Playstation 4 controller issue

16BitKings - "Although I love the ergonomic design, and the inclusion of actual triggers which have, for me, made it the better of the two next-gen controllers, the problem that has arisen is in regards to the analog sticks; specifically the left one. Don’t get me wrong, they still work perfectly – but what now concerns me is the longevity of the sticks themselves."

[xHeavYx]

You can totally tell that the left side of the left stick is scrapped, the guy says he plays games like Killzone, which uses the right stick as much or even more as the left stick, but I see no damage on the left stick.
The controller also looks kind of greasy and dirty, which makes me think he doesn't take care of stuff as much as he should

[Neonridr]

First off, this guy is simply reporting what he has seen. Secondly he mentions that he has barely used the controller.

I love how suddenly if anyone brings up a problem with the PS4 it must be fake or made up.

Yes, I am sure this guy, who actually purchased a PS4 and plays with it, purposely destroyed the analog stick so that he could report it to the world and now have a defective controller. The logic in that sort of thinking baffles me to no end.

How do you know he just didn't get a poorly manufactured controller? If a console can fail and it be considered ok (assuming it's within a certain tolerance) then why is it not believable that a controller could fail as well?

You shouldn't be so quick to judge him, because if this had happened to you, I bet you would be pretty upset too.

I own a PS4 and I haven't had any issues with the controller yet either. However I have not logged a ton of hours on the machine yet, so I can only speak from my limited experience so far.

[xHeavYx]

So, you mean to say that the guy got a poorly manufactured half of the left stick? Because that's the only thing that shows damaged.
As you say that the guy is reporting what he sees, I'm also reporting what I see, but you are too busy to notice what I reported

[Neonridr]

you are reporting as to what you "think" is actually happening. You said so yourself, that you think that the only reason this is happening is because he doesn't take care of his stuff.

It's not your controller, therefore how can you say for certain what is actually happening?

My steering wheel on my car is leather wrapped and the left side of the steering wheel started peeling. The right side was fine. I hold a steering wheel with two hands. I have since gotten the wheel replaced, but it doesn't change the fact that obviously there was something wrong in the manufacturing process there. Why can the same not apply here?

I'm not saying I know what has happened, for all I know you could end up being right, but by assuming things or saying what you "think" has happened when it isn't your problem is kind of showing a little ignorance.

Again, if for some reason this had happened to you, you would most likely be upset and how would you feel if someone said that you were lying or it was your own fault?

[Gazondaily]

@Heavy

Oh give it up man. Like Neonridr said, its not your controller, so how do you know what;s happening? We should take your word over the author and HIS controller right? Sheesh

I like the DS4 but the analog sticks are its weakest parts, with quite a few people changing them to DS3 sticks. I find my fingers slipping a lot when playing BF4 (no I'm not greasy and neither is the controller). The analog sticks don't cut it I'm sorry.

[BlackTar187]

Neon i don't believe your Leather steering wheel story. Pretty convenient.

[GarrusVakarian]

My controllers left analogue stick started to wear away 4 days after i got my PS4. There seems to be a super thin layer of textured material covering both sticks, but the rubber underneath is fine. The right stick however looks the same as the day i got it.....weird.

Apart from that, it's the best controller i have ever held. I was at my friends house last night and he was playing Kingdoms Of Amalur with a 360 controller i held it and didn't like it any more (which is weird because it used to be my previous favourite controller of all time).

One other thing i wish Sony did is make the sticks concave, they put a rim around the stick to stop the thumbs slipping but i still want concave as well as that rim. Small gripe but im used to the 360's concave sticks.

[Neonridr]

@Blacktar187 - I have a 2011 Kia Sportage. Go look it up on the Kia Forums. I guarantee you, there are tons of other people who are having this issue.

here is the link if you still don't believe me. You'll see my name listed in that message board.

http://www.kia-forums.com/3...

So want to explain to me again how it's pretty convenient?

[BelkingOfSony]

I know there are reports of people changing the left analog stick for the ds3 one, but that picture looks like the user deliberately damaging the stick so that he could write an article for hits. looks like he deliberately bit off a chunk of rubber on the bottom of the analog, because there's no way he could have done that by normal use.

or you could just buy analog covers for your dualshock 4, a quick search on ebay shows this http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i...

[-Foxtrot]

The guy looks like he's digging his nails into the controller in my opinion....which your not supposed to do anyway.

[GrizzliS1987]

i wonder what kind of sick fat turd looking fingers some of you people have.

Can you be any less gentle

[Eonjay]

I play Resogun like an addict and incase you haven't played, its all analog sticks. I haven't had a single problem yet.

