Ugly PS4 Controller Upgrade Proves Sony Hasn't Learned to Crib from Xbox

Sony's ugly new accessory for the DualShock 4 adds back paddles to the PS4 controller, but the gaming company needs to start copying Xbox.

[italiangamer]

I knew this was a ccn article just by reading the title, from what cave those guys came out? 🤣

[darthv72]

I wouldnt call it ugly. I kind of like the idea of a little add-on to remap buttons. Only thing is you got to flip it over to see the mapping as opposed to having an on-screen (in game) configuration option. though Im sure they are working on just such a solution for the PS5.

It reminds me of the circle pad attachments for the 3ds. Adding a second circle pad made a big difference in a few games. And it was pretty seamless to get it working... and more comfortable too.

[Muzikguy]

I don't see anything wrong with the controller except the low battery life. One of mine is probably 4 hours max

[gamer7804]

I love the DualShock d-pad, share button and face buttons, they should keep those but redesign the rest. the analog sticks are too slippery after just a few uses, the triggers don't feel very good, and they need to get rid of that light bar (rumor is that the new controller doesn't have it) which would help increase the poor battery life. either that or move to rechargeable AA or battery pack solutions.

[Hardiman]

Right on the money. I have 2 and just charge one while I'm using the other. Now I do have to get up and walk to my tv stand but I think I'm gonna be ok! I still have my day one Duelshock 4 and haven't wore out my analog stick covers.

[BLizardXD]

"Official DualShock 4 attachment"

a possibility that the ps5 dev kit is the new design.
just saying.

[bouzebbal]

This is definitely a concern. Except if the back button has built in battery

[sampsonon]

i have two controllers and a charging docking station i got online for $15.
i haven't even thought about the battery life in years.

plus, i rarely play 4 hrs because, well, i have a life. 2 hrs at the most these days.

[fiveby9]

The battery life on my DS4s are very good. Only my OG DS4 after so many recharges is not lasting as long. I truly like the DS4. Comfortable to hold, not too heavy, share button is useful and I love I can plug headphones into it.

[RangerWalk267]

100% agree. I've had to replace my DualShock 3x in two years. The battery losses it's ability to keep a charge for more than a few hours. They certainly need to give an option to buy one with replaceable battery packs.

[fr0sty]

Gamer, if you had a background in electronics and had any idea how little that LED light bar affects the DS4's battery life, you'd have a chuckle when reading your comment.

[rdgneoz3]

You could just get an 8 foot charging cable and plug it in from time to time while playing. They're cheap as hell on Amazon.

[Loktai]

@ranger

Dude you can replace the battery it doesn't void the warranty it's 4 little philips scews .

[Muzikguy]

@frosty

Yes it would take more juice from my already bad on battery controllers. Good thing I have an unused one still. I should probably open it 😂

[Jin_Sakai]

“Ugly PS4 Controller Upgrade Proves Sony Hasn't Learned to Crib from Xbox“

Another ccn.com rubbish article. This is an add on for the 100+ million DualShock 4 controllers that are already in hands of gamers for $30.

The Sony back button trailer already has more views and likes than the Xbox Elite Series 2 E3 reveal. I’m pretty sure people like it.

I’m also pretty sure DS5 will come with paddles standard after seeing this revealed today. That along with all the other features make me even more excited to see the DualShock 5 in February.

[darthv72]

I have a feeling the DS5 will have something similar and this may also be a sign of being able to use a DS4 on the PS5 with this little add-on. I'm liking the notion that you can use controllers across multiple systems.

[ziggurcat]

@darth: You may be right about that. It's what came to mind when I saw this add-on.

[ThinkThink]

This feels like they are testing the market for either their own Premium Pro controller or perhaps considering it for the DS5. Also, it could have its own battery source to not drain the DS4.

[SwampthingsSon]

Agreed. You might need to ask the doctor to up your dose. Obsession doesn't look good on you.

[SierraGuy]

Wtf does "crib from Xbox" even mean?

[Muzikguy]

I was wondering that too

[crazyCoconuts]

Let's not forget MS had the 3.5mm attachment on the bottom of the One controllers. I think they also made a keyboard attachment as well

[ElementX]

I liked the chat pad

[gangsta_red]

Who remembers the keyboard for the playstation 3 controller? That thing was horrid, extremely awkward and near impossible to type on.

