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[th4tguy]

My analog stick wasn't falling apart like some of the horror stories here but it was getting very smooth and slick which made me have to constantly adjust the placement of my thumb so I wasn't sliding off. Installed some xbone sticks as people here were happy with them, the process looked pretty simple, and they are very cheap.

I couldn't be happier. My thumbs never lose grip even after long sessions. I don't notice the height difference like I was afraid of. I have two controllers and I used to swap out based off which needed charging. Now I pretty much just stick to the one controller and let my wife use the other as she still doesn't want me swapping the other sticks out.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

Just wanted to chime in here with my experience this weekend:

-White DS4 started having the R2 issue

-Swapped to my launch unit DS4 and it stated happening there too. Also finally had the peeling rubber happen.

-Called Sony and they were super cool.

-Wait time was short, dude was really nice and helpful, and got my two return cases filed in minutes.

-Sending them both in and as soon as they receive them they send out replacements for free.

I told him that I appreciate him being easy to work with and that other reps need to be like him.

 

[Badlucktroll]

I just had to get some of those grip cap things for my DS4. the rubberized coating from my launch ps4 was coming off and gouging into my thumb. Lets coin a term for the dual shock 4 stick tearing/cracking. I call it "STICK ROT"

 

[BruiserBear]

Just wanted to chime in here with my experience this weekend:

-White DS4 started having the R2 issue

-Swapped to my launch unit DS4 and it stated happening there too. Also finally had the peeling rubber happen.

-Called Sony and they were super cool.

-Wait time was short, dude was really nice and helpful, and got my two return cases filed in minutes.

-Sending them both in and as soon as they receive them they send out replacements for free.

I told him that I appreciate him being easy to work with and that other reps need to be like him.

So this was a white DS4 you just bought? I was really hoping they had fixed this by now.

 

[Lee Chaolan]

Wondering if they'll ever fix the rubber on the sticks going forward. They must be losing out on fixing/refurbishing all these controllers I'd imagine?

 

[Griddlelol]

Is this a region specific problem?
Not heard any of my buddies have the problem, plus I have 2 DS4s each with 100+ game time on them (thanks to shit battery life) and no damage whatsoever.

Live in the UK.

 

[tahsutify]

Those textured rubbers are completely gone on my DS4. It is very difficult to use the left stick now because it slips under my thumb. Sometimes I push the sticks forward from beneath the top of the stick.

There is no sign of a crack though, so I hope it cracks soon so that I can get a replacement .

 

[Birgitte2004]

So this was a white DS4 you just bought? I was really hoping they had fixed this by now.

He said it has the "R2" issue.

Which is no where near as common as the rubber problem, and might just fall into normal failure rates (in which case, there's nothing to fix).

For every R2 problem claim I've seen I've seen hundreds of rubber ones.

 

[Xander Crews]

I keep reading here about new DS4s supposedly having a new rubber material in the sticks that should be better than the original tear-friendly.

Is this just speculation or do we have any confirmation?

Yes, it's definitely true. I've been thinking about doing a video of the two different sticks because there always seems to be doubt anything has actually changed.

 

[ekgrey]

yeah, it's definitely different. just got a Wave Blue DS4 last week and it feels much harder and has a more visible gripping texture. closer to the DS3 than launch DS4 i think.

 

[Lord Error]

What's the "R2 issue"? I've heard of the sticking R1 issue, but never of any R2 problems.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

What's the "R2 issue"? I've heard of the sticking R1 issue, but never of any R2 problems.

R2 will only come back up half way after you press it. Can sometimes cause the button to register being pressed so your gun will fire randomly unless you manually pull the button back up.

Note: this white DS4 was purchased by itself. The one that came with my wife's Destiny bundle is fine. Both of them have rubber nubs that are fine too.

I don't think the R2 issue is widespread enough yet for Sony to address it in manufacturing. Please make sure you at least report it to them before tossing the controller if you don't plan on sending it in.

 

[SkoomaSuckinSwit]

Finally totally blown out.
Started peeling within weeks of using it back in Nov, but held tight for a long time.
My son's obscene amt of FFXIV playing has done her in.
Still, looks like this is part of the mfg defect bunch.