[sobekflakmonkey]

I have to say, my left thumb stick is wearing out as well, I think it's because a lot of the games out on the next gen consoles use primarily the left thumb stick (Knack, AC:BF) even FPS' do, in an FPS you're constantly moving, so you constantly have your thumb on the left stick, and it's more often that you'd take you're right thumb off the right stick than you would the left, it's not just this one dude, it's been happening to a lot of people, and I don't think saying "just go BUY more stuff for your controller to protect it" is a good response to that, mine wore out after beating Killzone: Shadow fall and then Knack, at the end of Knack I could feel it flaking off, so I looked at it and sure enough my left stick was falling apart, I also take good care of my controller, its either in my hand or next to my PS4 when I turn it off, so I don't think this report is BS at all, I think this might be a small issue for Sony.

Also, to clarify, I cut my nails, and I don't dig them into my controller, I play with the bottom part of the top part of my thumb, if that makes sense.(dunno the name of that part of my thumb)

[SpringHeeledJack]

@septic

LOL what a hypocrite telling him to give it up, maybe you should take your own advice with your constant hate on the ps4 and it's games.

My fingers slipped on the ds3 thumbsticks which had no grip, so why would anyone change to them over the ps4 with it's increased grip.

Give it rest with the hate man.

[FriedGoat]

I have this same issue, have completed knack and played a bit of motherload. This is definitely a manufacturing issue.

[HiddenMission]

@Neonridr

Bro use your eyes those are scratches and gouges not rub marks. Excessive rubbing leaves a different wear pattern than sharp indents with curvatures in the shape of finger nails. Also those are clear puncture marks.

I've worked in product quality for over a decade and seen these types of damage in products before and it's not wear and tear it's due to constant scratching and picking. With the gouges either something was gnawing at the surface or intentionally trying to peel into it.

This is the second picture I've seen like this in a week and both are clearly not due to product wear.

[gaffyh]

I don't understand how the right stick has almost no wear and the left stick is completely messed up.

[DragonKnight]

That picture is highly suspicious. The kind of damage showing indicates 3 possibilities.

First: The coating is loosely held on, causing rubbing to occur, but this would only matter if...

Second: Underneath the coating is rough and the friction and grating cause this to happen.

FinallY: The person playing it has sandpaper for hands.

I saw one picture where it looked like the guy took a serrated knife to the sticks. The kind of damage showing up just doesn't look like it comes from legitimate use.

[AliTheSnake1]

I hate the Analog sticks on the Dualshock 4. Small, stiff and the concave makes the edge of the rubber wear off fast. Specially for FPS players (sprinting). Everything else in the controller is an improvement, I love the triggers, shoulder buttons, arrows and the grip. But I hate the analog sticks, I wish they used the Dualshock 3 ones.

[ThanatosDMC]

@Septic

You have a PS4? I call BS.

[KratosSaveUs]

When people do bring up a problem about PS4 its usually something stupid and not true. Like the analog sticks thing.

[gaffyh]

@Thanatos - There's a video of Septic in a queue to collect a launch PS4. So he almost definitely has one, unless he gave up half way in the queue and went home.

[abzdine]

the sticks really seems solid, i don't know how this can happen.

[WeedyOne]

@Neonridr

Your steering wheel story only solidifies the fact that this is a user issue and not a manufacturing issue.

You say it was the left side of your steering wheel that wore down? Are you married? I only ask because usually steering wheel wear like that is due to rings scraping against the leather...

Almost all car forums have people complaining about wear on the steering wheel. I always ask if they wear rings and the answer is almost always yes.

[dantesparda]

Mine did the same thing after just one week of playing (about 15 hours of play), here is a video i made of it on youtube. And here is a 33-page thread of it on neogaf http://www.neogaf.com/forum... and reddit http://www.reddit.com/r/PS4...

This is a real issue and i have a second controller that started to do it after just a couple of uses. And i was being even more careful with the second one. This is a real issue that needs to be fixed by Sony asap. And making the customer pay to ship it them is not cool at all, not to mention that you will be without your controller for a 103 wks. I shouldnt have to pay extra because of their bad workmanship/quality. And fanboys calling fake on this will just give Sony cover to not do as much to fix it.

[dantesparda]

oops i meant "1 to 3 weeks"

My Six Axis controller from 2007 is in almost flawless condition, as are my other 2 DS3's controllers (from 2007 and 2010) after years of use. And no other controller i've ever had since the Atari 2600 has ever had a problem but the DS4 is worn out like this after just a week of use? GTFO of here, this is definitely a Sony quality/manufacturing problem and it needs to be fixed ASAP! And Sony should not be making people pay for their mistake.

