bad I guess, but how fast? is the real question

[GarrusVakarian]

Unless you have sulphuric acid sweat or sandpaper thumbs, i can't see this happening in 2 weeks,lol.

[black0o]

^^ agreed, a lot of gamers got their hands on DS4 at this point and didn't see that many reporting on this

[Eonjay]

@black0o

You are 100% correct:

I've been gaming with a DS4 for longer than that. Its fine.

And I do marathon sessions so...

[pyramidshead]

Looks like a dualshock that's just retired from a gaming event or something.

It's little things like this that you'd think Sony would have already tested though, a lot like the overheating rumour.

If it turns out true, then damn lol,

[xPhearR3dx]

OPM reported that same issue a while back. Hopefully it's not true, but obviously something is happening if there's multiple reports of it.

If true, this is really bad. I've used PS2/PS3 controllers for YEARS and I still couldn't tell you what's underneath that rubber lol

[XB1_PS4]

I doubt it, can't trust OPs on Reddit. They'll do anything for that sweet, sweet karma.

[mewhy32]

I just don't see this happening in two weeks. Besides, the controller will be covered by warranty.

[Lunatic_Medic]

I've had mine for 9 days, and mine still look new and I've been playing Call of Duty like a mad man

[nveenio]

That entire controller looks like it was just pulled out from under the seat of someone's 1987 Mazda sedan.

[itBourne]

How the hell could that happen so fast? And why the fuck is the controller so damn dirty, looks like he has been grinding it against a rock or something.

[UltimateMaster]

Doubt it. My DS2 and DS3 lasted the entire generation of the console's lifecycle.

Sony usually makes good controller "Except for the fragile original Sixaxis".

the fact that there isn't a button underneath the analog should make it last longer too.

That just seems to have been scrapped with a knife, clip your nails buddy.

[FITgamer]

If you zoom in you can see scratch marks in the center of left stick like it was slid across a rough surface. This is not normal wear n' tear.

[pixelsword]

I dunno; those original, pre-DS3 controllers wore out really fast, even if you were gentle with them so I have to go with experience and say that this is possible to the point of me saying "likely", but like someone said, it looks like it was worn out.

[GribbleGrunger]

Clearly the guy just didn't want to let go so they had to lever him off with a crowbar.

This is old by the way.

[G20WLY]

You're right, it is old, but I can't find a link to report it as such. Doh! ;\

[Mike134nl]

Meh just a superficial problem which is and most likely is already fixed or will be fixed.

[devwan]

Same kind of issue a few weeks ago at the Paris demo?

Most likely reason I can come up with is these pads are not actually production run units, rather they're an early run of effectively prototypes and not produced using the same materials as the real production runs.

These kinds of devices go through seriously strict wear and tear testing, if this was really a problem it'd have shown in the first few minutes of being subjected to these tests... they can simulate real life use in a fraction of the time, essentially giving 1000s of hours of wear in a really short space of time.

[Visiblemarc]

Seems to me that this isn't exactly an issue of wear per se, in the sense of erosion. If anything it would seem that there is a split in the rubberized coating where the groove is located. This would seem like either a defect in the unit or an example of intentional/unintentional abuse of the unit, in that when the stick has already reached it's physical maximum, this player seems to continue applying pressure on that ridge, as opposed to just holding the stick in place. Of course, my ds4 is new and pampered so these are theories.

[imt558]

I use Dualshock 3 five years now and i don't have any single problem. What's the fuc**** point of this article?

Go play games.

[toddybad]

It is worth remembering that this article isn't about the Dualshock 3 though.
Who knows either way?

[KillrateOmega]

Yeah. I imagine that the controller would look like that if you were intentionally jamming your thumbnails into it and never washed your hands...