[crazyCoconuts]

I actually have no issue with any of these attachments. Just pointing out that augmenting a controller with an add on is not anything new or unique to one company

[darthv72]

I have one of those, it's not that bad. I much prefer the one on the 360 as it sits below the controller instead of above but otherwise both seem to do okay for themselves.

I will say the 360 pad (and xbo pad) is better designed since it just plugs into the controller as opposed to the ps3 one (which just clips on). The PS3 chatpad needs its own connection to the system instead of linking directly with the controller. It also needs its own charge cable so you have to use two cords for one controller.

[Christopher]

It was. The gyroscope motion keyboard option on PS4 is a great option that moves away from needing that hardware at all (reminded me of old manual keyboard smart phones where you were pressing keys with your nails). I do wish both would vastly improve on their auto-fill options. You would think both would prioritize game names/abbreviations or at least learn from what I use most often, but it doesn't seem that they do for the most part (it's quasi on PS4, but extremely limited and decides on when it remembers anything).

[gangsta_red]

I don't think that was the intention of the article to suggest others have done something new or unique.

[Knushwood Butt]

I think the intention of the article is clear from the title...

Still, it would be funny if Sony are deliberately announcing this after the new xbox reveal to make MS consider going back to the drawing board for their new controller.

[gangsta_red]

@Butt

Not really sure what an add on to Sony's controller would make MS rethink their own.

It seems like this is a lazy attempt to answer MS Elite controller.

[Knushwood Butt]

In that case MS are good to go!

[CaptainCook]

The adapter for Xbox One controllers? I use that on my Xbox One S controller all the time, to mute, Mic/game volume up/down.

[Spurg]

Just make a premium PlayStation elite controller...This is just a tacked-on feature.

[crazyCoconuts]

But the market has already provided a solution to that problem...

[AspiringProGenji]

They want Sony to copy Microsoft so they can mock sony

[badz149]

@AspiringProGenji

definitely! especially now that MS is already copying Sony with the Share button and internal battery for their next controller LOL

[darthv72]

@both above, Sony has copied MS a few times now (like removable face plates, internal hdd, themed systems/controllers... etc) and vice versa. It's nothing new. And are we sure the new X controller will have internal (rechargeable) battery? I much prefer user replaceable but if they finally adopted rechargeable then so be it. Also the existing xbo controllers use internal batteries (meaning the batteries fit into the controller). It was the 360 that had an external battery holder.

[ThinkThink]

@Badz149,

I really hope that MS doesn't force the rechargeable battery in the new controllers. MUCH prefer the AA's for convenience. At least give us the option so that we're not stuck with an internal battery.

[AspiringProGenji]

Darth

Everything you mentioned has been done in other products. MS did not invent those. And themed consoles really? PS2 had done that by the time MS joined the war

[Christopher]

https://www.astrogaming.com...

https://www.razer.com/gb-en...

https://www.amazon.com/Cont...

Microsoft makes controllers (including adaptive), Sony makes headsets and VR. But they certify third-parties (all above are PS certified). I get the desire, but it's not like both companies aren't supporting hardware in various ways, but neither can do it entirely.

[ThinkThink]

Or do both, an affordable add on for the DS4 that gets the job done and a Pro controller with all the bells and whistles built in. I want to see what a sony controller would look like if they spared no expense.

[Smokehouse]

weirdo.

[Z501]

AA batteries?

[Christopher]

Powered by the controller. Plugs into the port that you use to charge it on a stand.

[Zeke68]

Isn't it connected in the "mysterious" dataport right beside the headset port? (towards you as the player)
The charging port is under the light bar on the other side.. (towards your TV) I guess I have to see that video again 🤔😉
EDIT: Just rewatched the video on Sonys blog. I was right. You can clearly see the charging port is free too use as normal.

[Christopher]

@Zeke68 That bottom port is used by charging stands as well. I didn't say it covered the port on top of the controller which is what most people use to charge via cable.

[Loktai]

Zeke a lot of charging stands use the bottom port.

[Zeke68]

I wouldn't use that port for charging. If you measure that port vs the regular charging port you'll see that you wont charge the battery fully, and that will for sure damage the battery and it's lifetime.

