How to upgrade your Dual Shock 4 - with Xbox One controller parts

Digital Foundry creates a more durable hybrid pad and tests out a 2x capacity battery replacement.

[JJShredder]

This is assuming people think the XB1 sticks are better.

While I have no real marked preference, I hate that dirt gets in the ridge where the thumbstick becomes textured. Gross.

[DivineAssault]

I only played xb1 a few times at a buddies house and the analogs felt more durable.. My DS4 analogs are just fine but dont have that rugged ring around the concave portion.. Im trying this on one of my controllers since i have 2 more that have the newer rubber.. My launch DS4 is pretty worn so it will be a good test subject..

Do the ridges get dirty after a while? I only used it a few hours at a time as i said earlier while at a friends house..

[JJShredder]

I've personally not had durability issues with either. On the video image you can see the dirt. Granted, controllers just get nasty anyways and there isn't much you can do about it. Putty works sometimes.

[Idiedgoodbye]

I recommend this product. Keep in mind it ships from China and so you must practice patience. http://www.amazon.com/gp/pr...

At less than $3 I highly recommend the red one. The skin wont fit PS4 control's but I'm more than certain the thumb grips will.

[Overload]

You do know there are thumbstick covers with all sorts of different surfaces for controllers.

They cost next to nothing and is alot easier than dismantling an Xbox One controller.

[Unspoken]

Strange, I rarely get any dirt or grit on the thumbsticks and if I do see something on them they are very easy to wipe.

Curious though, what exactly is on your hands to get the controller so dirty?

[UncleJerry]

little rubbing alcohol on a q-tip for the ridge on the sticks and the area around them where the plastic tends to form a slight powder due to friction. really the alcohol works well for the whole controller to just wipe away germs or oils. i have to say tho, my x1 controllers are holding up great and also i havent noticed much build up on the stick. maybe wipe the chip-dust off your hands? lol

[DarXyde]

Dirt that gets in them is indeed an inconvenience, but I do like Microsoft's sticks better.

"Upgrade" is, of course, subjective. I wouldn't mind, so long as the height is adjusted for that controller.

[Vhampir]

Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol cleans them in a few seconds.

[DarXyde]

Oh, I know how to clean them. Like I said though, it's an inconvenience. I like them though.

[Kojjikaneshiro]

Only if you're a dirty slob.I clean my controllers constantly so I've never had that problem.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Shame on my filthy self for allowing my body to naturally secrete sweat and grime. What a dirty slob I am. lol *constantly" clean your controllers? Yea? Constantly?

[frankiebeans]

they are in every way superior and anyone that says otherwise is just being a hardcore fanboy that can't say anything bad about PlayStation.

[Jmanzare]

Seriously. Ever hear about someone putting ps4 thumbsticks on an xb1 controller? Nope.

[dp277407]

yea I'd be labeled a Sony guy and I mentioned quite a few times I have XBOX 1 sticks on my PS4 controller that I did myself

[Paytaa]

I honestly think both controllers are about equal in terms of design. Sure, I prefer the Xbox gamepad because I've been used to the design for like 15 years but the DS4 feels just as natural in my hands. It's certainly better than the previous Dualshocks which I never liked because I thought the grips were too short.

I think the only thing for me personally that gives one an edge over the other is the rumble in the triggers in the XB1 pad. It's a small feature but after playing so many games that use that function it feels weird when it doesn't happen.

But in terms of playing games for long periods of time, both feel comfortable even after long sessions and that's ultimately what matters.

[pivotplease]

I don't like either one's thumb sticks that much. I wish the DS4 had more concave sticks and I wish the X1 controller didn't have an awkward overly deep ridge. They also feel uncomfortably small because of the size of the hard plastic-feeling rings being too compact whereas the DS4 feels less restrictive and uses a softer material.

[Dark_Crow]

No sorry. The video is only under the assumption and the correct one that DS4 thumbsticks burn off after use.

They are bad.

I am so damn shocked Pple haven't botched at Sony for this issue with the controllers. It really astounds me. Sony can truly get away with anything these days.

[frankiebeans]

Dude the controller is a POS and made as cheap as possible! my triggers have broken 13 times since launch and I replace it myself and every time I bring it up I get attacked by the fanboys telling me what I'm doing wrong and I'm not using it right or some bs like that and they even closed my post on the official ps site lol. they say send it to sony they fixed mine free. well #1 that is false in my experience and #2 who the hell is going to send a controller out every time it breaks to wait a month to get it back.
THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE END OF GOD DAM STORY YOU FANBOYS HAVE NO ARGUMENT TO BE MADE IN DEFENCE OF PLAYSTATION

attach image thing doesn't work for me for some reason so here's proof of all my broken R2 triggers.

https://i.imgur.com/zQRfU0P...