[JackISbacK]

who can tell abviosly reviwrs ,but i dont think this will happen so soon becuause these are the first prorities of any company that atleast their parts not get worn soon ,my xbox 360 sticks never get worn but because of my liitle brother hard pressings it got weak and stop responded many times but it took 4 years to happen and i changed my controller and it never happened again ,i never used ps3 controller much because to me xb contrller was good ,i only used them for playing exclusives on my ps3,and i got changed them only ones ,their built quality was also good ,if these things happen soon enough ,i hope sony will provide other controller cheaper to day one byers and when other controller wave will come they hopefully make them better so not a big problem and can be ignored ,if this happens in mass hisstory will repeat agin and xbone will sell better and who knows the future and of them can be superior and i hope people will not be that big fanboys and will accept the truth and face the better one .

[Wizziokid]

Hmm I can't see it wearing down that fast, of course they will wear down like everything in time but this quick? no.

[Drekken]

We found out how he was playing with the controller to cause such damage: http://i.minus.com/iNECRukl...

[JackISbacK]

who can tell but this guy is havving some points and i dont want to happen wth my controller ,may be second model will be better,thats why i use to buy fps games on pc not console ,they are not such reliable and lets see is xbox one controllere is having these problems or not.

[RackLug]

I find this hard to believe , human skin is not like sandpaper i suspect sabotage from a disgruntled Xbone fan maby?

;0

[Alexious]

I really hope it's not true, but OPM staff kinda of confirmed to have a similar issue so I doubt it's just a disgruntled Xbone fanboy.

[mii-gamer]

Why must an xbox fanboy be behind everything. Is it so hard to believe that it may be POSSIBLE that their could be a problem here. Hopefull their isn't, but no need to put that tinfoil hat and blame everything on other fanbases.

The official playstation magazine has expressed concenrns as well http://youtu.be/BsSKZfCKxXA... Are you goint to call them a xbox fanboys as well?

SMH

[redknight80]

The guy even ended his post with a cheeky emoticon and you go all mighty on his arse? That is a bit silly and nothing to shake your head at, mate...relax!

[DOMination-]

Well to be fair the ds4 even though apparently to hold is very good.. it does LOOK like obe of those cheap madcatz controllers.

[GamerXD]

We'll see. Just a week away.

[Mustang300C2012]

Guess they should have did some extensive work out with them controllers like MS showed us for theirs. I kid I kid.

[DEAD-DEVIL-DISCO]

if this is true, its for damn certain in my case. cause im gonna game my ass off when i get my ds4. good times

[Kurogane]

DANG I pickup my PS4 next week then X1 the week after. I caint wait for these!!! So amped!!!

[Mister_G]

You're pressing too hard! :)

[Mrgolden79]

Oh here comes another ps4 doom and gloom article that "might" be a problem that will soon be debunked. Seems the media is grasping at straws for any negative PS4 press.

[Neonridr]

this isn't really one of those doom and gloom articles, it's merely reporting an issue that was observed. If it was against the XB1 controller you would be dancing all over it.

Nobody said for sure that this will happen with everyone's controllers, but don't get so upset because someone is posting something as a possible concern.

[Mrgolden79]

Do you know me? How would you know I would be "dancing all over it"? Bad news is bad news, but this isnt news, its just some people getting antsy and making up shit. Serious question, do you REALLY think this will be a problem? I mean cmon REALLY. Go ahead and awswer, I'll wait. This isnt sonys first foray into making controllers and Im sure the thing had been tested to death. This is just as dumb as people making a fuss about the supposedly PS4 overheating problems.

I have the dualshock 4 in my hands and I can tell you its quality. Do you?

[Neonridr]

@Mrgolden79 - sorry I should have clarified, I didn't mean to say you, I just mean people in general would be laughing at MS if this was reported of their controller. I have no doubt this is blown way out of proportion as this is Sony's 4th generation controller so I do believe they know what they are doing.

I was merely pointing out that this was something that was reported, with a photograph to back up the claims, not to mention others have said it as well.

That doesn't automatically mean that it's an issue as it could have been an isolated incident, but to sit there and say that people are just grasping for straws when they are clearly just reporting the facts as they are seen is a little bit naive on your part.

