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DualShock 4 build quality. This is baffling.

Hyperbolic much, for me its the best controller out there with a ton of tech packed into it, best controller ever made.

Not with those awful triggers. I just switched to play cod on ps4. I got my scuf this week and rented advanced warfare. The triggers are so bad on this thing I have to play flipped and shoot with the bumpers. Such terrible design and the controller feels cheap.
 

benny_a

extra source of jiggaflops
superior means nothing when in real life term it performs worse, battery LIFE is worst and that's the whole point of it
Just one more time so you also grasp it. You said the BATTERY is a joke.

If you meant battery life, which is the combination of battery used and the load then that is a different thing and I wouldn't have responded.

i believe you understood my point the first time you read it, misinterpreting it to create an argument is absolutely useless, but have it your way, have a great day
There is untruth going around what battery is used in Dual Shock 3 and what is used in Dual Shock 4. So no.
 

dEvAnGeL

Member
Just one more time so you also grasp it. You said the BATTERY is a joke.

If you meant battery life, which is the combination of battery used and the load then that is a different thing and I wouldn't have responded.

i believe you understood my point the first time you read it, misinterpreting it to create an argument is absolutely useless, but have it your way, have a great day
 
Not with those awful triggers. I just switched to play cod on ps4. I got my scuf this week and rented advanced warfare. The triggers are so bad on this thing I have to play flipped and shoot with the bumpers. Such terrible design and the controller feels cheap.

Build quality definitely needs to improve, but the design is great and I'll say it's the best controller I've used. Mostly playing online shooters has worn down a few of them, but there is nothing wrong with the design of the triggers and sticks.

Just to add, I use Kontrolfreek CQC Signatures on both sticks.
 

olimpia84

Member
My launch controller is still holding strong and the sticks look very good (just minor wear and tear). Only complains I have are not being able to fully turn off the light and of course the crappy battery life.
 

gatti-man

Member
Not with those awful triggers. I just switched to play cod on ps4. I got my scuf this week and rented advanced warfare. The triggers are so bad on this thing I have to play flipped and shoot with the bumpers. Such terrible design and the controller feels cheap.

When I play with others in destiny I can usually hear their triggers squeeking in chat. Terrible.
 
Not with those awful triggers. I just switched to play cod on ps4. I got my scuf this week and rented advanced warfare. The triggers are so bad on this thing I have to play flipped and shoot with the bumpers. Such terrible design and the controller feels cheap.

I love the triggers they are way better than any others that I have used.
 

RhyDin

Member
I haven't had stick or shoulder button issues yet, but my touch plate seems to trigger the wrong region when pressed on lower left or right hand side from time to time when playing The Phantom Pain.
 
I have some of those but didn't get used to them. Now is the time to get some of those Xbox One sticks I guess :/

I'll open it up first to see if there is some dust underneath the sticks or whatever, but I'm pretty sure that won't help.

So I opened it up and used some compressed air to blow into this box that controls the movement, but something is still wrong. I don't feel like moving on to the 4th controller within 2 fucking years, though.
 

On Demand

Banned
Not with those awful triggers. I just switched to play cod on ps4. I got my scuf this week and rented advanced warfare. The triggers are so bad on this thing I have to play flipped and shoot with the bumpers. Such terrible design and the controller feels cheap.

The triggers are better to me than XB1's and definitely DS3's. I like the tighter feel.

We all agree the build quality is not good, but the controller itself is very comfortable to hold. Feels nice. Sony really needs to address the problems though.
 

DeVeAn

Member
I ordered the 20th anniversary controller and it had issues. The X and O buttons didn't click and the molding had overhang where the enclosures meet. It just felt poorly made compared to my current controller. For $60+ that sucker is returned.
 

Chabbles

Member
I've replaced the R2 trigger and both thumbsticks on my original launch DS4, its like brand new now. Get the triggers and thumbsticks off amazon and spend 10 minutes fixing it. Very easy fix, i thought dealing with the little spring in the trigger would be a pain, but its really a simple fix for the triggers and sticks.
 

kobu

Member
Why do people use triggers to shoot in games anyway? I feel like L1 and R1 are better to shoot with and I always switch to them on ps4 games.
 

CoG

Member
It didn't think the sticks were a problem with my launch DS4 but after MGS4 the rubber pretty much fell of the left thumbstick. I have replacements coming in from eBay so we'll see how that goes.
 