Buy replacement sticks, or call Sony? (God I hate calling CS lines.)
Def has a lot of hours on her, but at the same time I know the rubber wasn't right to begin with.

 

[Hugstable]

Finally totally blown out.
Started peeling within weeks of using it back in Nov, but held tight for a long time.
My son's obscene amt of FFXIV playing has done her in.
Still, looks like this is part of the mfg defect bunch.

Buy replacement sticks, or call Sony? (God I hate calling CS lines.)
Def has a lot of hours on her, but at the same time I know the rubber wasn't right to begin with.

THey actually have an online chat and I had no wait times on it when getting ahold of them. Whole process to set up the repair order took like 5-10 minutes tops. Just sent out mine yesterday -__-

 

[BruiserBear]

What's the "R2 issue"? I've heard of the sticking R1 issue, but never of any R2 problems.

Both of mine are squeaky. Seems very common.

 

[SkoomaSuckinSwit]

THey actually have an online chat and I had no wait times on it when getting ahold of them. Whole process to set up the repair order took like 5-10 minutes tops. Just sent out mine yesterday -__-

Oh that's good.
Is the age of the controller a factor? That I've had it so long, they won't cover it?
Thanks.

 

[Super_Cobra]

My launch controller has been peeling for a while. I'm going to call Sony today and ask for a replacement.

 

[Cyborg]

Both of mine launch DS4's have problems so I bought these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GH7UA32/

But I have two problems with my purchase

1. One set is to big so you have issues while aiming or driving
2. One seth is perfect but is missing a lot of grip, cause is totally form different material

Anyone found replacements from the same material as original?

 

[InfiniteUnrest]

I picked these

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GOOSV98/?tag=neogaf0e-20

up at my local Fry's, and they're fantastic. They've got textured rubber tops that really grip the thumb nicely.

One pack took care of both of my DS4s.

I've always enjoyed using variations of Kontrolfreek sticks. My favorite set up right now is to use their CQB extender on the left stick, and Ultra/Elite on the right stick, and then turn my in game sensitivity way up, usually to the max, allowing fast turning without sacrificing as much precision. Gives you greater range of motion, more so on the right stick for aiming precision, and the end of the sticks I find are more comfortable than what you get from either PS or MS, with less slippage during extended play. I've also never had them peel.

If you have small hands, they might not work as well for you though, or maybe you can just use the CQBs.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

Oh that's good.
Is the age of the controller a factor? That I've had it so long, they won't cover it?
Thanks.

1 year warranty for controllers. As long as it's a defect you're good to go.

So thumb stick nubs and triggers sticking counts as a defect according to the CS rep.

 

[rbanke]

My left stick has started ripping, Called Sony (USA) and am told that I have to pay for shipping. Supervisor says there is nothing he can do blah blah blah. Being that a new controller can routinely be found for 40 bucks, I am being asked to pay about 30-40% of the cost of a controller just to get this one repaired. Am I insane for thinking this is bullshit?

 

[MightyHedgehog]

My left stick has started ripping, Called Sony (USA) and am told that I have to pay for shipping. Supervisor says there is nothing he can do blah blah blah. Being that a new controller can routinely be found for 40 bucks, I am being asked to pay about 30-40% of the cost of a controller just to get this one repaired. Am I insane for thinking this is bullshit?

It is bullshit, but unless you're successful in getting them to back off and replace it for free, or you bought it at a retailer who can replace it for you, I'd suggest looking into ordering some replacement sticks and doing it yourself. I put X1 sticks in early in the year and have never wanted to go back to the official Sony ones again...they suck for their questionable design and terrible reliability, IMO.

 

[Aeqvitas]

I don't own a PS4, but I had to use one for 2 days last week for testing. For what it is worth, the thumbsticks did have some degradation. And if I got any moisture on my hands (e.g. sweat), they became super slippery. Did not like at all.

 

[CreateNowSleepLater]

So my Xbox One hack is holding up great. No wear at all. Recommend for sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsFqFmj2Org

 

[rbanke]

It is bullshit, but unless you're successful in getting them to back off and replace it for free, or you bought it at a retailer who can replace it for you, I'd suggest looking into ordering some replacement sticks and doing it yourself. I put X1 sticks in early in the year and have never wanted to go back to the official Sony ones again...they suck for their questionable design and terrible reliability, IMO.

