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Ugly PS4 Controller Upgrade Proves Sony Hasn’t Learned to Crib from Xbox

Last Updated
William White
Last Updated
  • A new DualShock 4 accessory adds paddles to the PS4 controller.
  • It’s a weak imitation of the Xbox Elite controller.
  • Sony needs to make something along the lines of a DualShock 4 Pro.

Sony is releasing a “DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment”  for PlayStation 4 owners that want more control options.

The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment adds two paddles to the rear of the PS4 controller. These paddles and programmable and can take on 16 different functions. Further, an OLED screen shows off the profile and buttons in use.

Sony Can Do Better Than a DualShock 4 Accessory

Sadly, it’s all a bit underwhelming. Sony needs to ditch this idea and finally design its own premium controller. To be more specific, it needs to rip off from the amazing Xbox Elite controllers .

Microsoft allows a ridiculous amount of customization for its Elite controllers, and Sony needs to do the same. Its new accessory already pales in comparison by only offering two paddles, compared to the four on the Xbox Elite.

If Sony produced its own knock-off of the Xbox Elite controller, it could also copy all the other extra features. Features like more customization for the D-pad, analog sticks, and maybe even triggers.

Xbox Elite Controller
PlayStation needs to take a page out of Microsoft’s book. | Source: Microsoft 

More Options Are Always Better

As it is now, Sony doesn’t have the same type of high-quality first-party controller as Microsoft does. That should change.

A new controller from Sony would also allow it to fix some of the mistakes that the PlayStation 4 controller currently suffers from. Like the terrible battery life that only lasts for about four hours .

Honestly, who in their right mind wants to hook up a power-draining accessory to the PS4 controller when the battery is already such a joke? The addition of an OLED screen on the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment is just another way to reduce that battery life.

DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment Price
Who wants to pay $30 for this? Not this PS4 owner. | Source: Sony 

Just Make a New PS4 Controller Already

And while I’m on the subject, is that really the best name Sony could come up with? “DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment” just sounds like a jumble of marketing words.

With a new controller could come a new name. It wouldn’t even be hard. Just call it the “DualShock 4 Pro.” Boom! Better already.

What’s even worse about the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment is the price. Sony is seriously asking customers to shell out another $30 for two buttons.

That brings the total price of a DualShock 4 up to at least $90  with this accessory. At that price point, Sony might as well take some features from the Xbox Elite controller and up the price another $10 for a Pro controller.

Ugly Back Button Bump on new PS4 controller attachment
Just look at that horrible bump it adds. | Source: Sony 

The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment Is Ugly

Finally, a premium PlayStation 4 controller from Sony wouldn’t have to look unsightly. The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment adds a massive bulge to the bottom of the controller that ruins its sleek look.

Integrating the back paddles into a new controller wouldn’t require the bump and would be much more pleasing to the eye.

Get to it, Sony. You’ve been whopping Microsoft in console sales for years now. It’s time to start doing it with PS4 controllers too.