Best PS4 Controllers: Buying Guide
You are a happy PlayStation 4 owner and are particularly enjoying playing your favorite games on this console. However, you are starting to have some problems with the controller. You would therefore intend to buy a new one and would like some advice on this. That’s the way it is, am I right? Then I would say that you have come to the right place!
In today’s guide, in fact, I will explain in detail which are the best controllers for PS4, providing you with all the necessary indications regarding the main aspects to take into consideration when you want to buy a good pad. There will also be a way to talk about a myriad of models available for purchase, analyzing their strengths and any limitations.
In short, at the end of the tutorials you will know many products and you will be able to make your choice more consciously. What do you say? Are you ready to proceed? I would say yes, since you’ve made it this far and you seem particularly motivated to continue. Come on then, all you have to do is get comfortable and analyze the products listed below. I can assure you that, in the end, you will find the most suitable controller for you. Enjoy your reading and have fun!
Index
- Preliminary information
- Best PS4 controllers
- DualShock 4 V2
- Razer Raiju Tournament Edition
- Nacon Revolution Pro 2
- Nacon Revolution Pro 3
- Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
- Hori Fighting Commander
- Razer Raiju Ultimate
- Nacon Compact
- Hori Mini Wired
- Nacon Asymmetric Wireless
- Hori Onyx + Wireless
- ASTRO Gaming C40 TR
Preliminary information
Before showing you what, in my humble opinion, are the best controllers for PS4 , I think you might be interested in learning more about this diverse market.
In fact, there are several types of pads for PlayStation 4. In general, the most important feature to understand the quality of these models is the presence of the Sony license : buying a controller “approved” by the Japanese company means, in fact, being sure that it works correctly in any context.
Usually, figuring out if a controller is licensed or not is very simple: just look for the official PlayStation logo somewhere on the pad (often found on the Home button ). In some cases, however, this is not the case and, therefore, to dispel any doubts about it, I suggest you maybe carry out some online research on the model involved. In any case, in this guide I will only deal with Sony licensed controllers .
Another aspect that should not be underestimated is the method by which the controller connects to the PlayStation 4. There are in fact both wireless pads that work only via cable . A wireless controller allows for greater convenience , but some professional gamers prefer to use wired pads to reduce response times as much as possible . So make your own decision also based on what kind of player you are.
Finally, I advise you not to listen to those who sell modified controllers , often indicated with the terms chipped or modded . Put simply, the latter are used to “cheat” and can easily lead to bans from online games . In short, it makes no sense to preclude yourself from having fun by trying to win in ways not allowed by the developers.
Best PS4 controllers
Having made the necessary clarifications above, let’s get to the point and find out which are the most interesting Sony licensed PlayStation 4 controllers of the moment: I’m sure you won’t struggle to find one that’s right for you.
DualShock 4 V2
DualShock 4 V2 , or the second incarnation of the official PS4 controller, the one that is included in the sales package of the console, is the most widespread and reliable pad on the market.
We are in fact talking about a controller able to work both wirelessly and through the cable present in the package, through which charging also takes place . The positioning of the buttons and the ergonomics have been studied in detail by Sony and, in fact, the DualShock 4 V2 is appreciated by many PlayStation 4 users.
In the central part there is a touchpad button , convenient for carrying out some operations, such as writing , the speakers , which guarantee greater immersion in some games, and the Home button , which allows you to return to the main screen of the PlayStation 4 in a flash . Also excellent is the presence of the Share button , which is located at the top left and allows you to instantly capture videos or screenshots. There is also the audio jack for headphones, present at the bottom of the controller.
The main difference between the first version of the DualShock 4 and the one we are talking about is related to the advanced lighting system of the zone that is located at the top of the controller ( touchpad light bar included). In fact, this area is able to change color depending on what happens inside some games , signaling to the user, for example, a situation in which his character has little life .