[Mrgolden79]

@Neonridr
Point taken. I admit I may have been too quick to call this a doom and gloom article, but was taken back at how baseless this is. Im glad we can have a civil discussion about it.

[Neonridr]

@Mrgolden79 - I know, two people able to have a civil discussion on N4G without resorting to petty words? What has this world come to??

I must do something to change this up..

ummmm... My Dad can beat up your Dad!!! XD

[aviator189]

I think you're getting a bit insecure.
It's just an observation, however isolated or non-isolated it may be.

It really is not a doom and gloom piece.

[Idba]

how the hell does that happen?!

You must be rubbing your sandpaper-like thumbs agaisnt the stick for a while for that to happen

[shammgod]

Other reports also indicate that they might not wear down.

[WeAreLegion]

They do extensive testing with these controllers to make sure that doesn't happen. I can't imagine they actually wear down that fast.

[buynit]

Thats what I was thinking and u can tell they really put effort into the controler so why would they use some cheap rubber?! Not only that but who has even held the controler long enough to come up with this?

[123pol]

it looks like someone took a knife and carved away a bit.. im 100 % sure this is fake.. probably a troll.

[xPhearR3dx]

Yeah because a troll is going to spend $60 on a PS4 controller just to take a knife to it, post it on reddit and make Sony fans angry. Not to mention there's previous reports of it happening. I swear, some of you Sony worshipers see POSSIBLE bad news, and enter denial quicker than MS spreads PR lies.

[123pol]

So just because i don't belive that they would release a controller that breaks after 2 weeks of use, that makes me a sony worshipper ? have i said any thing about witch console i would buy ? or if not both ? so how could i be a worshipper of any brand ? .. Yes i think there are people that have enough money to do that.. they do it with the iphone. so why not the ps4 ?.. and this is the first time i heard of it.

[xPhearR3dx]

In this persons experience it was 2 weeks. It could be 2 months, or 2 years for others. The point is, there is a potential problem that's been already reported by a very legitimate source. Official Playstation Magazine who also reported the same exact stick as the one showed in the picture.

You instantly went into denial coming up with a theory, saying your sure it's 100% fake and calling him a troll.

The only people who do that, are annoying loyalist who make people who actually support the brand and have possible concerns, bad.

[123pol]

yepp im a real loyalist to one brand.. have both consoles pre ordered and i have and play PC / ps3 / xbox 360 / pc / wii U / ps vita / nintendo 3ds. so yepp i only like one brand :/

Edit* since i dont have more bubbles..
I dont like what MS has done with the xbone.. and most my comments is favoring ps4 against xbone.. but i want the xbone exclusives so i will buy it
but disagree with me as much as you want if that makes you happy

[xPhearR3dx]

Your comment history says otherwise. There's that denial again.

[CGI-Quality]

Your comment history isn't much better. You're known to be fairly pro-Xbox and have down-played Sony before. So, let's not point fingers.

OT: I notice this is quite old and I'm not worried either way.

[sigfredod]

LOL, Sony doing dualshocks since ps1 and now they say that wear in 2 weeks, yeah right

[quarkist]

from neogaf: http://67.227.255.239/forum...

[ajkula]

LMAO .. this dude shoved the DS4 up in shithole!! LOL
there's even some curly hair near the left stick...
"...DS4 wears off after 2 weeks of moistured rubing up'n down!"

[Cryptcuzz]

Something seems off with this.

Look at the left analog stick. By clicking on that link and clicking on the picture to zoom in. The left analog stick looks like there is a big cut around the analog stick. It some how looks fake and doctored to me (maybe it is just my eyes?) but how could there be a big cut around the analog stick that deep from normal usage - even heavy usage?

On top of that, look in the middle of the analog stick. One can clearly see it is scratched up. So the question is, what caused all those little scratches? Is this guy controlling his left analog stick with just the tip of his long and thumb-tack-like nails?