[Neonridr]

@WeedyOne - how is it only a user issue when there was like 10 other people in that link I posted experiencing the same problem? We all had to have our steering wheels replaced (free of charge since they were covered under the warranty). If I was the only person experiencing the problem, then I would agree with you.

And to answer your question, yes I am married. And at first I thought it was exactly what you just mentioned. I originally thought the wheel was peeling because it was where my left hand was and where my ring would contact the wheel. That observation was only true for a short while however, because upon closer examination the wheel starting peeling on the right side and up around the top. It was more severe on the left side, but that was also because the left side peeled first so it had degraded further along than the other locations on the wheel. It was not just a wedding ring issue.

But Kia acknowledged that there was a problem with the steering wheel peeling, so it was not a one-off. Even Road & Track mentioned it in their one year later review of the Sportage. Their steering wheel had started to peel in places as well. The new wheel is completely different, the leather is thicker and of a completely different make. The original wheel had very thin leather on it. Definitely a manufacturing issue.

[ThanatosDMC]

@gaffyh

I'd rather have him friend me on PSN or something. He spouts too much BS to be taken seriously.

[Z_-_D_-_3]

I have most definitely had issues with my left stick deteriorating quite rapidly. I resorted to buying grip-its.

[wsoutlaw87]

They are new sticks, I think everyone just needs to adjust how they use them. I really liked the ds3 sticks and never had a slipping problem. I also like these sticks now that I adjusted the way i put my finger on them. to damage your sticks on the ds4 you must really be pushing on the edge hard and just the edge. Everyone needs to adjust to something new. When some people get nervous a lot they are very rough to their controller so this can happen but it does look kind of ridiculous.

[PX54]

"Yes, I am sure this guy, who actually purchased a PS4 and plays with it, purposely destroyed the analog stick so that he could report it to the world and now have a defective controller. The logic in that sort of thinking baffles me to no end."
You've clearly not seen the videos of people buying a new console then exiting the shop and smashing it - for no reason other to say "I have money to burn, this is how much I hate this company" - which in itself if idiotic because once the company has your money I don't think they'll care you smashed up your console.

Trust me there are people in this world who can't think of anything better to do than waste their money for 5 seconds of fame. To me the controller images look like miss-use as opposed to a fault. These are probably the same people who leave their disks out of their cases then complain when they get scratches and won't play anymore.

Also - the console has been on sale for a few weeks, it was only days after launch when this 'issue' first came up. I find it hard to believe that with all the games conventions where the PS4 was playable to the public, and even the ones where they were only open to the press that NONE of them experienced this issue.

[Bennibop]

Have to agree this doe not look like general wear. I would expect the edge on the rubber to have smoothed. And the controller does look a little abused in general.

[iamnsuperman]

I agree. There is some sign of wear and tear but the majority of the damage looks like he has been jabbing his nail into it. Either that or he has been munching on it (wouldn't surprise me as that controller is greasy as hell)

[frostypants]

It seems like someone could *easily* make a nice, ergonomic/unobtrusive aftermarket rubber cap of some kind to put over each stick to protect against this supposed deterioration. If the problem is actually common, then someone will see the money to be made off it. If no one does, then it's probably not a widespread issue.

Could be just a bad batch of material used for a limited manufacturing run of these sticks. Maybe that's why a few are insisting that it's a problem while so many are claiming otherwise.

[dantesparda]

I have the problem, but your take on it is very sensible. I like that you dont take to being a defensive fanboy about it.

[popup]

The factories will take note, make changes and slowly problems like these (if it even exists) will go away. Is someone really going to change their mind about buying a PS4 over something like this? No.

[PersonMan]

I would.

[MikeGdaGod]

i'm not going to go so far to say this isn't a potential problem with the DS4 controller (although i've been playing mine almost nonstop since launch with no issues at all) because i clearly don't know.

but i will say this picture looks EXTRA fake. there's no way the controller would have those type of scratches on it from just normal wear and tear....impossible.

looks like his dog got to it.

again, i'm not saying people aren't having issues...but this just looks like bs.

[supes_24]

Agreed. There's no way in hell I'm going to believe that someone's thumb caused this damage! They has to be another factor at play here because this damage was not caused by skin, which has a layer of fat under it for padding acting as a cushion. I'm not falling for it, no way. Something else is causing this besides normal use.

