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Sony DUALSHOCK 4
87
Engadget Review
The DualShock 4 is everything gamers wanted from Sony's next gamepad. Unlike the DualShock 3, we only have minor complaints for the PlayStation 4's controller. It's not simply a controller we'll "put up with" for the rare exclusive PS4 titles; it's one we won't consider a roadblock when choosing where to play multiplatform games.
Ben GilbertNovember 14, 2013
Pros
- Dramatic improvement over PS3 gamepad
- Clickable touchpad
- The best triggers on any gamepad
Cons
- Terrible battery life
- Analog stick coating isn't grippy enough
- Rubber thumbsticks show wear and tearquickly
View All Critic & User Reviews
Sony DUALSHOCK 4
- Critic Reviews (11)
- User Reviews (6)
- 88AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE11 ReviewsEngadget90PlayStation 4 review: fast, powerful, worth itIt's comfy, responsive, sleek and familiar. The DualShock 4 is everything gamers wanted from Sony's next gamepad without having to spell it out to the company.Gizmodo100PS4 First Impressions: The Future Is Finally HereOnce the console has found its resting place, it'll glow every now and then and you'll hardly think about it. It's unobtrusive by design. The real hands-on part of this package is the new DualShock 4 controller. Hot damn is it nice.Popular Science80PlayStation 4 Review: A Lot Of The SameThere's also a new controller. Stacked up to the last generation's controller, it definitely looks sleeker--a little less angular than its predecessor, which, when viewed from the side, looks like an uncomfortable high-heeled shoe by comparison.Tom's Guide90Sony PS4 ReviewThe DualShock 4 controller is one of the major draws to the system. We can’t wait to see how developers will utilize the touchpad, lightbar and motion controls.EngadgetNot RatedPlayStation 4 hands-on: DualShock 4 and games (vidIt's light, responsive, and comfortable -- the new thumbsticks with convex tops cradle your thumbs, and the triggers easily hold your pointer fingers. As for the face buttons, things are nigh identical with previous DualShock iterations.GizmodoNot RatedHere's What the PS4 Looks Like in PersonThe controller is much more comfortable than previous DualShocks. It's gained much-needed weight, in particular. Previous DualShocks were anorexic excuses for a controller that didn't enjoy being held, while the PS4 controller has gained curves in all the right places.EngadgetNot RatedLet's take a closer look at the PlayStation 4, DuaWe wanted to show you how all the bells and whistles of the new console, its new controller and the new PlayStation 4 Eye. So we shot a video with Sony Japan's Nicolas Doucet and walked through the game's various demos.EngadgetNot RatedSony DualShock 4 hands-on HDWe're glad to say that the thumbsticks have dramatically improved and no longer allow your thumbs to easily slip out. The triggers are also much improved, with a little lip enabling a comfortable cradle.Time90PlayStation 4 Review: Sony’s Comeback ConsoleA moment of silence for the DualShock 1 through 3, each iteration — save for an upgrade to analog thumbsticks — all but identical since Sony’s gamepads debuted in 1997. Not so the PS4′s DualShock 4, which looks only superficially like its predecessors.Polygon90PLAYSTATION 4 THE REVIEWWe can say this unequivocally: The DualShock 4 is the best controller Sony has ever made.ABC News80Playstation 4 Review: Sony Takes a Strong Shot inThe Playstation 4's new controller, the Dualshock 4, isn't as minimalist as the console, but comes with a several ergonomic improvements that make it more comfortable that Sony's Playstation 3 controllers.Kotaku80The PlayStation 4: The Kotaku Review (In Progress)The controller has better sticks, better triggers, better weight, and an awesome jack.Mashable90Sony's PlayStation 4: A Bolder, Better Console ThaSony made massive improvements to the DualShock 4 controller, and it may quickly become one of my favorite gaming peripherals. Whereas the DualShock 3 felt too light, with uncomfortable analog stick placement, the DualShock 4 feels just right.SlashGearNot RatedPS4 DualShock 4 compatibility testing hands-on: StEven if you don’t plan on purchasing a PlayStation 4, it’s certainly worth considering owning a DualShock 4 controller. Compatibility software development will happen quickly, and based solely on what we’re already able to do, it’s easy to imagine a much more fully-optimized experience.Wired UKNot RatedUp-close and personal with the PlayStation 4: WireIt's got a fair bit of weight to it, particularly compared to Microsoft's lightweight Xbox One controller; if you hold the device in your fingertips it'll fall off backwards -- the top portion, which houses a touch-sensitive pad, is surprisingly weighty and unbalanced.NBC News90PlayStation 4 review: Fantastic console looking foThe DualShock 4 is the first major reinvention in the controller series since it debuted with the original PlayStation back in 1994, and even the most diehard traditionalist Sony fans will be pleased with the result.TechRadarNot RatedHands on: DualShock 4 controller reviewOverall, we thoroughly enjoyed holding and playing with the DualShock 4. It felt lovely, had a nice balance and worked like a charm. There were a few times we caught ourselves thinking it was a little too light, but it was an afterthought once we were kicking bad guys' butts.T3Not RatedSony PS4 review: Hands-onThe DualShock 4, for us, is an improvement on its predecessor, more comfy in hand and with a wealth of immersive bells and whistles to see it through years of innovation.IGNNot RatedE3 2013: PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Controller HandOverall, the DualShock 4 feels like a significant step-up from the DualShock 3.Stuff90Sony PS4 reviewAll in all, while we’re not yet convinced by every one of the DualShock 4’s new features, we are very convinced by the overall quality of the new controller.TrustedReviewsNot RatedDualShock 4On balance, the Xbox One controller still has the edge on ergonomics, not to mention those brilliant new rumble features, but if Sony and its developers can find ways to use the touchpad and the built-in Move features to enhance their games, then this could still be the defining pad.StuffNot RatedSony PS4 hands-on reviewIt may look very similar to the DualShock 3, but the PS4 controller is more of an improvement than we were expecting, The grips are a little bigger and more ergonomic, so they fit the palm better than before, while the triggers have far greater range.
- 87AVERAGE USER SCORE6 ReviewsEngadget Reader80April 8, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!These are way better than the DS3. Every time I go back to the PS3 I wish I could more easily use the DS4 controller. The only negative seems to be that the stick cover / coating is coming off one of my controllers after a bit over a year & I'm not that frequent a gamer.Engadget Reader100October 6, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90July 2, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Controller fits very well in hands. Battery is to small. I have two controllers and one is heavier than other.Engadget Reader70May 9, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 25, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 20, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
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Key Specs
TYPE
Controller / gamepad
CONNECTION
Wireless
CONSOLE COMPATIBILITY
Sony
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