Another thing that seems off to me is why just the left analog stick? Almost all modern games use the right analog stick just as much as well.

Unless this person is playing two weeks long marathons playing fighting games or 2D platformers, I don't see how the left analog stick can wear out so much and so fast compared to the right analog stick. There should be almost as much wear and tear from the right analog stick if this is true, but there isn't. The right analog looks normal, which is really odd based on the what this person claims.

I have had the Dualshock 4 for almost two weeks. Played The last of Us on it and beat the game in a couple of days with it. Thinking back, there was nothing about the controller that gave me the impression it was poorly made and can easily be damaged. It feels better built than the Dualshock 3 and mines have lasted since it was released til now.

[MetalJedi]

WOW...the closer we get to new console releases the more negative news start coming out. Im so hyped right now for a new toy to play with, nothing said at this point is going to change my mind.

[Pepelekill]

First off how hard was this person pressing the thumb sticks? Second did they just get bored looking for something to do with their new dremel?

[Guwapo77]

Ain't no away in hell...Nice try clickbate

[e-p-ayeaH]

I hope not the sixaxis analog sticks wear down pretty fast unlike the awesome Dual Shock 3.

But since this is the Dual Shock 4 were talking about i think were going to be just fine.

[Pepelekill]

I had never heard that about sixaxis. All of my sticks look like the day they were purchased and I have put hundreds of hours into each.

[e-p-ayeaH]

i got my phat 60gb with 2 sixaxis controlers in 07 and both of them 2 years later both started to have gripping problems.

Might just been bad luck and i know im not alone on this but as long Sony learns from its mistakes that´s what matters in the end.

[Snookies12]

Yeah, I agree with e-p-ayeaH. I had two Six Axis controllers when the PS3 first came out. Both of them got bad stick problems where they would start to get stuck and creak a lot when moved. Granted, this was after using them for some time... The DS3 I've had no problems with though. Sticks are still wonderful on that thing.

[mixelon]

This looks like one of those things where perhaps some users are holding it in ways Sony may not have planned for. There should be no friction/rubbing on one side/corner of the sticks unless you do some seriously weird stick manipulation.

Its like people who complain their thumbs hit each other on the DS3.. HOW? Just hold it correctly and that doesn't happen.

[infectedaztec]

Even with the rubber worn off its still better than the DS3.

If this does occur, then there will be backlash similar to reolutiongate. Sony will then bring out a more durable version and replace the earlier models.

In short, everyone will overreact, then Sony will fix it, then everyone will be fine again. I think the xbox resolution thing will be similar.

[Alexious]

Except that the resolution thing isn't really fixable. They can't improve X1 hardware, not anymore. Too late for that.

[infectedaztec]

Did uncharted 3 look better than uncharted 1? Was there a hard ware change between them?

[WickedLester]

I think all this shows is that the gaming media has nothing to report on right now.

[nosferatuzodd]

this in bullshit how can some a human hand do this in 2weeks not possible that look like sabotage

[TheObserver]

From the picture, the controller looks like shit, dirty, and worn out. Also, the friction texture on the left stick disappeared with scratch marks everywhere. Seems like someone took sand paper and sanded it down smooth. Sanding is also evident by the amount of dust covering the controller. How does one "sand down" the controller with their thumb normally is a mystery. On the left stick nonetheless. My 6 Years old Sixasix still have texture on the stick despite long term use.

I call BS.

[svoulis]

Yea this is obviously being blown out of proportion, just wasted 13 minutes of my life to watch that video. The guy says and I quote

"On maybe two or three controllers at the COD event I was at, The left analog stick rubber started to wear out to a level where there was actually a flap of rubber that had come loose, watch out for that."

And the other guy says.

"Thats remarkable, cause like I said to you the time I played Assassins for 30+ hours and nothing like that ever happened, unless, unless (laughing) the PR's were swapping new pads everytime I looked away, I think you played with some acidic thumb COD players"

And the first guy goes on to say.