The other important innovations compared to the predecessor are the greater resistance and the presence of the USB data connection , which allows you to play with reduced response times simply by connecting the controller via cable to the PlayStation 4. Surely the DualShock 4 V2 has an excellent value for money and is also one of the most complete pads available on the market.
PlayStation 4 – Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller V2, White (Glacier Wh …
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Razer Raiju Tournament Edition
If you want to aim for high levels and aim for the competitive one, one of the best choices on the market is the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition . Licensed by Sony, it is considered by many to be the best PS4 controller for FPS , although clearly it can also be used for other genres.
One of the distinctive features of the pad is the presence of 4 re-assignable multifunction buttons , which are also removable and can be used to perform actions within games more quickly : an aspect of fundamental importance in fast-paced games such as shooters .
Also of note is the interesting Hair Trigger Mode which essentially “locks” the triggers to allow the player to be able to shoot and aim faster . This can provide a very good competitive advantage and it is therefore no coincidence that the controller is also used by many professionals .
The Razer Raiju Tournament Edition connects to the PlayStation 4 via both Bluetooth and wired mode and can be adjusted in terms of vibration , sensitivity and keys directly via the free Razer Raiju for PS4 app , available for both Android and iOS .
Speaking of design , the shape is halfway between that of the Xbox controller and that of the PS4 pad , so on an aesthetic level, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition might appeal to anyone. The constructive solidity is excellent (perhaps the only flaw is the weight that derives from it, but in reality this is not a big problem for many users). You can choose different versions with different colors.
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition (2019) – Gaming Controller with or …
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Razer Raiju Tournament Edition Mercury (2019) – Gaming Controller with …
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Nacon Revolution Pro 2
If you are looking for a Sony licensed pad with a modern design and are an advocate of asymmetrical analog placement , the Nacon Revolution Pro 2 may be for you.
It is a controller designed for professional gamers who prefer a button layout closer to that of the Xbox pad than to that of the DualShock 4. Nacon Revolution Pro 2 connects to the PlayStation 4 only via USB and has some advanced features designed for pro players, from the possibility of adjusting the sensitivity of the analog sticks to the choice of using the 4 or 8-way directional cross .
The build solidity is excellent and in general the controller provides a “premium” feeling in this sense. There is no shortage of audio jack for headphones, the small light bar , the touchpad , the Share button and the Home button . The use of the USB Type-C port is very interesting , which allows you to better prevent a possible accidental disconnection of the controller.
Some users have turned up their noses at Nacon ‘s choice not to allow the use of macros , or recorded keystrokes that are then automatically played back in the first version of this controller, but on the other hand the latter usually cannot be use during official competitions and therefore seems a sensible choice.
Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 2, Black – PlayStation 4
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Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 2 Rig Edition – Classics – PlayStation …
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Nacon Revolution Pro 3
It is version 3 of the Nacon Revolution Pro already seen above but with cable. In this case it is a Sony licensed controller that you will find extremely professional, with a modern design and also with some special features to make the game more competitive, or perhaps even more professional.
Yes, because the controller is a controller for professional gamers who don’t often like to play with Sony’s official one but who prefer to have more button customization in addition to other goodies you will see owning this controller.
Clearly it boasts all the ergonomic features of the REVOLUTION series such as asymmetrical levers, triggers and larger action buttons along with two weight compartments. This for a completely personalized experience. Using the interface of the included PC software, gamers will be able to create custom profiles thanks to the ability to configure the mapping of all keys, the sensitivity of levers and triggers, the vibration motors and much more. With this wired controller, NACON has set a new standard in the world of competitive gaming on PS4.
Also for this controller there is a full constructive solidity capable of making a “premium” feeling as soon as you pick it up. Clearly, as for the others, there is the usual audio jack to insert headphones as well as a backlight to make it even more “Pro”.
Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3 Wired PS4 Official Sony PlayStation
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Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro is one of the most expensive and arguably best PS4 controllers out there currently. It is undoubtedly a condensation of all Nacon’s technological experience in the field of competitive gaming on PS4. Thanks to the wireless game mode, it is the ideal controller for the most demanding PRO gamers and is 100% dedicated to esports.
