DualShock 4 V2 Review

The second iteration of Playstation’s current flagship controller, the Dualshock 4 V2. There aren’t many key differences, only two that are noticeable. The first is the light bar being represented on the touchpad. Now when you look at the controller you can see the color the bar is. The second is USB connectivity. You can now play games wired to reduce input lag. Every console bundle includes at least one controller with a few limited edition versions on offer.

Price: £49.99/$69.99

Compatibility: All PS4 models as well as PS3 compatibility via both USB and Bluetooth, PC via USB or via an accessory that enables wireless connectivity

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Design

Following the disappointment that was the PS3’s Sixaxis controller, the Dualshock 4 had a lot to prove. The Xbox 360 controller design was considered vastly superior. However, the DS4 knocks it out of the park here. With numerous color variants on offer, including some cool limited editions such as the pictured ‘Playstation FC’ remote, there is an option for everyone. The touchpad in the middle of the controller is perfect for accessing menus in games with ease, the size is never off-putting. The analog sticks being across from each other never results in hand cramp even after extended play. The concave analog stick design is a huge improvement on the ridiculous convex design of the Dualshock 3. The buttons all feel sturdy and responsive, as do the triggers. Nothing about this controller is flimsy and no corners have been cut. Never do you hit a button by accident. The controller features potentially the greatest D-pad of all time. Platforms like Crash Bandicoot: N-Sane Trilogy can be experienced the purest way possible. One design flaw comes with the left analog stick. There is a common issue with stuttered running. Your character will occasionally slow down and sometimes stop altogether while you’re moving forward.

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Build Quality

One huge flaw with the original Dualshock 4 was the material used on the analog sticks. It peeled off after extended play and left the underneath exposed making the controller very uncomfortable to use. Version 2 completely defeats this issue. The build is sturdy and with the exception of the stuttered running issue, there are no other common grievances. The weight of the controller is excellent, the vibration feels meaningful. Additional aspects like the lightbar and the touchpad mirror the rest of the pad’s high standard of build. They could easily have been breakage risks but are totally secure. All in all, it’s a very high quality product.

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Features

This pad understands features. In fact, this pad has features to a fault. Features include an audio jack for headsets, controller speaker, the lightbar, touchpad, wireless play, rechargeable battery and the SHARE button. Starting with the best, the SHARE button is a marvelous edition that should become a standard for controllers going forward. With one click you can capture and share video clips and screenshots using a variety of linked platforms. The audio jack on the underside of the controller is never intrusive. The speaker’s audio can be customized, or muted altogether. Very few games take advantage of it. The lightbar is another feature that is only really useful in VR. If it could be turned off to save battery it would be fine, but it really is useless 99% of the time. The touchpad effectively functions as the select button although it can also be used to type. All in all the features on offer range from revolutionary for the industry (SHARE button) to totally useless (lightbar and speaker).

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Usage

This is a product you’ll get plenty of usage from. Want to use your PS4? You’ll need to use it. The compatibility with PC and PS3 are nice additions to the package that bring extra value to this category. You’ll get about 8-10 hours of battery life here, which is good enough if disappointing in comparison to its competitors.

Summary

This is Playstation’s best ever controller. Nothing they’ve made comes close. It fixes a lot of issues with the Dualshock 3, such as the weight, the analog quality and the overall flimsy nature of the remote. It also brings some really clever innovations to the table such as the SHARE button. Other additions like the touchpad, speaker and lightbar are intriguing if ultimately unnecessary. Overall it is a really top notch controller.

Dualshock 4 V2

Dualshock 4 V2
8.8

Design

9.0/10

Build Quality

9.0/10

Features

7.0/10

Usage

10.0/10

Cool

  • D-pad
  • SHARE button is amazing
  • Sturdy build

Not Cool

  • Lightbar
  • Stuttering run issue
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