Makikou

Member
Had a controller with an R2 issue, wouldn't register 100% on R2.

Went out and got a new one. Will attempt to repair old one when i get around to it.
My old controller is from launch day in europe.
 

stay gold

Member
My launch controller had the stick peeling crap. I rebought the PS4 about 6 months ago and the new pad is holding up fine so far, still think the XB1 pad feels more 'premium' but it's doing it's job at least.
 
The triggers are better to me than XB1's and definitely DS3's. I like the tighter feel.

We all agree the build quality is not good, but the controller itself is very comfortable to hold. Feels nice. Sony really needs to address the problems though.

They don't really feel like triggers and seem slow to respond. I'm slowly getting used to firing with the bumpers but I miss my Xbox triggers.

I'm also use to using trigger stops which due to the design scuf doesn't offer trigger stops on the ps4 so you have to play flipped for hair triggers. Every one I talk to switching from cod on Xbox to ps4 hate the triggers and have switched to using the bumpers.
 

MercuryLS

Banned
They don't really feel like triggers and seem slow to respond. I'm slowly getting used to firing with the bumpers but I miss my Xbox triggers.

I'm also use to using trigger stops which due to the design scuf doesn't offer trigger stops on the ps4 so you have to play flipped for hair triggers. Every one I talk to switching from cod on Xbox to ps4 hate the triggers and have switched to using the bumpers.

I agree here, the triggers on the DS4 are awful for shooters. They are mushy with too much travel and squeeze up under the controller. I'm going to use the shoulders for ads and shoot in cod. I personally prefer that to even the xbox triggers that also have too much travel, at least here it's an option, on the xbox one pad you'd have to get the elite or scuff for good hair triggers, the bumpers on that pad would be awful for ads and shoot.
 

janoDX

Member
I have 2 DS4 controllers, no problems with both, a friend has another one on the apartment (yes, we have 2 PS4) and he's been using the controller hardcore without any problems.
 
Oh man, I have never had problems with controllers this fast. The rubber on the sticks is taking a lil beating but that is fine for now. However playing Uncharted Collection I noticed that the left stick is wonky. When I push the stick all the way Nate doesn't run, just walks (he runs when pushed to other directions doe). I dunno if this game in particular is very sensitive with the stick or something because I have no problems with Tearaway or Dragon Quest :(.

Oh man, I'd really rather not shell out 60€ for another controller.
 

newsguy

Member
My 2 issues have been the shitty battery life (abysmal) and the rubber on the left stick coming off. It's frustrating as hell and it's something Sony should recognize and correct.
 
Well...it took just a little over exactly a year (convenient for the warranty eh?) but my PS4 controller will not charge at all no matter what usb cable, or what port/charger/wall charger I use.

These controllers are bollocks.
 

Oare

Member
Well...it took just a little over exactly a year (convenient for the warranty eh?) but my PS4 controller will not charge at all no matter what usb cable, or what port/charger/wall charger I use.

These controllers are bollocks.

Does it work when plugged in?
If yes, you could try swapping the battery for a new one.
The process is very easy (open your controller, unplug the old battery, plug the new one in), and new batteries are readily available on eBay.
If the battery's dead, it's always better to change it rather than leaving it inside the controller, if only to avoid potential swelling.
Dispose properly of the old battery, though. These things are a potential hazard. Inadvertently poking a hole into one can cause serious fires:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-xPHopebiE
Check for stores that offer a battery disposal service in your area.
 

gogosox82

Member
My only issue is the shitty battery life. Wish there was a way to turn off the light on the controller as I'm convinced that's the reason the battery life is so bad.
 
Does it work when plugged in?
If yes, you could try swapping the battery for a new one.
The process is very easy (open your controller, unplug the old battery, plug the new one in), and new batteries are readily available on eBay.
If the battery's dead, it's always better to change it rather than leaving it inside the controller, if only to avoid potential swelling.
Dispose properly of the old battery, though. These things are a potential hazard. Inadvertently poking a hole into one can cause serious fires:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-xPHopebiE
Check for stores that offer a battery disposal service in your area.

Nope, no response to any cables. The battery itself is actually good, because I have 1 bar left from the last time the port worked and it charged, it just won't charge anymore..and that 1 bar is going to run out by the end of the day. Pretty sure its the port, not the battery. It doesn't do the normal charging light bar color, or any color at all for that matter when attempting charging with the system in sleep mode, or attempting charging from an external source.
 