On a technical level, it sees the presence of cutting-edge technology and is fully customizable as well as including chat and wireless audio functions. In PS4-Advanced mode , you can access game profiles created with the included software. Key mapping, adjustment of the response curve of the sticks, inversion of the sticks and axes, setting the sensitivity of the dead zones of each trigger, calibration of the intensity of the vibration: the possibilities for customization are truly endless.
Then? Still? You can even change the color and adjust the intensity of the right stick backlight for a totally personal look. Moreover, if this were not enough for you, know that in the package there is also a hard case that will allow you to carry controllers and accessories everywhere with you.
Also incredible is the fact that the controller has internal compartments with different weights available (2 × 10 g, 2 × 14 g, 2 × 16 g) to ensure maximum customization. And again, the controller includes controls on the bottom to allow you to quickly adjust the volume of the headphones and set both the game mode and the connection mode. In short, the best for those who want to compete at the maximum.
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller – Playstation 4
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Hori Fighting Commander
If you are a fighting game enthusiast and are looking for an inexpensive controller other than those usually found on the market, I recommend you take a look at Hori Fighting Commander , another Sony-licensed pad.
Designed especially for those who do not want to switch to Stick Arcade and prefer a design more similar to the standard one , Hori Fighting Commander is a controller that connects only via USB cable to the PlayStation 4. This allows for reduced response times , which are of fundamental importance for fighting games.
The construction solidity is normal and the ergonomics are good: once they have mastered the pad, many fighting fans can no longer go back. Clearly we are not talking about a controller suitable for other genres of video games, since the analog sticks are missing . A pad designed to complement the standard one, rather than to replace it.
On the right are 2 programmable buttons , which can be used to speed up your in-game actions and generate devastating combos . There is also a slider to manage the directional cross , one to change the assignment of the backbones , the button for Turbo mode , the Share button and the inevitable Home button . Instead, there is no vibration and headphone jack.
In short, Hori Fighting Commander is an inexpensive controller designed exclusively for fighting games and therefore can be of interest to that niche of the public.
Razer Raiju Ultimate
If the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition I told you about earlier isn’t enough for you and you want to aim for a Sony-licensed PS4 controller that’s truly top-notch, you should give the Razer Raiju Ultimate a try .
It is a controller that has all the excellent specifications of the “base” model and adds several more customization possibilities . In fact, the peculiar feature of Razer Raiju Ultimate is the ability to change the levers and choose them based on their shape and height . In addition to this, a tilting or individual D-Pad can be mounted . Put simply, you can physically customize the pad layout to suit your needs.
The constructive solidity is excellent and the connection takes place both via Bluetooth and via cable . There is also the possibility to adjust buttons , analog sensitivity and vibration intensity using the classic application for mobile devices and in this case there is also an interesting RGB LED strip surrounding the touchpad .
Ultimately, Razer Raiju Ultimate is one of the most customizable PS4 controllers available on the market and, for this reason, it is particularly suited to pro players. According to many, this pad can guarantee great competitive advantages in games such as Battle Royale. It is therefore considered by the community as the best PS4 controller for Fortnite .
Nacon Compact
If you are looking for a product that does not cost too much and at the same time is officially licensed by Sony, you might want to take a look at the Nacon Compact controller .
In fact, it is an entry-level model that works only via USB cable (the length of the latter is approximately 3 meters). This means that the pad does not have all the features offered by the classic DualShock 4, but only guarantees what the average user needs , while keeping the price as low as possible.
The build solidity is good and the dimensions are compact , an aspect that is particularly appreciated by those who find that many controllers for PlayStation 4 are inconvenient to use. The positioning of the keys is essentially classic in which the Sony console players are used to, but clearly the compact dimensions involve the fact that the keys are closer to each other.