[MASTER_RAIDEN]

usually agree with most of your posts but what your saying now is completely wrong. I'd know because i own my own ps4 and MY controller is having this exact same problem. the fact that you try to spin it like its somehow his fault for not taking care of his controller is a joke. the console came out almost exactly a month ago (or even later). there is literally NO excuse for this type of wear on the ps4 controller after (a theoretical maximum of) one months use. i dont care how rough you think he is with the controller (even though ive seen this type of damage first hand with moderate use). sony simply did not manufacture quality sticks.

and for the record in case youre wondering why the right stick is never worn, its no conspiracy. i actually laughed out loud hearing you say the right stick gets more use than the left stick in killzone, or any other game for that matter. left stick is used for walking motions. its constantly being cranked from one extreme to another. also, pushing it down in most games is how you run. moving a players head (done with the right stick) is a much more delicate motion. also, many people (including myself) own and play need for speed. most racing games primarily use the left stick to steer, anddd theres actually almost no use of the right stick in that game. if people used the sticks 50/50, i have no doubt in my mind that the right stick would absolutely be just as worn.

[dantesparda]

Mine wore through to the plastic in just 1 WEEK! and i aint rough with it. So i know its a real issue that Sony needs to fix and fast. And all these deniers need to stop because all that does is give cover to Sony to not take responsibility and fix it as soon as they should

[Lior]

there is already wear on the left stick as well on my controller but i have 2 so hopefully the second will be alright

[mixelon]

@SoulMikeY "Guess what? If god didn't want me to judge everything, I wouldn't have the ability to."
That (and the rest of the post) has to be the most insane thing i've ever read on N4G, which is a herculean achievement!

If god didn't want me to murder these puppies, i wouldn't have the ability to!

You can use that as a justification for any behaviour because it makes no sense. If god didn't want me to rape/murder/steal/be an internet douche.. Derp.

[wsoutlaw87]

god hates puppies; fact.

[Clunkyd]

maybe he should cut his nails more often :P

[Fiestabrian]

My right joystick is starting to get burned through. I've played maybe 70 hours total, just a little rubber is coming off but I'm getting a bit worried. Luckily I have two controllers, anybody know if I can bring in my controller and get it replaced? Bought it at ebgames

[Revvin]

It's happening with my DS4 also, not as bad as the picture in the article but my left stick went through a short period of 'graining' where I first noticed the wear because it deposited tiny grains of rubber onto the touchpad. After that period the wear started to smooth out more and settled down a bit. Different people use the ministick in different ways, my 'style' is to have the pad of my thumb pushing on the top so it's the centre top part of the ministick that's worn on mine rather than the edges on other peoples ministicks which I've seen in other pictures posted on the internet. I'm quite fussy about my electrical gear and borderline OCD about washing my hands before picking up my joypad as I hate greasy sticky pads. Even so, I still think the DS4 is the best design on a joypad I've ever used, it's just a shame these ones seem to wear a bit more.

[mi_titan27]

I too am having the same problem, I'm glad its not just me

[ShadowReaper14]

Dude the same thing is happening to my controller as well and I bearly use it.

[Mr_Luke]

Uhm... i played like a crazy untill today but my sticks are still perfect. Well, lucky me i guess =P

[MestreRothN4G]

I played like a lunatic as well, then two weeks after the launch got a second controller. The difference is already very perceptive between the used and the new.

The "old" DS4 has lost most of its texture on the left analog, which is much more used and needed on games than any other button, while the new DS4 still mantain its adherents texture.

Another thing. My square button is not feeling okay lately, not coming back so quickly after a press, and I take a lot of care with my stuff. For instance, I never had to exchange my original DS3, which I have for four years and A LOT of gaming on my main platform.

I also worry if it will last 12 months...

[Drekken]

I have 2 controllers... 1 is perfect and 1 kinda has a sticky R1. I am replacing it with Amazon. Sometimes the R1 just doesn't rise back like it is supposed to.

[JodyCones]

These things always happen with controllers at launch and how fast they were manufactured, maybe be more gentle with your dualshock? Mines perfect still.

[Yo Mama]

I'm one of the biggest Sony fanboys on this site and even I'll admit there's something not right with the rubber used on the sticks. While I do suspect this guy isn't taking care of his controller (Probably digging his nail into it), I take very good care of mine and yet the rubber is still coming off fairly quickly. I'm guessing that they used a softer rubber than they used on the dualshock 3. Not a very big deal, but I can see how some people have this problem.

EDIT: @Drekken
I had the same problem after playing through the COD Ghosts campaign. If you google the problem, you'll see that it's caused by white residue building up from pressing R1 so much. This can be solved without replacing your controller, which in all honesty, is the best thing to do because it'll just happen again to the new one.

Basically, you open up the contoller, clean under the trigger then apply a small amount of mechanical grease/lube. That will keep the friction down so it wont keep happening. There's videos on youtube showing how.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[MestreRothN4G]

Without a doubt they changed the material.

Do you remember that "I hope it doesn't get slimy" speech from Sony?

[mandf]

No problem here. Internet always makes things out to be bigger then they are.