[KwietStorm_BLM]

The Dualshock 4 is not the best controller ever made, but something is quite obviously wrong with you if you broke 13 triggers in 2 years lmao.. I game every day, and my controller is in complete working condition. Do you do drop tests between gaming sessions or what?

[frankiebeans]

@KwietStorm Typical fangirl response...

[Bolts]

I'm on my third DS4 controller. Either the triggers break or the thumb-stick simply wears down or the touchpad stop clicking. Maybe because you know, I actually game on my PS4. These thing are just not made to last. The spongy piece of crap material on top of the DS4 stick will eventually peel and fall apart over time, an issue I never had with the DS3.

To solve the problem I replaced the Sony garbage sticks with aftermarket metal ones. These will never wear down.

[WeAreLegion]

Kwietstorm is right, frankie. Pro gamers don't even break those triggers. What in God's name are you doing to your controllers? 13 times? I don't believe that.

The analog sticks had issues at launch, but the rubber was improved. However, the triggers are fine. And lay off Kwietstorm. Not a "fan girl" by any stretch of the imagination.

[sullynathan]

sheesh, 13 times

[MasterCornholio]

"I am so damn shocked Pple haven't botched at Sony for this issue with the controllers. It really astounds me. Sony can truly get away with anything these days."

People already have and Sony responded by making the controller better. My white Destiny PS4 controller is much better built than my launch PS4 controller. I'm using it like crazy and haven't had any problems with the thumbsticks or R2 triggers like I had with my launch controller.

[Volkama]

My Dualshock 4s break all the time. Triggers break, analogue sticks come off, the touchpad cracks, the case shatters. It's just one thing after another.

Footballs are really hard to come by where I live, but I'm beginning to think that the DS4 makes a poor substitute :(

[ThanatosDMC]

Lol... wow. How did you manage to do that? Do you throw your controllers?

[WickedLester]

@frankiebeans

You are so full of crap! Unless you are Andre The Giant with the strength of Sampson, there's no way in hell anyone's DS4 triggers would break 13 times. Stop throwing out ridiculous numbers like that.

[MicrosoftMackin]

I remember my two launch controllers thumbstick grips fell apart but their two replacements have been going strong for a while now with constant playing every day and to the dude that broke his triggers 13 times, you seriously need to calm down with your controllers lol

[jb227]

I'm with Cornholio, got the white destiny pad and haven't had a single issue out of the DS4's sticks...Pretty sure only a certain portion of launch pads were affected by this issue, but it was definitely fully eradicated a year post release. Sounds like you aren't actually speaking from experience but from reading some reports from launch. That'd be like saying the 360 Slim was still rife w/ RRoD even though the issue was fixed for that launch.

[BoriboyShoGUN]

Definitely you breaking the triggers! I've had the console since launch and play games that are hell on the controllers and never had that issue. Its not fanboys, learn how to play without beating your controllers to death!!!

[spaceg0st]

I did this over a year ago to my controller, had the guy (who sold them) make them the same stick height bc theyll naturally be a little taller. It's MUCH better with these. the sticks are a little smaller in diameter, much grippier and the concave is better for overall control.

I am a big fan of it.

[DragoonsScaleLegends]

I hate seeing dust/dirt in the edges all over my PS4 controller and the PS4 itself. But what I hate more is how low the durability of the PS4 controllers are. My 2015 controller is still holding up ok though I can already feel the R2 trigger getting worn out but the launch controller is a whole other story. Thumbsticks rubber started coming off (replaced), springs worn out (replaced), rubber underneath the triggers worn out (rigged), the frame of the controller that holds the R2 trigger in worn out (no easy fix) and the charge cable that came with the console is trash (metal broke from just setting the controller down while plugged in).

Now I was a huge PlayStation fanboy during the PS1-PS3 era(stuck in the PS2 era until 2009) but now with the launch PS4 having so many quality issues with the controller, the interface lagging like trash when playing a game, and the fact Sony refuses to bring back any of their PS1 IP's or even allowing PS1 playback to begin with has me questioning why I'm even still a fan sometimes. My bro who I got to switch over to the PlayStation nation from 360 bitches all the time about the quality issues and laggy interface though I always tell him it's still better than holding a brick in your hand.

[BoriboyShoGUN]

LoL so he thinks the 360 runs better than the PS4????
Tell him to go boot that sucker up!!!