Ivory Samoan

Gold Member
I'm on my 4th DS4, all the same problem: broken R2 trigger.

Keep taking them back to the store, even after 7 months (the last DS4), and they keep replacing them.

The cycle continues... I give this latest one a month tops: MGO3+Destiny will take it's toll I reckon.
 

Gek54

Junior Member
I got tired of the cheap feeling creaking and clacking of plastic on plastic triggers so I cut some strips off the cuff of a thin rubber glove to create rubber bump stops. Now they feel much more like the xbox one triggers. Also sprayed white lithium grease on the hinges to get rid of their awful creaking.

z9dqDPb.jpg
 
Amazing controller, god awful build quality and there shouldn't be anyone who disagrees.

The thumbsticks, the faulty shoulder buttons and the micro USB slot are terrible.

Only 1 of my friends is still able to use their PS4 controller on PC due to the constant disconnects via USB.

I have brand new £20 cables that do the same so the problem is the socket. I've had to go back to a 360 controller.
 

biteren

Member
I got tired of the cheap feeling creaking and clacking of plastic on plastic triggers so I cut some strips of the cuff of a thin rubber glove to create rubber bump stops to feel much like the xbox one triggers. Also sprayed white lithium grease on the hinges to get rid of their awful creaking.

z9dqDPb.jpg

the rubber glove thing i might try but no squeaky triggers for me
cause i put gun oil on em lol
 
I keep getting piss drunk and spilling 40s on it. Wtf Sony?

the rubber glove thing i might try but no squeaky triggers for me
cause i put gun oil on em lol

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009H1AM6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

This stuff is badass. I'm actually a wholesaler for it!

(I work at a completely separate company than the one listed, I just mention my relation to the product to give what I say some authority. This Amazon link is sold directly from the manufacturer.)
 

Justinh

Member
I'm on my 4th DS4, all the same problem: broken R2 trigger.

Keep taking them back to the store, even after 7 months (the last DS4), and they keep replacing them.

The cycle continues... I give this latest one a month tops: MGO3+Destiny will take it's toll I reckon.

I think the triggers are constructed differently now, or at least were on my 20th anniversary DS4.

I took both my old red one and my 20th anniversary apart to switch the springs in the triggers because the triggers on my 20th have no resistance at all. After looking at them and some comparing I found that the springs are in different places because they made the 'poles" that hold them in place shorter (I'm guessing to strengthen them). Edit: maybe shorter isn't the right word. They closed up the gap between the poles and the rest of the trigger...bah! I'll take pictures.

I guess this wasn't the case for all the new DS4s, or that it didn't make a difference.

This is what the old ones looked like. Notice that this is where the spring goes.
http://i.imgur.com/Q6hx9wn.jpg
This is what the ones in my 20th anniversary looked like. Notice that the gap is closed up, and they had to move the springs to the thing that houses the triggers (which makes my triggers sensitive as fuck).
http://i.imgur.com/jswgldX.jpg
 

msdstc

Incredibly Naive
Amazing controller, god awful build quality and there shouldn't be anyone who disagrees.

The thumbsticks, the faulty shoulder buttons and the micro USB slot are terrible.

Only 1 of my friends is still able to use their PS4 controller on PC due to the constant disconnects via USB.

I have brand new £20 cables that do the same so the problem is the socket. I've had to go back to a 360 controller.

No there shouldn't be. The reaction to the initial reports were embarrassing, claiming anybody who had issues as negligent, grimey, Cheeto finger slobs.
 

Oare

Member
Nope, no response to any cables.

First and foremost, have you tried resetting the controller?

If yes, the board to which the USB plug is attached is also readily available on eBay, so you could try swapping that as a last resort. But before, there's something else you might want to give a shot at.
I actually recently had a Dualshock 3 that exhibited a behavior very similar to your Dualshock 4; i.e no response at all even when plugged directly into the console, and inability to charge no matter what cable/charger I'd use.