[Neonridr]

... or if anyone does have an issue, the internet is quick to call someone out as a liar for simply reporting something that is happening to them.

[mandf]

No if you really have a problem, then state your psn name. It helps to solidify a claim by someone. Most use anonymity to bolster their agenda falsely making any claim they want. If a known ps fan said something negative it holds weight. Most claims are just bogus.

[Neonridr]

@mandf - I don't doubt that there definitely people out there that take a situation and blow it out of proportion or troll for hits.

This person may or may not be that, but since I don't know the person, It's hard for me to say one way or another. I don't like to call someone out for something that I have no connection to.

[BelkingOfSony]

if it's a nobody website, they're likely fishing for hits. the bottom part of the analog does not look like normal wear and looks deliberate.

[WeAreLegion]

This is a big problem though. We need to let Sony know about this, so it doesn't keep happening.

[JodyCones]

Exactly my dualshock 4 and all my friends work perfectly, I think this guy is too rough with his controller, but also these things do happen at launch.

[jahfen83]

no freaking way! either your thumb is rough like sand paper , or you are digging into the controller with your fingernails.

[Fixay]

My left control stick seems to have worn down quite a lot. I think it has something to do with me always clicking in and pushing forward on the left stick. I'm no fanboy but this has definitely happened to my controller. My controller was from the Knack bundle (Made In China) bundle if that helps and I look after my stuff!

Also my R1 button always seems to slightly get stuck in if i press it on the right hand side. If i press the button exactly in the middle though it on't do it. Odd but does get annoying when i Play Warframe and always use my melee weapons.

Edit: Oh wow I just checked the pictures and mine is nothing like that! lmao Mine has become smoother if that makes sense. For example the embossed rubber is now becoming flat and in line with the middle of the thumb stick near the top.

[jahfen83]

I play a lot of Warframe and discovered the problem is with the game not the controller.

[Fixay]

The games good imo, just very grindy at first and repetitive. Hopefully that will change with updates

[GirlOnFire]

Rarely my controller starts moving the left stick by itself I think its imagination though.. I don't know it seems to work fine because I'm still on top of the list on Ghosts. ^~^

[Juste_Belmont]

I've never had a problem with my DS3 controllers, although I have noticed that the left sticks get some kind of strange slimy texture if I don't use them for awhile.

I take really good care of my stuff though and I even opened up and cleaned out an old DS2 that I recently bought from a used game store that now works great. Not everyone takes good care of their things, and even if this guy's controller issue is legit there are usually easy fixes for these kinds of problems.

[Ripsta7th]

I call BS on it. When i saw the reddit one from before i was worriyng, but when i got my ps4 and saw the controller i knew i would not be having problems with it. I have played bf4, cod and KZ already and have had my ps4 since launch and it still feels new

[the worst]

NO issues here. im loving it

[sprinterboy]

Mine seems ok after many hrs of gameplay from launch day but I must admit that the grips feel more slippy than ever and yes I do clean mine, especially with resogun where I have found my thumbs slip alittle just like they used to on the ps3 playing fifa, generally no problems though

[ramiuk1]

its funny this because this and i explain why in my experience.
when i got my pad in hand my thumbs felt glued to the sticks,i couldnt get my thumbs to move a mm on top of them.
i played since launch in UK and clocked in over 50 hours easily(finished KZ,fia 14 alot and bf4)
but last couple of days i have noticed that my thums dont feel glued to it anymore and they do slip slighty at times.
i need to get a brand new pad to see if its just my head or thumbs but ihave definatly noticed a change in grip on them.

still an amazing console,but im looking to get some of the ORB covers from amazon to solve issue

[one2thr]

wipe the sticks with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, it helps a lot.

[ramiuk1]

will try that cheers.
hope the alcohol dont rot my rubber though.

although it will be an excuse to get the magma red version :)

[cuetes]

I've been gaming hard on the PS4 since its release and I have no problems, this guy is just hunting for hits..its his fault that controller looks that way..I would say it's pretty obvious.

[MarchingPowder]

Any proof for this? Or are you just assuming. I was just wondering as I've had the same problem, and you seem to have all the answers.

[cuetes]

Proof? Yeah its called owning the console.

You seem hurt did I push a button on your pathetic feelings board? Get over it!

[Duke19]

Mass produced electronics... it happens. Could've gotten a dud rubber analog stick cover.

Haven't noticed any excessive wear on my DS4. The textured grip surface isn't as pronounced as it was brand new, but thats to be expected imo.

[brich233]

Any Other PS4 players with perfect analog sticks should post thier pics to counter this one. Problem solved.

[Nik_P757]

I have two controllers that have no problems at all. One of them has had very heavy gameplay on it. It looks like he chewed on it or something.

