There’s absolutely eff all going on today, so we’re going to pad out our article quota with an animated GIF. To be fair, this addictive image loop is fascinating, as it shows the often subtle evolution of the PlayStation’s iconic controller, from its original grayscale guise on the PSone all the way through to its not-so radical PlayStation 4 redesign.
Watching this, we didn’t realise that the DualShock 3 adopted a slightly different mould to its PlayStation 2 predecessor. In all, though, we’re just glad that Sony’s stuck to its guns with regards to the placement of the peripheral’s analogue sticks – anyone that prefers an asymmetrical setup can quietly let themselves out through the back door.
[source gadgetlove.com]
Comments 24
I can't believe the difference from the DS4 compared to the past iterations. I knew there was a difference but this really sheds some light on why the DS4 feels so much better in your hands
@Punkinhead145 I felt the opposite to be honest; watching this, it's much closer to the others than in my head. You're right, though - big or small, the refinements they made are amazing, and it's definitely the best PlayStation controller as a result.
Ds4 is simply the most comfortable pad I have ever used
Adore the DualShock 4, but... that battery life. If you combined the DualShock 3's battery life with the comfort of the DualShock 4, it'd easily be my favourite of all time.
Its one of my favorite controllers. Wii u pro and wii mote nun chuck are my favorite, followed by ds4 and gc.
I agree with the DS4 been just like a thousand bucks in you're hand, that battery dough! To bad they can't patch a controller or something. xD
I used to think DS3 was a decent controller but then I used the DS4 and now I can't use the DS3 anymore...
About the whole symmetrical/asymmetrical analogs is it weird that I don't notice any difference? I don't know maybe it's because I've been switching between xbox and Playstation controllers on a pretty much daily basis for years but both setups feel perfect to me. I've gotta say the ds3 did sometimes annoy me with how close they were together but that has been fixed and then some.
I don't know if this is 100% to scale though... I've got a DS3 and a DS4 right next to me and the DS4 looks to be bigger all around. In this animation they look almost on par?
@mitcHELLspawn I'm in the same boat. Never really notice a difference. DS3 for console and Xbox360 controller for PC. I like both, although the xbox controller is a bit more comfy.
I don't mind ds3 at all after using ds4. I like how the ds4 has longer handles with the grey texture while the black of the controller is similar to ds3 in length. I do miss the raised Start and Select buttons, but they're just trying to have continuity between ds4 and Vita so I forgive that tiny irk. Tekken 3 on an og ps1 controller, good times
Could never get used to asymmetric sticks. Happy Sony stuck with this. Even use my spare DS4 for PC gaming now.
I think the battery life is decent (not as good as DS3 obviously) but the quality of the rubber on the sticks is my pain point. It takes only a couple of weeks to begin to see wear. My launch DS4 is pretty much completely smooth! =/
It kinda looks like it suddenly sprouts boobies!
On a more serious note, why is he original dual analog controller on psone omitted? As the first iteration of the dual analog/dual shock controllers we all use and love, it'd be nice to see it featured.
Ps4 feels great to game with but you can't escape the fact that it needs charging way more than the ds3 ever needed and the analogue sticks need replacing every few months, really terrible build quality on those analogues.
You'll never beat the model-2 Sega Saturn controller (or the 6 button Mega Drive controller it closely resembles) but the Dualshock is a great design, testament to the fact its now being used in its fourth generation.
As for the DS4 battery life, Its never really bothered me. Since I realised that you can use your phone charger plugged into a wall socket, charging only takes an hour or 2 & it doesnt have to be tethered to the Ps4. Id recomend others give it a try.
@seeafish
You know Sony replaces them for free, ne? No questions asked! But the quality is abysmal and not worthy of the Sony name. I bought me an extra white controller because I figured these were produced later when the problems were known...exact same lousy quality. A crying shame, cause for the first time I actually like the DS.
Let's not forget the original Dualshock and it's successors were all inspired by Nintendo's controller innovations in the first place.
D-Pad, analogue sticks, shoulder buttons, start, select etc etc...
@Boerewors hmm might be time i sent it back then! I've seen people buy stick off ebay and change them. Perhaps I could do that as well.
Its amazing how little the PS controller changed untill the PS4. The PS controller has always been one of my favorite controllers of all time right behind the SNES. So many years of use out the the PSone and PS2 controllers for me. I am sure I will rack up just as much time on my PS4 controllers.
I do feel after using the asymmetric sticks thats sonys design is more harmonious with the body. Seeing all those pads was a cool memory, i dont miss wired pads!
The DS4 is the best controller by far in terms of comfort and the worst by far in terms of build quality! Sent one launch pad back as rubber split and missed having it for like 2 weeks plus! Now my other launch one has split and i cant be bothered with the saga of getting through to sony support again. Someone start a busines replacing sticks for 10 pounds with a next day return and ill be interested, not sure if i have the inclination to do it myself ...
As much as I enjoy the DS4 - being the best one yet - I unfortunately have to say after playing PS4 and then playing Xbox - the Xbox controller puts the least amount of strain on my grip. I feel the balance of the joysticks are the key factor in my decision.
@Zep_Fan_81 http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Controller-analog-Thumbsticks-Playstation-4/dp/B00IL92TSI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417383819&sr=8-2&keywords=ps4+thumbsticks
This is what you actually need ^^^ you can just search amazon also if you don't want to click the link - thumbsticks are only $5 for replacements - I have already looked into replacing mine.
@mitcHELLspawn I absolutely can't play with the asymmetrical layout. It makes no sense to have a stick that you need to push forward often if not constantly, at the end of your thumbs reach (rather than in the center of your thumbs reach) and if Sony ever goes that route, I will be done with console gaming indefinitely, it's just that bad.
DS4 All The ay, i wish they would do full PS3 Support so i can buy a third !
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