"Yeah I think its a COD player prerogative to just be a bit rougher on the pad. "

So take it as you well, these things are handled and abused religiously by these events.

[Hicken]

At best, this would have to be controllers that have been used from the start. That is: since they started showing the system off, which could mean as early as E3. And, most likely it WAS mistreated by people using them. That's about the only cause I can think of that'd have the rubber wearing down so quickly.

[dillhole]

Seriously Microsoft, and associated fanboys: I'm getting a PS4. It doesn't overheat and the controller is fine. Stop making stuff up to try and deter me at the last minute.

[Chris12]

It was also reported previously by the Official Playstation Magazine on their controller so carry on burying your head in the sand and repeat continuously, Greatness Awaits!

[InTheLab]

Used and abused by hundreds of sweaty CoD players...

[Gr1mmyshadows]

we wont know till its out and about in the wild

[malakar]

Hmmm... My razer keyboard was dropped on the ground several times and it's still working like a charm after 3 years... My ps3 controllers, I've had them since the beginning of last gen and they're still working like new. I guess the new one are just cheaper.

[Hakoom]

this was a major problem with DS3.. the sticks used to move 1mm forward by itself.. not sure whats the proper name for it but happend with me alot.. ( sticky ) maybe?
but i play around 15h per day..
but melting the rubber?now thats new lol

[eldeladi]

http://www.reddit.com/r/PS4...
I posted about it in reddit and got confirmation from one user. See the video for yourself.
The new DS4 thumbstick has a different design. the convex/concave circular plastic ridges are covered with a thin rubber layer. This demo unit DS4 was worn out in the same outer circle of the left stick which gets more use than the right stick.
I posted this video yesterday in n4g and got shot down due to no YouTube video rules that I didn't know about, so I deleted the post. I got attacked as trolling but I Don't care. I'm buying a PS4 only for next gen, just hope they fix this by the time second son is released.

[_FantasmA_]

I remember when people complained about the grip on the DS1 and DS2 wearing down too quick, but I play alot (almost everyday) and still have the texture on all my DS thumbsticks. Even after almost 10 years of playing, I still have it. These people must be playing with sweaty, cheese covered hands.

[skoorydook]

Anything that gets made in this much bulk is going to have problems with the odd one.

What happened to his in that pic happened to one of my 360 pads, ok it was after a lot longer than a couple of weeks but my other hasn't got a blemish on it.

[Visiblemarc]

Look closely toward the center of the pad. There are clearly streaks of coarse scratches. As someone who's done a lot of woodworking, I can tell you exactly what that looks like: sandpaper accidents. When something has been damaged while assembling it, or you overlooked a rough surface and then have to sand an awkward part manually, if you're not extremely careful a surrounding area can get scuffed. THAT is exactly what this picture appears to show.

[worldwidegaming]

There is such a thing as failure rate!
I am quite sure many unlucky people will roll the die
and get "Snake eyes" I really hope I do not end up
on the failure rate end.
and a note for people who say "it does not happen to me"
Just because it does not happen to you does not mean
it did not happen! "Stop thinking your the center of the universe."

[Pepelekill]

"Stop thinking your [sic] the center of the universe."
Dude calm down. If someone gives a personal account of something happening to them it is completely appropriate to say whether the same did or did not occur to you. Anything is possible you're right, and there are lemons and that is just a fact of manufacturing.
However, that controller has marks on it that make it look like the rubber has been picked at and/ or subject to abrasive. Also I'm not sure if you have a dualshock 4 yet, but I do and I can tell you that coating is fairly resilient. Just saying before you come on all holier than thou and talking like people are being self important maybe consider that they might have more experience/ knowledge/ information on the subject than you. Also it is you're .

[KingKevo]

I doubt it. I mean seriously, these controllers and its materials do always get tested. Of course one thing they test is how long the materials last and that includes the rubber on the sticks. I highly doubt that Sony would use rubbish rubber that's gone within a few weeks.

