Best PS4 controller 2023 • 7 PS4 controllers Reviews

What is a PS4 controller and how does it work?

The PlayStation 4 (also known by its abbreviation, PS4) is one of the most prestigious consoles on the market. However, Sony’s consoleis generally only delivered with a single joystick that allows you to control your game.

What are the types of PS4 controller?

The most common joystick for the PlayStation 4 is the DualShock, Sony’s original controller designed for this console. This is the model that is always delivered with the PS4 upon purchase, but there’s usually only one in each pack. This is why many users opt for this model they are already familiar with when they decide to purchase a second controller.

However, other manufacturers and models are also available on the market. Brands such as Nacon or Thrustmaster have an official PlayStation license to manufacture accessories for this console. You will have an additional guarantee if you opt for one of these options.

However, the fact that a brand doesn’t come with the Sony seal doesn’t necessarily mean the product is of poor quality. The most important is to make sure that it’s compatible with your PS4 and the games you want to play. You can also purchase products that are different from the classic controller, such as arcade joysticks or flight-specific models.

DualShock

You need both hands to hold it. Your thumbs handle the front controls (sticks, crosshead, circle or triangle buttons, among others), and your indexes use the back ones. It is the most commonly used, and works with most games: FPS, sports, racing, etc.

Joystick (control column)

Your right hand controls the lever, while your left hand is on the accelerator. It is designed specifically for flight simulator-type games.

Shopping Criteria for PS4 controllers

There are several reasons why you might need a new PS4 controller. Maybe you broke the one you had, or maybe you want to have a second one handy for when your friends come over. Either way, you will have to evaluate various key criteria before buying a new controller. In the following section, we’ve discussed the most important aspects you keep in mind to be completely satisfied with your decision.

• Design
• Buttons
• Compatibility
• License
• Budget

Design

The design is one of the most important aspects of any video game controller. It’s up to you to make sure you’re comfortable with the fundamental accessory needed to play your favorite games. PS4 controllers offer a non-slip design thanks to their partially rugged surface, giving greater comfort of play. The shape, and to a lesser extent the color, are also important factors.

If your controller has LED displays, you’ll need to ensure that they’re not a nuisance when you play, in particular with low-light conditions. You should also evaluate the weight of your joystick: you don’t want it too light or too heavy. Certain models, such as the Nacon, integrate a weight system to adjust this factor. Built-in speakers are also useful features.

Buttons

If you’ve ever played PlayStation 4, chances are you’re already familiar with its original controller. The DualShock, Sony’s official joystick, features a left stick generally designed to move characters around. Four buttons can be found to the right: the triangle, square, circle, and X. The function of these buttons will depend on the game.

Most other brands offer models with very similar button layout, but there are alternatives available. This is why it is important that you choose a controller with buttons that are tailored to your gaming needs. This criterion is essential if you want to get the best value for money out of your purchase.

Compatibility

This aspect isn’t something you have to worry about if you end up opting for the Sony DualShock. Simply connect your controller to the console and link it as we explained earlier. That being said, you’ll need to be more careful with the compatibility if you buy a model from another brand. You don’t want an unpleasant surprise when the time comes to play with your new controller.

The vast majority of products will indicate which consoles they’re compatible with in the description of their package. Read this section carefully if the controller isn’t a Sony product. You won’t have any problem if it says that it is compatible with the PlayStation 4. If you opt for a wired model, make sure the connection is achieved via USB.

License

This criterion is very much linked to the previous aspect. Some companies have obtained a license from Sony to manufacture accessories for PlayStation. This means that some joysticks that aren’t manufactured by the company that designed the PS4 can still offer a certain guarantee of quality. A PlayStation-licensed controller is naturally less likely to have compatibility problems.

However, this doesn’t mean that products without a Sony license won’t work. In fact, some of the PS4 controllers that offer the best value for money haven’t obtained that license. In those cases, you will have to pay particular attention to the manufacturer’s specifications. You may also want to read comments and check ratings from other users on the Internet.

Budget

Nowadays, you can quite easily purchase a second controller for your PS4 without having to spend a lot of money. You can find really affordable options on the American market. However, you should always make sure that the model you’re interested in meets the requirements you need to play. There’s no point in making savings if the product isn’t compatible with your console.

On the other hand, Sony’s official PS4 controller — the DualShock — is somewhat more expensive than other options. Its main perk is that it is guaranteed by the official PlayStation manufacturer. Nacon is another great choice if your budget allows it. Their controllers offer characteristics that are truly professional.

Related links and sources

• https://thecontrollerpeople.com/tips/consider-buying-new-ps4-controller
• https://www.console-deals.com/advice/official-sony-ps4-controller-buy/
• https://www.techradar.com/news/best-ps4-controllers

FAQ

How do I link my controller to my PS4?

You will have to link your controller to your console the first time you play with it. This is the case whether the controller was included in the original package or if it’s a new one you bought separately. The process is very straightforward: simply connect the joystick to your console using the USB cable. Press the PS button on your controller, and you’re done! You will need to repeat this process with every joystick you want to play with. The PlayStation 4 allows you to use up to four controllers simultaneously. While the process may vary slightly with non-official devices, it should remain very simple. Again, the thing that most matters is that your controller is compatible with the PS4.

How do I charge my PS4 controller?

The most common way to charge your joystick is by connecting it to the console using a USB cable. The PlayStation needs to be on or in standby mode in order for your device to charge properly. You can view how the charging is going by pressing the PS button on your controller. The life of their battery will naturally depend on how much you use them. You are advised to let them charge fully at least once a year to increase their useful life. Another option to charge your controller is to have a charging base. Several models are available on the market, but you will have to purchase them separately.

Can I use my controller while it’s charging?

In principle, there shouldn’t be any problem with you playing with the joystick while it’s charging. As we mentioned earlier, your PS4 controller is charged using a USB cable. As long as this cable is connected to your console, you can use your joystick while it charges. The length of the charging cable can often limit how far you can be from your PlayStation 4. That being said, playing with your controller while it charges shouldn’t cause any issues such as overheating. If the rare event that this happens, stop using the joystick immediately and contact the manufacturer or technical service.

What is the PS4 controller’s Share button?

PlayStation’s official joystick, the DualShock, features a button called Share. This element allows you to take screenshots or record video clips of your gameplay. Many avid gamers take advantage of PlayStation’s most social feature. Indeed, this Share button allows you to share your experience with other players. This application even lets you capture photos taken directly from your screen and publish them on Facebook or Twitter. It also supports the publication of videos of up to 15 minutes on your social networks. However, the most interesting option is probably the ability to broadcast your game sessions live on Youtube.

How was the PS4 controller born?

The most recent PS4 controller is quite simply the natural evolution of PlayStation’s first joystick. The original models were extremely basic, and their first improvement was to add the two small thumb sticks we still use today. This more advanced controller was called DualShock, a name that it still holds today. Some of the elements of the original controller still exist in the latest models. These include the trademark triangle, circle, square, and X buttons, as well as the L and R buttons. Other features were added over time, such as the wireless connectivity of the current controller, the vibration, or the built-in speaker. The touch panel is one of its latest innovations.