[timotim]

Certain people want to talk about whats ugly in terms of hardware...have a crack at this one.

[Knushwood Butt]

This is a bold design.

[timotim]

😄 I'm sure it is Sir...never before seen. +1

[Knushwood Butt]

Seen as this chain has gone somewhat off the rails, I just want to point out that I was just having a laugh myself and quoting Phil about bold design.

I don't think it's bold, or ugly... May look a bit bulky but I'd like to try it for myself.

Season's greetings!

[TKCMuzzer]

Well, you see what I do when I game is I stare at my controller all the time because how it looks effects my hands.
There is nothing wrong with it, most of its on the back.
The article writer is typical modern day journalism.
Sony: Lets make an accessible attachment for a low price for the millions and millions of PS4 dual shock 4's out there.
Click bait Journalists: No, make a really expensive dualshock 4 that will only appeal to a niche market and sod all those other gamers that might want to try out something to see whether it will benefit them.

[Realms]

Nice try it's an optional add on that has no barring on the actual controller design. Now compare MS's lack of creativity with their most recent unveiling and it's not hard to see why many have criticized MS lack of effort. On the topic of ugly design options MS has way more cloth to cut than Sony just saying.

[Masterchief_thegoat]

You can’t go wrong with 30 bucks

[IRetrouk]

I dont see the issue, it adds functionality to an already great controller, great option for those that want it, without breaking the bank on more expensive options, I dont see what's so ugly about it though, it's a rounded piece of black plastic face on and a nice set of extra buttons and an oled screen on the back🤷‍♂️.

Looking at it again face on kinda puts me in mind of the n64 pad.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Looks like the DS4 is pregs... or it has a tumor.

[Imalwaysright]

Or is taking a mondo duke...

[DaDrunkenJester]

Haha or its turned on.

[Traecy]

Sony doing their own thing with their products for their customers. The option to enhance is only $30, there's no need to copy XB.

[After10Ben]

I like it.

[Christopher]

"It’s a weak imitation of the Xbox Elite controller."

It's not an imitation of it at all. It's just an option. Imitation would be if Microsoft did this for the base controller and then Sony followed suit. I mean, there are 4 certified pro controllers for the PS4, most of them having back buttons already that have been out for years. Why weren't those imitation the Elite controller (other than two were out before the Elite controller was)?

"Sony needs to make something along the lines of a DualShock 4 Pro."

They already do through third-party certified pro controllers, of which there is more than just one option out there.

[Loktai]

They are just reeling over the heavily panned, laughing stock new Xbox design and need to retaliate at something, anything. Same way they had to attack godfall even though it's just a random third party pc game getting a ps5 port and not comparable to Microsoft's 1st party showcase trailer .

[cd1]

I understand there are 3rd party options available but i would still love to see an official DS5 Pro pad, made from better materials, adjustable sticks and with more metal internals. I dont necessarily need extra buttons and i certainly dont want them as paddles on the back - i'd only end up accidentally mashing them in the heat of battle :)

[Christopher]

Trust me, you wouldn't if designed properly. The Elite paddles have that issue, but can be easily removed and stored when you don't need them. The others have been hard to accidentally press.

[RosweeSon]

Yeah stop making good exclusives, stop selling a great console give up on VR like Kinect And just charge people for services. Release your console 4 times and make a controller nearly as pricey as a switch lite which they’ve replaced and will likely have a 3.0 for next gen (added a share button)

Uh no thanks.

[Loktai]

Savage

[jznrpg]

It doesn’t look ugly to me. You won’t even see it playing games as it’s on the back of the controller

[Orionsangel]

PSN hasn't even caught up to XBL.

[RosweeSon]

PSN haven’t charged for the privilege since inception. They did an entire generation for free. Of course Microsoft’s is better they made billions from charging people to play online whilst ps2/3 ds/3ds wii, wii u and even Dreamcast were all free to play online. Thanks Microsoft. At least with the live subscription you can get early access to demos that you’d have normally got for free anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦 🏻‍♂️🤣

[TKCMuzzer]

I use both and I don't know what your smoking. What I do know is whoever had the plans for the latest Xbox home look and menus obviously fell over and lost them. Simplicity is the key, something the 360 had on release. When you switch between the two, going from the PS4's menu system to the Xbox One is a clustered experience. Why is this is important? because the whole online is the whole experience, including the software running it.
As for connection, I actually get better speeds from PSN than Xbox Live off the same router. Funny that......