The touchpad , even if small in size, is still present and the Share and Home buttons are also in place. There’s also a small light bar , which sits just above the headphone audio jack input . A good pad for those who don’t want to spend too much, even if the lack of Bluetooth and the small size are to be taken into consideration.
Nacon Compact Controller PS4 Official Sony PlayStation, Blue
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Hori Mini Wired
The children younger they may have some problems to use the PS4 controller, given the size of the latter. For this reason, Hori Mini Wired was created : a Sony licensed pad designed with the needs of young gamers in mind.
In other words, it is an inexpensive pad with a particularly small size (40% smaller than that of the standard controller). Hori Mini Wired connects exclusively via USB cable (approximately 3 meters long) and even has a small touchpad that simulates the one present on the DualShock 4.
For the rest, all superfluous features have clearly been removed, but the Home button, Share button , D-Pad and analogs are still in place. The colors available are Black , Blue and Red , so the little ones can also choose the model they think is more beautiful to look at.
A product to consider for your children, designed to introduce the little ones to the world of the PlayStation 4.
Hori Controller Mini (Black) For PS4 – Official Sony – PlayStation 4
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Nacon Asymmetric Wireless
One of the biggest criticisms addressed to the PlayStation 4 controller by those who usually use the Xbox pad is that relating to the symmetrical design of the analogs chosen by Sony, which according to some enthusiasts would be nice to see but would not be as comfortable as Microsoft’s solution.
For this reason, Nacon has released an asymmetrical controller for PlayStation 4 with a Sony license which in some ways echoes the design of the Xbox pad . Nacon Asymmetric Wireless connects to the console exclusively via a USB transmitter . There are also no speakers and motion sensors, but on the other hand we are talking about a cheap pad.
Instead, we find a light bar placed between the headphone audio jack input and the Home button . Not even the Share button is missing and the constructive solidity is good. No problem with regards to wireless coverage and battery life : we are on similar levels to those of the DualShock 4.
Ultimately, Nacon Asymmetric Wireless is a great inexpensive controller designed for those who have become accustomed to the Xbox pad’s analog arrangement.
Nacon Asymmetric Wireless PS4 Official Sony PlayStation
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Hori Onyx + Wireless
How do you say? Are you looking for an inexpensive controller with an asymmetrical design that can also offer a shape close to that of the Xbox pad ? Well then the Sony Hori Onyx + Wireless licensed controller might be for you.
This is a product that has very similar characteristics to those offered by the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless of which I told you previously, since also in this case the connection is only via USB transmitter and the available buttons are always the classic ones .
Hory Onix Wireless is a controller suitable mainly for those who want to get as close as possible to the experience guaranteed by the Xbox pad without having to spend too much. It has a wireless connection but above all you can connect your headphones to play and then you can use it with or without a cable and therefore even when it is charging. No problem from this point of view, however, because it has autonomy for at least 5 hours of continuous play.
Hori Asymmetric Wireless Controller Onyx + (PS4 / PC) – Official Sony -…
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ASTRO Gaming C40 TR
Equipped with a Sony license, ASTRO Gaming C40 TR is a controller with a particularly atypical design compared to the classic one used by most console pads and that is also why some players use it: to stand out from others.
We are talking about a pad designed to compete in tournaments and therefore we find programmable buttons and removable and interchangeable modules , from analog to directional keypad . This means that you can both use the pad with analogs placed symmetrically or asymmetrically . Put simply, the player decides which configuration best suits his needs.
ASTRO Gaming C40 TR connects to PlayStation 4 both wired and wireless . There is also a feature that allows you to “block” the triggers to allow players to aim and shoot faster . This can guarantee a good competitive advantage especially in shooter games , where speed of action is quite important.
However, as you may have guessed by now, the extensive customization afforded by this controller actually makes it suitable for virtually any game genre .
Finally, since you are interested in controllers for PlayStation 4, I would like to recommend some tutorials that may be useful to you. In particular, I recommend that you take a look at my guides on how to reset the PS4 controller , how to charge the PS4 controller and how to play two on PS4 .