Opening it up, it turned out a couple of vias on the conductive film that lies on top of the motherboard were damaged (for whatever the fuck reason). Simply replacing the film revived the controller.
The part I'm talking about is the one that you can see in "Step 7" of the following guide:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/DualShock+4+Touch+Pad+Replacement/22684
That "thing with the green lines", which looks like this in real life:
https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=d...ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI-u-jnrXoyAIVhxuUCh1mDQpM
Replacing it should be easy enough, although if you've never done anything similar in your life, I'd advise to ask a friend with at least a little bit of experience. The entire process should take somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes.
Conductive films for Dualshock 4 are easy to come by, and very cheap (1 or 2 USD), so I'd say it's at least worth a shot if you feel comfortable enough doing it.
 
First and foremost, have you tried resetting the controller?

If yes, the board to which the USB plug is attached is also readily available on eBay, so you could try swapping that as a last resort. But before, there's something else you might want to give a shot at.
I actually recently had a Dualshock 3 that exhibited a behavior very similar to your Dualshock 4; i.e no response at all even when plugged directly into the console, and inability to charge no matter what cable/charger I'd use.

Opening it up, it turned out a couple of vias on the conductive film that lies on top of the motherboard were damaged (for whatever the fuck reason). Simply replacing the film revived the controller.
The part I'm talking about is the one that you can see in "Step 7" of the following guide:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/DualShock+4+Touch+Pad+Replacement/22684
That "thing with the green lines", which looks like this in real life:
https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=d...ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI-u-jnrXoyAIVhxuUCh1mDQpM
Replacing it should be easy enough, although if you've never done anything similar in your life, I'd advise to ask a friend with at least a little bit of experience. The entire process should take somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes.
Conductive films for Dualshock 4 are easy to come by, and very cheap (1 or 2 USD), so I'd say it's at least worth a shot if you feel comfortable enough doing it.

I have tried the reset. Thank you for all the time you took putting this info together for me, will definitely give it a shot if I am unsatisfied with Sony's customer service (its literally 2 days past warranty...maybe I will luck out). If not, this is the route I will go. Cheers!
 

gabbra49

Banned
The playstation 4's battery life is unacceptable. I love my ps4 but the controller is the worst part. You really need to have two controllers. One to play and one to charge while you play.
 
I suppose I could call back and try a different CS representative....but being that it is now 3 days out of warranty, they won't even take in controllers for repair that aren't under warranty. I asked "so how much would the repair be for me to send it in for a fix" and he said "oh we don't take in PS4 controllers anymore unless they are under warranty, its just not cost effective".

So either he's misinformed...or charging people to fix their products isn't cost effective? Or are the controllers just so crappily made that they just send out new ones and trash the ones sent in under warranty? A bizarre call to say the least.

Guess I will perform the surgery myself.
 

Fjordson

Member
I wonder if Sony would be open to a dualshock 4 Elite like the Xbone one that just came out.

I know the actual right answer is for them to just improve the regular DS4, but it still sucks ass and I don't see it happening. I'd be more than willing to pay more for a high end DS4, the Xbone one is pretty awesome.
 

Arkham

The Amiga Brotherhood
I've had no problems with either of the controllers I bought until now.

I purchased a white controller during Black Friday last year (got my PS4 this past March) and now it won't charge at all. After plugging it in it'll charge for a few seconds before the battery indicator goes blank with a questionmark. It'll work while plugged in, so does this mean the battery (or internal battery cable) is shot?

At least all buttonss and thumbpads are fine on both controllers.
 
I still haven't seen or touched a peeling DualShock 4, but I guess I've been lucky. Even at events, there haven't been any.

Maybe they use new controllers each time, but that doesn't seem cost effective.
 

Mindlog

Member
I got tired of the cheap feeling creaking and clacking of plastic on plastic triggers so I cut some strips off the cuff of a thin rubber glove to create rubber bump stops. Now they feel much more like the xbox one triggers. Also sprayed white lithium grease on the hinges to get rid of their awful creaking.

http://i.imgur.com/z9dqDPb.jpg
Nice.

I'm going to be opening up my DS4s soon. They're past warranty and feel as cheap as ever. A longer lasting solution than graphite on the hinges sounds like a good idea.
I guess this wasn't the case for all the new DS4s, or that it didn't make a difference.

This is what the old ones looked like. Notice that this is where the spring goes.
http://i.imgur.com/Q6hx9wn.jpg
This is what the ones in my 20th anniversary looked like. Notice that the gap is closed up, and they had to move the springs to the thing that houses the triggers (which makes my triggers sensitive as fuck).
http://i.imgur.com/jswgldX.jpg
Thank you very much for posting pics. It's nice to see improvements instead of hearing about them.
 
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