[Orionsangel]

I have both consoles as well.

[Loktai]

Explain how

[Orionsangel]

Comparing only Live and Network, xbox is superior. It has cross game parties, better security track record and less down time, and offer name change services. Even if PS matched them on all three other issues, fixing the trust lost from the hacks would be hard.

Also with Microsoft still getting a lot of stick for their lack of exclusives, which is totally justified, I would like to say that I don’t think they get enough praise for how good Xbox Live is. It’s As I understand the main difference is thahardly ever down, it seems much more resistant to attacks than PSN, and has basically always been the best by a considerable margin.

Sony seems to have given up improving PSN and the problems over the weekend were just the latest in a long line of unexplained problems that seem to take forever to fix. I think it’s pretty obvious they don’t really care, since it’s obvious they aren’t getting punished for it.

As I understand the main difference is that Microsoft hosts all its servers centrally, but Sony leaves other companies to handle their own games and has a much smaller set of its own servers. I don’t know why they do it like this, but I assume it’s either to save money or placate other companies – probably both. Am I really the only one that’s getting fed up with, especially as it interferes with watching movies and TV through PSN too.

[iwin86]

lol. Are you serious? Just last week Microsoft announced they will copy Sony's PS share button for their new console.

[darthv72]

That was a logical step. the existing method for sharing on the xbo isnt nearly as easy as pressing a button. I do like how the new controller will also work for the xbo so the share feature will be simplified for existing users who get the new controller.

[Ricegum]

So Microsoft copied Sony right Darth?

[darthv72]

Sure rice, only good ideas get copied and it goes both ways. Its nothing new as they both copy each other

[Loktai]

Darth mostly the copying is going one way. Sony got hdmi, Xbox release updated console with it. Wireless controllers then Xbox copies it. Sony gets bluray ms tries hdDVD, fails and next gen is bluray, sony gives free games and eventually ms starts games with gold, I guess you could claim ps4 pro is a response to something but what else is there ? Sega and Nintendo did console online on 16 bit consoles and then on 32 bit(netlink) and dreamcast had network ps2 had an adapter and bay for a hdd from launch so that wasn't copied,

[Orionsangel]

MS finally copied Sony. Where Sony has been copying MS for years. Trophies anyone? lol.

[Italiano1234567]

O u mean how Microsoft is copying Sony with a share button on their new controller that Sony did almoat 7 years ago. Come on man its a fucking accessory besides the fact how many people actually use these freaking things
I really cant stand gaming journalism out there anymore with all the bullshit i read every day

[RosweeSon]

Their whole next generation strategy seems to just do what Sony does so far they still
Haven’t got a shedload of games announced (still a way out of course) but anything Sony mentions Xbox doing it, faster load times and SSD Yeah we got that. No vision of their own just literally copying what they think will earn them a share of the 💰

[Chumdiddy]

How is it ugly? It's just a bump at the bottom lmao

From the back? Where you never look while playing?

Ok? Haha

[Hardiman]

Controllers are important no doubt but how about a headline about something much more important to this hobby.....games, high quality games. So I propose a title that reads as "Lack of compelling, quality SP games proves M$ hasn't learned how to deliver said games!" Also doesn't seem as if the DS4 has affected sales and on the flip side doesn't seem M$'s controllers have helped their sales!

There now that's a much more apropos title because without awesome games on the level of PlayStation and even Nintendo , awesome controllers are just that, controllers. I'm curious to see the Duelshock 5 because Sony has been pretty good at calling audibles with BC etc.

[froy402]

That controller has bigger balls than xbox controller

[KillBill]

But a 4th the sperm count. (DUALSHOCK4 batt capacity 1000 mAh... 1 AA cheap rechargeable batt capacity 2000 mAh x2 for Xbox controller)

[Loktai]

Have fun buying and fumbling batteries in and out of the controller and charger while I just slide my controller into a stand between sessions and never think about it at all. If it gets low I can plug it in with a usb cable while I use it and it'll also charge it.