[IceKoldKilla]

You can always get those little things to cover them/add grip, not that it lacks any but that's what they advertise it for. It's less than 5 bucks.

[ShadowKnight]

These also work for the DS4 but they're cheaper on amazon. Been using these for years

http://www.gamestop.com/acc...

[bradleejones]

One would think that getting the little rubber caps would be a bit more feasible solution...

[nucky64]

I've used my ds4 since launch and no issues.

[Orionsangel]

The Xbox One sticks just don't wear out like the PS4 sticks. At least no where near as fast. That's why you'll wanna replace them. I wouldn't do it myself. It's too risky. I'd rather just buy nub covers for the sticks.

[eyeDEVOUR]

I just spent $7 for the slip-on gel grips. Problem solved. And it slightly makes the sticks longer which gives more leverage which increases fine tuning and accuracy.

Neat info tho. Would like to know if and how much longer the xboxs sticks are.

[DivineAssault]

Not a fan of the xb1 controller but the sticks are much more durable.. Same length though.. This is a really good idea and im very surprised nobody found this out earlier.. I like sony's concave thumbsticks but they arent as tough as M$'

[eyeDEVOUR]

Well the gel grips are a cheaper less complicated solution. You can peel them right off and the original grips are just the way you left them.

Personally i think getting a set of "Kontrol freeks" is the best solution.

[OoglyBoogly]

This has been known shortly after the consoles released. Certainly is something that people found out earlier.

I use ModSticks on my DS4. All aluminum, replaceable pads, adjustable height, etc.

[DivineAssault]

Im not talking about buying a whole xb1 controller just to dismantle it.. Im just going to order replacement thumb sticks and put them on the DS4 like in the video.. Sure theres grips you can slip on but why not try out how this works?

[Dark_Crow]

I just spent...wait no...I shouldn't have to spend more money on a controller.

[eyeDEVOUR]

And? Wtf does that have to do with the price of eggs in china?

If your grip wears out you can just play without, i dont give fuck. Im just trying to offer people a helpful solution. Im not supporting a faulty product. Go cry to sony, i didnt make the goddamn thing.

[Cdn_Seahawks_Fan]

I didn't even know that this could be done, let alone that people may want to do it.

[PSN_ZeroOnyx]

My grips have no issues, ever. I've known about this (thought it was common knowledge) yet I have zero interest in doing it. In fact I believe the reason M$ won't allow cross platform MP with X1 and PS4 is so nobody calls the DS4 superior because PlayStation players would rule the majority of the leader boards.

[DivineAssault]

Genius idea! Im surprised the battery life cant be extended with a better one but i do like the xb1 analog sticks better.. I just might try this but damn, i hate removing and reinserting ribbon cables.. I always feel like im going to tear them.. This project is on my list of things to do when im on vacation..

[NapalmSanctuary]

I feel ya. I break down my controllers every couple of months to get the full dish soap clean job and just pulling the plastic shell apart scares the crap out of me.

[rainslacker]

If battery life is a problem, you could always just replace them with the larger DS3 batteries which are available for around $8-20 from various vendors on ebay or Amazon. All you need is one of those mini screwdrivers, and doesn't require full disassembly of the controller.

I'd imagine Sony will eventually ship all new DS4's with a larger battery like they did with the DS3's back in the day. I'll probably cannibalize one of my flaky DS3's(flaky d-pad which causes problems in games) to put into my primary controller.

[nitus10]

You are quite right, the battery in the PS4 can be replaced with a more powerful one, however you can pretty much use a cheap charger cable or even a small battery pack with a short cable. Why void your warranty?

I actually charge my DS4 via my computer or Android charger and if I really want I can use my wife's battery backup charger that she uses for her iPhone (with a USB to micro USB short cable naturally).

Actually when I take a break (you really should every 2 to 4 hours) I just plug the DS4 into a charger and when I have finished a snack/lunch/tea I am pretty much ready to go for quite a few more hours and I don't have to pair the DS4 again.

[rainslacker]

Warranty repairs were never an issue for me...although I do wish I had gotten my first two DS4's replaced due to the thumb sticks wearing off...but that was after they went out of warranty whilst playing DOA5:LR.:)

Anyhow, I used to be an official Sony repair guy, although I didn't have a shop, and they'd often send me work in the PS1/2 days which I got paid for. I have people that can get me any info or parts I need to repair any console, so I don't see much need for dealing with Sony customer service. There's also the problem of if the serial number wears off on the back of the DS4(or DS3) they won't repair it because you can't get the number...and it's in a place which will see wear(right under the fingers on the back)

In any case, outside of my recently purchased DS4, I have no Sony product that is still in warranty, and it's usually much cheaper for me to repair something myself using aftermarket or used parts.

