Sony Original PS4 Controller Wireless Game Pad - With Original Charging Cord

The DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1) is the PlayStation 4's controller. It is similar to the DualShock 3, with several new features. One new feature is a built-in two-point capacitive touch pad on the front of the controller, which can be clicked.[33] This allows the touch pad to represent multiple buttons, as demonstrated in the PS4 version of Elite Dangerous in which the four corners of the touch pad can be mapped to a separate clickable actions.[34] The controller supports motion detection via a three-axis gyroscope and three-axis accelerometer and vibration.[33] It includes a non-removable,[35] rechargeable 3.7 V, 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged while the system is in rest mode. It weighs 210 g (7.4 oz) and has dimensions of 162 mm × 52 mm × 98 mm (6.4 in × 2.0 in × 3.9 in).[35]

The front of the controller features a light bar containing three LEDs that, when lit in conjunction, cause the light bar to glow a variety of colors. Developed for PlayStation VR,[36] it can be used to identify players by matching the colors of the characters they control in a game, or to provide enhanced feedback or immersion by changing patterns or colors in reaction to gameplay.[37][38] An early example of this is displayed in the game Grand Theft Auto V; the light bar will flash red and blue when the player is wanted by the police, simulating the flashing lights of a police car. The light bar is also used in conjunction with the PlayStation Camera to judge the positions and movements of multiple players.[37]

The controller features several input and output connectors: a stereo headset jack (3.5 mm CTIA TRRS connector), a micro-USB port, and an extension port.[33] It can be charged using the console, using a dedicated charging station, or via microUSB using a standalone charger.[33] It also includes a mono speaker, like the Wii Remote, and is the second major controller in video game history to have such feature.[33]

The DualShock 4 features the following buttons: PS button, SHARE button, OPTIONS button, directional buttons, action buttons (triangle, circle, cross,[39] square), shoulder buttons (R1/L1), triggers (R2/L2), analog stick click buttons (L3/R3), and a touch pad click button.[33] These mark several changes from the DualShock 3 and other previous PlayStation controllers. The START and SELECT buttons have been merged into a single OPTIONS button.[33][35] A dedicated SHARE button allows players to upload screenshots and videos from their gameplay experiences.[33] The joysticks and triggers have been redesigned based on developer input,[33] with the ridged surface of the joysticks now featuring an outer ring surrounding the convex dome caps.

The DualShock 4's buttons differ slightly in functionality from the DualShock 3. Only the L2 and R2 triggers are pressure-sensitive, a change from the functionality of the DualShock 2 and 3. This is likely due to the fact that most games did not utilize these buttons as well as due to it not being used on competitors' controllers.

The PlayStation 3 is forward compatible with the DualShock 4 (originally only via a microUSB cable). Firmware update 4.60 for the PS3 added wireless connectivity; however, motion and vibration functions are not supported.[40] As the START and SELECT buttons are no longer present, the OPTIONS and SHARE buttons respectively replace them.

Version issues and modifications[edit]

Sony's earlier DualShock 4 controllers (CUH-ZCT1 controllers) had wear issues with the rubber surface on both analog sticks which exhibited excessive wear or tearing after short-term use. In January 2014, Sony issued a statement acknowledging an issue on 10% of controllers.[41]

In early September 2016, Sony confirmed a second version of DualShock 4 controllers, known as the DualShock Version 2 (CUH-ZCT2), which hosts slight improvements over the original DualShock 4, including USB communication, improved triggers and joysticks, a longer battery life and the ability to see the light bar from the top of the touchpad. It released on September 15, 2016.[42]

In the first generation controller, the light bar is a permanently illuminated, bright-colored light. The needless light pollution and battery drain prompted inquiries as to whether the light bar could be switched off by users. Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida initially responded in the negative in July 2013,[43][44] though game developers have the option to disable the light in game.[45] In early 2014, the company announced that a future update would allow the light bar to be dimmed,[46] which was delivered in 1.70 in April 2014.[47]