[KillBill]

@Loktai - who fumbles with batteries? I could simply change batteries while you have to charge your batteries 4 times or tether yourself to your system (why not buy a wired controller).

I though have the option to use a rechargeable battery for my system that also lasts 4x longer than Sony's poor 1000 mAh capacity... and I can recharge it in the exact same manner as DUALSHOCK 4 users using a USB cable or sitting it in a charging cradle between game sessions. Big difference though.. it lasts 4x longer than the wimpy battery Sony offers up. So longer sessions with uninterrupted wireless play.

|Stop fanboying up and realize the poor battery life Sony put into the DUALSHOCK 4 is unacceptable and hope they give something better for the PS5 controller when it comes out.

[KillBill]

So they added a dick bulge to the PS controller? What are they calling it the PS Controller bulge? Or ' The Package"? lol

[Ninjamonkey82]

Can't be bad by a 30quid addon that except for trigger stops gives you the functionalism off a 150+ pro controller.

[bu3ouf91]

Why too much hate, I loved the idea

[Tross]

Why? Sony sold by far the most units this gen, and is set up well for next gen. Why should they copy anything the company who's in third is doing, especially when their system got outsold by one that only launched a couple years or so ago?

[ufo8mycat]

Everything about the Playstation platform is far superior to that of Xbox, except for one thing.
THE CONTROLLER
Xbox controller is far superior, more ergonomic, and a more natural placement of the left analog stick, as it is in the natural position of the thumb.

It is a shame that Sony are still using an outdated controller design.
Why is the DPAD still in the primary/natural position, when the left analog stick is used more?
DPAD was used primarily during the PS1 days, when Sony's first analog controller came out, where it was at the bottom. It made sense then, as the DPAD was the primary, not anymore.

Thankfully I can use the Chronosmax adaptor, so I can use the XB1 controller on PS4.

[cfir]

I've never understood why some people like the stick placement on the XB controllers. I personally hate it. My hands are relatively symmetrical, so the thumb sticks on the PS controllers are perfect. I hate the asymmetry of the XB controllers meaning my thumbs are in different positions.
If you think the left stick on the XB controller is in a more natural position, then is the right stick in the wrong position? as it's similarly situated as the PS controller.
Prior to the DS4, the only think I liked about the XB controllers was the better triggers, but for me Sony fixed that with the DS4.

[cd1]

"My hands are relatively symmetrical" - ha ha :)

I also dislike offset sticks.

[terstomp]

I see this opinion is from CNN therefore not even worth a mouse click.

[PyroMessiah86]

N4g idiocy strikes again. Comment got marked as inappropriate just because I said:

"Damn that is one ugly controller! No wonder Xbox controllers will always be the better option."

It's true, like it or not. Must be the Xbox mention that ruffled some feathers lollllll

[Silly gameAr]

It can't be because your comment is subjective bs or anything like that, huh?. And, if you believe Sony fanboys run this site, then you're a big part of the N4G idiocy you're whining about.

[PyroMessiah86]

Sony fanboys do run this site. Everything Xbox, even a mare mention of Xbox in any positive light gets slammed and downvoted. Almost any game, or hardware release.

Also it's not subjective. That design above is a mess. It looks cheap and tacky. Compare it to a Elite Series 2 and it gets destroyed, even the regular Xbox One controllers. That's if the pad is used on a PC or Xbox. It's just the better controller hands down.

The only thing it has going for it is the share button.

[TKCMuzzer]

Nope, just the fact that its a stupid article with pointless nonsense aimed at starting something out of nothing which somebody will get paid for.

[Loktai]

So... literal trolling then?

[Rekkr]

I haven’t tried it out so I can’t knock it.. But as an overall controller, The Xbox one Controller is the best of the best. Sony needs to make some minor cuts & redesigns & Dualshock 5 would rival Xbox one Controller or surpass it. That’s My opinion! I would make it not as wide, shrink the touchpad, The handles would be not as thick & get rid of the stupid light bar. & Change the trigger buttons to be more like the Xbox one triggers. 👍🏻

[ILostMyMind]

Why don't you just buy an XBox controller?