Obviously this isn't a solution for most, but with the DS itself, it's pretty easy to repair anything on them, and the parts are pretty cheap.

I personally use a rather long USB cable I have in an outlet that is right behind my recliner, so it never bothered me much, but I do have a faulty DS3 which I could easily scavenge parts from since I have a ton of working ones.

[PhucSeeker]

Wait, if a larger battery (like in the video) doesn't extend play-time then what can DS3's battery do ? Did you test it out ?

[rainslacker]

Apparently, I was wrong about the larger battery in the DS3. It went from 300mah in the SixAxis, to 500 in the DS3, and the DS4 uses a 1000mah battery, but apparently the originals shipped with an 800mah battery...although the information seems to be all over the place if it's 800 or 1000.

So I probably won't bother replacing the battery with a DS3 one.

There are however some aftermarket batteries which can be gotten inexpensively...although the cheap ones from china aren't UL listed so I wouldn't be comfortable using the really cheap ones. For around $10 though, you can get a 1800maH battery, which would effectively almost double the life.

A larger battery will extend play time. The actual form factor of the DS3 and DS4 battery is the same though.

[PhucSeeker]

Uh, did you test it out yourself ? The DF crews in the video tested it with a larger battery and there was like no difference in play-time.

[rainslacker]

I know that a battery with more capacity will last longer yes. That's how batteries work. Why this one didn't, I couldn't say, however, the controller will not draw more power from the battery than it's designed to do, and if there is more power in reserve in the battery itself, it will take longer to drain.

That's how batteries work.

[PhucSeeker]

Maybe Sony put in a drain-limit ? Or may be DF's new battery is faulty ? Anyhow, still have to test it out first-hand to know for sure.

[rainslacker]

More likely a max charge limit, as in it would automatically stop charging after it reached a certain capacity, or if there is a battery sensor it could assume the battery will be dead at a certain time and turn off the controller to make sure the battery doesn't go completely dead. My tablet does this I think, and I'm sure there are some other devices that do such a thing. However, with the way batteries work, it's kind of a sloppy solution for measuring a battery life....and I have installed bigger batteries in DS3's and my friend has his DS4's with 1800mAH batteries, and they do last longer than normal.

Faulty battery is possible if they're using a cheap one, as some of the chinese one's don't actually hold the charge they're rated at. Although I assume DF measured such a thing since they tend to be somewhat fastidious about such things.

Another possibility is that the wattage rating was higher for the particular battery they used, which would cause the battery to discharge more current with a lot of it going to waste, although at such low voltages, and with anything significant likely to ruin the controller, it seems like a stretch. That also brings in all sorts of other problems which could lead to actual damages to both the device, the person using it, or set fire to one's property.

[timmyp53]

Countless reports of this causing analogs to drift and such. It'll seem fine at first but eventually when it wears in it'll cause issues.

[q8kik]

It will also increase the dead zone because the xb1 controller analog sticks are longer.

[cash_longfellow]

Title should read "How to downgrade your Dualshock 4..." ;)

[Booyaka619]

Yep.

[PSN_ZeroOnyx]

Truth

[Dark_Crow]

More like "how to try to fix a problem no one's seems to care is happening because it's sony"

[KwietStorm_BLM]

As per usual, nobody can take just 2 minutes to think that if I give constructive criticism, this product and services that I so love could actually improve. Nope, everything is perfect just because.

This whole method is nothing new, and I don't understand why anyone is so surprised about it, but the my team is better than your team mentality helps nobody who isn't getting cut a check.

[cash_longfellow]

@Kwietstorm, I am not claiming one team or system over the other, my comment simply means that I think the Dualshock 4 is tenfold better than the One controller.

[Booyaka619]

Sticking with my ds4 parts, nto gonna downgrade my experience by replacing it with xbox parts.

[Dark_Crow]

Make sure to stick with the Sony experience when the runner burns off.

[Booyaka619]

No need for your "concern", my sony experience has served me fine for two years now. Don't wanna bring rubbish xbox experience into my superior sony experience.

[WowSoChill]

Disgusting comments, the fact you even have upvotes shows how far this site has come, N4G is a big circlejerk

[sAVAge_bEaST]

Calm down Edonus

[Speak_da_Truth]

Thank God i don't need to do this cus the DS4 sticks are fine to me.