[MarchingPowder]

Good point. It hasn't directly affected you, so it can't be valid.

Read multiple other comments confirming the issue, rather than just assuming.

[evilbart]

Love the controller but unfortunately I am seeing wear on both sticks also,have played 100hours +

[BattleTorn]

I've played similar hours, and with owning two controllers, I can't say I've noticed much wear if any.

What I can say is - don't get butter on 'em.

Butter sticks to those thumbsticks like crazy. (I like bagels for breakfast)

I clean my controllers and hands often cause I like the feel anyways :P

[123pol]

every one of these controller "issues" with the ds4 all have the same nail marks on the stick.
how the F do you expekt the sticks rubber to last when you treat it like its indestructible.
cut your NAILS !

ive been playing cod and killzone now for 18 days EVERY NIGHT 5 - 6 h ( almost 100 hours ) and the controller looks EXACTLY as it did when i got it. not even a hint on deterioration on the sticks.

SO I CALL THIS BULL*

[tigertom53]

I have seen many stores with the same issue am sure if it working fine now but a few months down the road they will all have this issue,,

[123pol]

the same in stores. the controllers are mistreated and these articles probably add some trolls who will try to damage the controller or someone who is concerned about the sticks and will try to do the same and see if its true.

for now at least mine is fine. and it would suck really hard if it breaks, and now if the rubber deteriorates as fast as these articles say sony will probably fix them free of charge ( ive seen one guy who got his replaced )since its within the 1st year warranty

[one2thr]

Why is it, that no one ever put a before picture whenever they post an after picture, or am I the only person to take pictures of expensive merchandise before it's put to use?

And I found out the best way to get rid of a grease controller/joystick/analog surface is to wipe them down after every long period of gaming with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, it REALLY breaks down the oil that your hands/fingers release, and it doesnt harm your controller at all or even other electronics(i even use it on my tv whnever i see finger prints on it)

Question: Does anyone else have a hard time typing things on here wit a PSVita?

[JonnyBigBoss]

I don't like the DS4 nearly as much as everyone else. The sticks are poor, the triggers aren't hooked enough, and the battery life is abysmal.

[ichdich]

Xbox one controller is better, i got both of them..

[MisfitsInc]

the damage to the left analog looks like he just scratched at it with a screwdriver

[one2thr]

or sucked on it, it looks like a damaged babys teething ring

[WeAreLegion]

It does look like that, but trust me. That's just how they wear down. Strange, isn't it?

[tigertom53]

been to a few stores with the same issue of wear on the thumb sticks I think their was an article a few weeks ago on this too, it seems to be an issue with heavy use, which am sure a few months down the road more people will be having issues with the sticks because their the controller sticks are not one sold piece..

[yocdub]

My DS4 is doing the exact same thing, the rubber coating is wearing off the left stick, so this guy is not alone with this issue.

[WeAreLegion]

I have never had an issue with wearing down a thumb pad, but I'm having that issue with the DualShock 4. :/ I'm very gentle with my controllers, but that pad is already wearing thin. I hope they fix this in the future. My brother is having the same issue. I'm glad I have a physical damage warranty though. Otherwise, I'd be pissed.

EDIT: For those talking about nails... It's NOT nails doing this. The rubber tears and you get those cracks in it, like the author has. It has nothing to do with nails.

[Joey_Leone]

I completed contrast 100% and got the platinum to bf4 and still have no issues with the controller and theres no damages as well. My honest advice, cut your nails dude.

[Majin-vegeta]

I call BS my controller has been in the hands of at least 15+people with major hours of gaming and it still looks like when i bought it.Either you have long mofo nails or you took something straight to it.

[BattleTorn]

I sure looks to have 'cuts' in it.. or nail marks.

[InTheLab]

Had to go out and buy covers for my DS4. The analog sticks do wear down faster than any controller ive ever owned.

Going foward, Sony should ship caps for all until they fix the problem.

Also, is this really worth defending? Every controller has flaws and the DS4 is no exception.

This is an easy fix but that bettery life o.O is terrible.

[Joey_Leone]

Cut your nails, problem solved.

[InTheLab]

No gouges on the sticks but it looks visibly worn. Im not some greasey teenager either and take good care of my s###

I've already solved the problem by buying the caps but i shouldnt have to.

Instead of defending stupid s$$$ with dumb solutions, why not bring it to Sony's attention so they can fix it?

[Joey_Leone]

How can they fix something that Isn't broken? Its your nails dude, look at them.

[InTheLab]

What's wrong with you?

[BelkingOfSony]

the guy who wrote this, saw the reports on people replacing their analogs with the ds3 analogs, and decided to go 'hit fishing', and took a chunk out of the bottom of the analog with his freddie kruger nails.