[Da12RespectA]

Looks like a controller with a clitoris

[ILostMyMind]

Maybe clitoris are different in different countries, I suppose. 🤔

[SinisterKieran]

its fine...
it does the job/doesn't get in the way.

[Father__Merrin]

It's an add on I think because Ps5 controllers will have similar functions. They don't need to copy xbox pad as dual shock is better for more games.

The sooner xbox goes service only the better

[TKCMuzzer]

There will uproar if Sony include pro features on a standard controller, Imagine the nonsense articles.

[plmkoh]

Lmao this 'concern troll' bullcrap, trying to deflect from the ill-announced Xbox series X.

Literally nothing to talk about so they stretch to attack an accessory.

[sampsonon]

all i see are negative articles about Sony for the last week.
MS mailing out those checks i see.

[McPibbMcDrinky]

How does one "crib"?

[b00mFargl3]

Looks ok to me. Sure it doesn't have all the features of a 179 professional controller, but for 30 bucks it's a welcomed addition.

[2pacalypsenow]

So they rather Sony release a $200 controller?

No thanks

[b00mFargl3]

Astro and Scuf already do that for them anyways. I think Sony just gave us an extra option. I'm cool with that.

[RangerWalk267]

WTF. Who cares. If something works, and the gamers ask for it... Then go for it. Xbox added a share button because fans wanted it. PS4 fans are requesting a Gamepass like service ( better than PS4 now ) I'd be okay with that. Who seriously cares who did it first. Apple fans don't really care that they are a couple years behind Samsung in innovation.

[Stanjara]

Hold out for that trash title. Maybe DS5 will have something there with the back buttons.

[digger18]

I have symmetrical hands, so this is better for me than the Xbox controller

[bluefox755]

I hope to God that Sony doesn't "learn" anything from Xbox.

[ILostMyMind]

May the cosmos hear you.

[latinillusion81]

This article has be brought to you by a salty Xbox fanboy.

[joinsideke]

shut up.

god.

[xX1NORM1Xx]

Ugly? You can barely see it from the front... It just looks like the original Xbox one headset adapter.

I think it's amazing as long as it grips the controller well enough then I'm all for it. I've said so many times limited edition controller this gen have been amazing but why would I use one if it means giving up on the extra features of an elite controller or a scuf?

I really hope Xbox do something like this next gen I'd love to use my favourite controllers while still getting the benefit of the extra buttons. Not to mention the price $30? Vs £200 for a scuf or £160 for an elite series 2 it's a fucking steal I'd buy them for all my controllers at that price...

[ZeV]

xbot article.

[quenomamen]

Yea Sony, you too could of screwed up the PS4 launch like MS did with the Xbone. Learn more from MS, you losers.

[Kaedro]

You "journalists" do realize that most gaming controllers today are based on PS1 analog controller right? All of xbox controllers (and even the gamecube) button layout were heavily based on PS1 analog controller.

[CrimsonWing69]

does CCN just have a smear campaign agenda? Like hey, maybe having this add-on is a cheaper alternative to programming back controls?

Like why is it that you think Sony needs t copy Xbox?

[Fritzwochel]

Rubbish article paid and sponsored by Microsoft. We've seen it before. Next.

[mastershredder]

"Sony's ugly new accessory for the DualShock 4 adds back paddles to the PS4 controller, but the gaming company needs to start copying Xbox."

William White is your pen name, but I bet it's really Trump.

[JokerBoy422]

I dont want to pay $200 for a controller just because it has a few cool features of which I'll only realistically mainly use one. I want back paddles and $30 is way more approachable than $200! I think Sony has the same viewpoint and its probably an experiment as well to see how much demand there really is for back paddles. I'm buying this day one!

[poppatron]

What?? I’m all in on this, I hate using my dpad for grenades and health in apex. This is the cure.

I reckon as soon as next gen starts I’m going to invest in a scuf controller.

[D__RAiL]

It looks like it would function better than the xbox's akward placement and type.

[Zerobalance]

Buy the add-on, use it for less than a year get the new ps5, Sony have not said this will work with their new controller so tough. Little late. Seems like Sony is milking their fans like Xbox & their many controllers.

[ajax17]

Hasn't learned to crib? What the fuck does that even mean?