[TripleCs]

I got my PS4 during the 2014 holiday season and my 2014 DS4 sticks got pretty worn out fast. They stated tearing a month after I got them but I got a new controller in November of last year and I haven't had any issues with it as of yet. In fact the rubber on my 2015 DS4 sticks still to this day feel better than the rubbers on my 2014 DS4 even when the 2014 DS4 was new. The rubbers on the late 2015 DS4 don't seem to be wearing out at all. I think the people having these issues are people that have older models from 2013 - mid/early 2015. Idk if Sony changed the rubbers on the controller but the problem seems to be fixed for the most part based on my experience.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

It was a well known thing that the early controllers had quality controller issues with the rubber on the sticks. Then Sony "changed the rubbers" and reissued the controllers. Always change the rubber.

[nitus10]

You should know that in most countries a product has a one year warranty. So why did you not take the faulty DS4 controller back since most stores will do a one to one swap?

[PizzaSteve]

I never liked the concave sticks. I like the convex ones like the old PS controllers had. I don't like PS4 or XB1 sticks. That's why I have grips on mine.

[Elwenil]

No thanks, I'll stick (pun intended) with my machined aluminum, adjustable height Modsticks.

[WickedLester]

I have both consoles, bought them both at launch, and I prefer the DS4 exactly the way it is. I have two of them and both are in as good a shape today as they were at launch, There are pros and cons to both controllers. I actually like the sticks on the DS4 better because there's less dead zone and they have a slightly larger footprint.

[Ristul]

I got the aluminium sticks about a year ago, works like a charm.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zed...

[WickedLester]

Seems like over time those would kill your thumbs. Is there no cushion to them?

[Ristul]

No cushion, but they feel very comfortable, I alternate between having my thumbs in the center (feels great, and the "elevated" edge keep your thumbs from slipping off, and sometimes I have the thumbs at the edge of the sticks and those are ridged to keep the thumbs from slipping. Trust me, they work great. They are also the exact same hight as the original sticks witch I like better then the Xbox sticks.

[Free_Fro]

only thing i dislike is the battery life..

other than that.. everything is fine for me..

[welly300]

Why?? Had both no reason to change anything

[OutcastMosquito]

I've had multiple ps4 controllers hinge (R2) break on me in the past two years. They need to fix the design of the controller so that its more durable. It feels cheap.

[KingKevo]

The DS4 sticks had these issues but they completely fixed it. I had issues with 3 controllers I bought. The 20th anniversary controller I have now (the first one I bought after they fixed it (you can check the model number to know which is the old or the fixed model) and use a lot is still 100% fine and doesn't show any wear even though I use it a lot.

So at this point it comes down to which type of stick you prefer. If you really like the X1 stick or any other third party stick you could go for this but otherwise there really isn't a need to do so.

In my personal experience with a custom Scuf controller using custom sticks the DS4 sticks are way better. The rubber on the Scuf just broke after a while, the DS4 sticks are, as I said, still in perfect condition.

[Miacosa]

The XB1 sticks are awful I'd look for another option if you're looking to replace sticks.

[II__BONE__II]

lol why would I want to do this?
My PS4 controller is fine the way it is.

[Rookie_Monster]

Hmm, might be something I am interested in. My XB1 stick is better than my DS4 stick due to durability and the Ridged grip.

[Hunkaloverbear]

Yep my ps4 sticks have worn and I've used it literally less then a quarter of the time that I've used my xbox one sticks.

[Orionsangel]

Yes, this is what I wanna do with my 60+ dollar controllers, lol

[JasonKCK]

DS4 has terrible battery life. Sony did that on purpose so people would buy more controllers.

[jaixvx]

http://battlebeavercustoms.... forget the xbox one sticks, you can buy the ps3 style ones for the ds4 or the originals. I bought 4 pairs, they feel soooo much better.

[kenwonobi]

Trolling. That's a downgrade.

[SirBillyBones]

A WORD OF WARNING!

I love the DS4 but hate the sticks. I swapped out my default sticks for Xbox One sticks and everything seemed fine. However, I realised that the deadzone is slightly off in my left stick. If I push my stick fully to the side it doesn't seem to have the same range as before. When using my DS4 on my PC I have to run DS4Windows and reduce the deadzone. This has happened on two controllers now.

While playing The Division beta, after a few hours of play time I stopped being able to sprint. Pressing in the stick and pushing forward seemed to stop working properly. I put my original DS4 stick back on and it worked perfectly.

All this leads me to believe that there's a very tiny size difference between the two sticks that causes this kind of problem. I've tried 4 different replacements and it happens every time.