WTF and NO.

[nevin1]

DS1/2/3 is better.

[swishersweets20031]

the rubber coating is cheap and very thin on the plastic sticks, i've already changed my sticks twice now. No i do not have long finger nails and i play with my thumb flat on the stick. So to those nay sayers in disbelief saying this stuff is fake. Dose of reality, it is true and it does happen. Check out other forums many people are having the same issue.

[vitullo31]

It's true mine are starting to rip off already.. it sucks but it's the reality of it.. still love the new controller that's about my only issue with it is the cheap rubber on the sticks.

[Klonoa-dreamtraveler]

my controller is worse there is no rubber on my left stick anymore and the right rubber is getting there. this has been said by many people aready that the rubber of the joysticks are wearing out too fast everyone has to stop making stupid excuses about how it was done purposely. quit the damage control this is an issue that needs to be acknowledged and fixed.

[Ninjamonkey82]

Pretty sure its recommended not letting the dog chew on most left analog sticks on all control pads :D. You will find you won't run into any issues :D. Fcuk sake the things been out a few weeks yet this idiot thinks its a prefect time to think its done enough with the controller to think its gave it good wear and tear test :D.

[Kidmyst]

Looks liks something was used to clean it that broke down the rubber , or a pet got a hold of it. Could be a bad stick, but I've used my DS4 for probably 6-80 playing hours now and mine still looks new. I don't eat and play though and am pretty anal about keeping my electronics clean.

[Lockon]

I have a sticky R1 :/.

[DesertFox79]

Me to :( it was like that when i got it !!

[ITFGaming]

The battery life of the control in freaking retarded! Been charging mine daily.

[assdan]

It looks like he spilled a bunch of crap on it. Of course it's damaged if you treat it poorly. I've been playing an average of probably 1-3hours a night on my ps4 since day one. I have had absolutely none of the problems some other people have been complaining about on here.

[CyrusLemont]

I've heard about this analog problem from everyone, I seem to be really lucky or must have great fingers! I platinum'd Knack and I've already put 30 hours into Killzone and my controller doesn't have any signs of wear on it whatsoever! I wonder what's causing it? Greasy/dirty fingers? Long nails accidentally digging into it every now and then, so when you play with your thumbs, they tear off a bit each time. Hmmm I honestly don't know.

[bromtown]

I had wear on my Xbox 360 controllers analogues so I know it can happen but it looked nothing like this, this looks like it's been nibbled by something, whereas the 360 sticks went smoother and smoother, first the bumps went, and then the softer grippy rubber started to chunk off revealing the shiny molded plastic beneath.
I've had my PS4 since launch day, so has my brother, we've probably clocked 60-100 hours on each controller and we've not seen anything. All I can think is bad batch if it's not sabotage/ mistreatment - I have a theory that this mainly afflicts the DS4 which were available for sale before the console launched.

[crazysammy]

At my store I see all the time used controllers from the PS3 and 360 consoles with the nastiest most destroyed analog sticks (among other things) Its not the controller its the user. Obviously the way this guy plays his sticks get messed up, but I used my PS3 dual shock and my XB360 controllers for years and never had it wear down. It sucks his playstyle causes the sticks to wear, but its not some universal flaw in the controller.

[ShadowL9]

This guy has never touched a 360 controller obviously. Those things wore out the rubber on the sticks quite fast for me. Never had a problem with my ps3 sticks' rubber or my ps4's.

[tigertom53]

ds3 had hard plastic so I can understand why it lasted but it not as nice as soft rubber...

[PersonMan]

The dualshock 3 had rubber. What the heck are you talking about?

[svoulis]

Easily over 100 hours on my PS4 clocked in, and not one issue. Guess if this is a problem its probably a manufacturing defect, which isn't uncommon.

[tigertron]

I've been playing Killzone pretty much non-stop and I've had no problems with the analogue sticks. Not saying this guy hasn't had a problem, but it must be a defective controller.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

Im gunna get some of those stick covers I think :) just to be safe

[ThatOneGuyThere]

dude needs to trim his nails. end of story.

[D-riders]

looks liek you were chewing on that controller. also if that is your problem who cares. buy another one

[spaceg0st]

I have put over 100 hours into Battlefield four, and while I can see some wear on the sticks, this guy must be using his nails to dig into the controller.

[DesertFox79]

My R1 button is broken. It jams or stuck when i push it :( 10 hours used !!

[1nsomniac]

I have this issue with my L1 button as well it clicks & sticks then pops back up. Getting it replaced at the weekend. Thumb stick & shoulder button knackered after just 2 weeks. This needs to be sorted by Sony quick as it's obviously becoming more & more apparent this is becoming a serious fault.