So maybe they did get a faulty one or maybe the guy faked it, idk, but I cannot belive that this is going to be a problem at all. And if so, it's covered by the warranty as the article says, so you have nothing to worry about, unless in the first year.. Gosh I hope they didn't design it just to last a year, like too many, sorry, pretty much all electronic companies do nowadays...

[imt558]

I use Dualshock 3 five years now and i don't have any single problem. What's the fuc**** point of this article?

[miklo84]

IS THIS THE END OF THE PS4?!?!?!........I kid, I kid. Seriously though, how come that remote looks so crusty everywhere? I have six year old PS3 remotes that still look brand spanking new. Dust it off son!!!!

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Hard to say if this really is going to be an "issue". I think more likely we are just going to see the DS4 thumb pads have a little less "life" in them than say a DS3's. Again, this really seems to be a premature jump to conclusion/rumor.

[JackStraw]

judging by his dirty, dusty controller, he doesn't keep it in proper condition. nice try.

[ZBlacktt]

This generation.... create drama and problems for attention and ratings. Even when there's not really a problem. Something we've learn from reality TV. Someone is always searching for the next issue or problem. Or one they can pass as one.

[jahfen83]

In my opinion, this is a non-issue. By this standard I should complain about my square, triangle, x, and circle icons fading away after long use.

[tiffac008]

Is that a brand new DS4 or a worn out one used in multiple trade shows? Because I doubt one person can just do that in a couple of weeks, unless one has incredible amount of acid coming out of his/her hands.

[feraldrgn]

Strange how only the left analog is showing any signs of wear, also notice the scratches.

Apparently had it for 3 months, allowed his friends to play with it, pushing harder than normal.

Look after your controllers.

[theXtReMe1]

I had this happen to my Xbox 360 controller, though it took about 6 months of heavy play. If this is the case, Sony will fix it and it will be a nonissue. If you are going to use your sticks heavily, quite a few companies make stick condoms that protect them. They are only a couple dollars and work well.

[GamerXGATT]

if this was an XBOX one article people would be screaming bloody murder. Go Go fanboys sweep it under the rug!

[WickedLester]

Why don't we wait and see if there's actually anything TO "sweep under the rug" before you start pointing fingers.

[ipach]

wonder why they would use a material that was less durable than on DS3? DS sticks show no wear for me, even after 6-7 years. strange gaming technique on this one, i say

[toddybad]

Official PS4 Replaceable thumbstick covers are actually for sale. Are they something to go on top of the initial rubber cover or are they to replace it? Anybody know?

[JetBlack]

Even someone with no left hand can do this. Just give em a knife.

[brometheos]

Unfortunately, if you slice your controller up with a razor blade, it probably will be damaged. Thankfully though, most games do not require you to intentionally damage your controller.

[jjb1981]

Spray it with flex seal.

[jjb1981]

Must've been playing call of doody.

[Belking]

That's because they are cheaply made. All they did was increase the size, added triggers and a touch pad. Nothing else.

[Rhezin]

Well I am part Xenomorph so it will probably effect my playing. One paper cut and it's all over for the controller... and the floor

[NeoTribe]

I've had my ds4 for two weeks and there isn't even a sign of my analogs grinding down. That was noticable on ds3 for sure, so I've been dilliberetly keeping an eye out for dust looking stuff around the analog. It seems like they fixed the problem. Can't see how this happened in two weeks lol.

[CuddlyREDRUM]

Official Playstation Magazine put out a Youtube video on Friday, and one guy said the center of the joysticks was peeling off.

[STEWIE_PLAY_PS4]

U r complaints?? Dumb, this u brought PS4 controller too early and controller fine.
Sure u r Xbox fanboy?.

[evilhasitsway]

that might be a controller from the first set made with official design and its probley had way too many people use it.

[ELpork]

Always wait a year to buy new systems, till they get the kinks worked out. Is this one of them? Who knows, but always hold out.