[spike]

I did break a controller a week later. I slammed it on my sofa. Lucky for me I had warranty. I did that several times with my PS3 controller and nothing ever happened.

[RE_L_MAYER]

im sick of charging that thing and that bright ass light on controller doesnt help it

[KratosSaveUs]

Stop crying you crybaby. The light bar isn't even bright and its LED so it doesn't really drain power. Charge it when you go to bed and it will be ready for the next day. Unless your one of those people with no life that plays 20 hours a day.

[tubers]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Apparently it does on the DS4.

[KratosSaveUs]

I play my PS every day and I've never had an issue with the DS4. And on my dads PS his DS4 is perfect too. Most of these guys are just trolling or don't know how to take care of a controller.

[meday354]

I once loaned a friend my dual shock 3 controller for about 48hrs, when i went back for it i asked him was this my dual shock 3 controller he said yes. The controller look like i went to war literally. Point is some people use controllers bad no matter how strong it is someone will destroy it.

[PSnation4]

wth.. who uses those controllers in the article picture? wolverine?

[crazysammy]

I was thinking Doomsday... lol

[lephunk]

i too have the same problem... i've already had to switch one out thru amazon... but now my other one is beginning to peel...
i mean... if this is the only problem my ps4 is having, then thats not too bad...
but it should still be resolved and addressed...
i still have my ps1 dual shock going strong...
and my new ps4 controller is rubbing away.. haha
have faith in sony... they'll figure something out.

[PersonMan]

This article is true. Look at the demo unit at Best Buy. The left stick rubber is completely missing.

I've never seen this happen to any other demo unit from the PS1, PS2 and PS3 eras. What does that tell you?

I've used DualShock 3 controllers for years and the sticks have no wear on the rubber parts whatsoever.

[MarchingPowder]

Mine have done the same, however, I am fully enjoying the people who's understanding of logic follows this pattern: Hasn't happened to me = Can't be true.

Don't base conclusions on ideas without evidence.

[frankiebeans]

rubber on my controller is also peeling just not as dramatic as that because I havent played it much because after a week killzone and battlefield got boring.

[Vipre77]

I'd be he uses lotion on his hands. Lotion contains oils that will cause some rubber materials to break down quickly. Had a Canon camera a while back with this problem. The rubber handgrip disintegrated instantly when I used it after applying sunscreen on day while shooting an air show.

[1nsomniac]

I'm one of the many that has this problem & reported it on the dozen other websites that I have come across without any searching whatsoever who have report this issue. So it has to be pretty widespread now.

My left thumb stick is pealing off and falling apart day by day also The L1 button - the least used button on the pad clicks & sticks when I press it. Although it's a better pad ergonomically the quality of it is shocking. I'm planning to get it replaced on the weekend & I've had it for just over 2 weeks. It's truly rubbish quality & the only thing letting down my ps4 at the moment!

[tubers]

This has been quite documented at gaf since day one.

33 page thread and other threads of it have had less than 10 pages.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

It's true.

The materials of the sticks aren't as durable compared to predecessor and competition.

[strickers]

Best pads I've ever owned. 2 pads, no issues and 6 friends with no issues. Not saying it isn't true, just odd.

[Lboogieskells]

The guys finger must be made of brillo pads. I have no problems with my DS4 regarding ware and tear.

[Aleithian]

My controller is fine, and I've put many hours into playing. My bet is that some controllers have poor quality sticks due to an error in production. Doesn't seem to be a big issue.

[LKHGFDSA]

This is old news, it's simply a dodgey batch of material. Most controllers don't have this problem.

[Jac5al]

Tons of hours on my DS4. I have only noticed the rubber starting to chafe a little around the edges, that's it.

[cell989]

I have 2 DS4 s and I've had 0 problems with them

[iRobotGaming]

This is the exact same thing that happen to my left ps4 joystick after using it for a few hours. I think it was due to my fingernail. The material on the stick is easy to scratch off but not that easy to rub off. Ebay has replacement ps4 joysticks and ps4 joystick covers.

[EpilepticButcher]

This exact same thing has happened to me clocked about 20-30 hours on both,and it's just the left sticks too. Whyyyy

[Elda]

I had my PS4 since launch & I play Resogun alot using both analog sticks & I've yet to exp any problems like this,I think it's how you handle your controllers,some people are naturally heavy handed & some are not.

[RufioLumos]

I have several controllers, over several different consoles, that a similar thing has happened to.
The thing that is common about this problem is that the controls were only damaged after other people had used them.

I'm pretty sure this only happens due to the way the controller is held. Nails not thumb tips, I reckon!