I'm considering doing just that. As much as I love the design of the DS4, I feel my xbox one controllers sticks work for me a bit better anyway.

 

[PSOreo]

I didn't believe mine would ever wear but they did, it was mostly down to excessive playing. I don't understand why they didn't use the same material as the Dualshock 3 and before have had. Did the usual buying XboxOne sticks off ebay and made the switch. I also bought lightbar stickers while I was at it.

 

[FonkyByNature]

So this was a white DS4 you just bought? I was really hoping they had fixed this by now.

Doesn't look like it's fixed because i have the Destiny white bundle and my R2 button is starting to act weird, the pressure on the button feels like my controller has been used for years. Also, my left stick is really slippery. But the controller still works so i don't think calling Sony will do anything.

Btw, this is the first time the controller problem is happening to me. I used to have the black model and the controller problem never happened with my launch console.

 

[Duxxy3]

Heads up to people buying xbox one sticks - avoid the ones with creases on top. They are made of a more rubbery, fragile, substance. Real xbox one sticks are one solid piece and are a bit harder.

 

[The_Almighty_Swan]

I didn't believe mine would ever wear but they did, it was mostly down to excessive playing. I don't understand why they didn't use the same material as the Dualshock 3 and before have had. Did the usual buying XboxOne sticks off ebay and made the switch. I also bought lightbar stickers while I was at it.

where'd you buy the stickers?

 

[PSOreo]

where'd you buy the stickers?

Over on Etsy, right here Very fast delivery and decent quality.

 

[The_Almighty_Swan]

never mind found a bunch of them..

 

[The_Almighty_Swan]

Over on Etsy, right here Very fast delivery and decent quality.

Thanks a million...

 

[SteveO1683]

I need to call up Sony and see if they will replace my launch controller because of this problem. I've heard of others having success as long as you cover the shipping to them.

 

[Symbiotx]

I had Sony replace one of my peeling controllers. I decided to try modding the other. I used metal thumbsticks and it was great. Definitely glad I did it. Now that I'm comfortable, I might try the xbox one sticks.

 

[pixellated_man]

After my launch ds4 pad (that came with the console) got the rubber peeling issue, I exchanged it for a new one and have had no issues with it. Got a second one off Amazon recently and relieved to find it was made of the same (newer?) rubber material. Looks like the chances of getting those faulty pads with peeling rubber is getting more remote nowadays, thankfully.

 

[Takuan]

My launch controller finally gave in, haha. The bottom right area of the left analog is now loose, but hasn't yet torn. Do I have to pay for shipping, or does Sony provide the shipping box/label?

I'd look into XBONE sticks, but I'm paranoid about opening the controller because my Sixaxis hasn't been the same since I opened it up.

 

[PSYGN]

I had Sony replace one of my peeling controllers. I decided to try modding the other. I used metal thumbsticks and it was great. Definitely glad I did it. Now that I'm comfortable, I might try the xbox one sticks.

As cool as they look, they look very uncomfortable to press down constantly to run like in FPS games.

 

[Navy Bean]

So my Xbox One hack is holding up great. No wear at all. Recommend for sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsFqFmj2Org

Thanks. Might give this a shot since I don't like the PS4 thumb sticks and have an extra controller. I also have an Xone and I've grown to love the sticks after initially thinking they were too small.

 

[BlackGoku03]

Anyone in the US that sells the ORB thumb grips?

 

[Ragarra]

Ive found these Grip-iT Analog Stick Covers awesome so far. Easy to put on, have had no slippage with them, only downside is the blue ones are ugly.

 

[RunningRiot]

What's the "R2 issue"? I've heard of the sticking R1 issue, but never of any R2 problems.

The actual issue is that the plastic "dowel" that is molded into the triggers that it pivots on. What will happen is that one with the trigger spring on it will break off, so that there is no more tension from the spring, causing the trigger to stick, thus constantly feeding controller input, and causing all other inputs to not register.
I've had four DS4's have this problem. I'm done trying to get new controllers, since they all have this design flaw (at least for me, I must press down too damn hard on the trigger).
So what I did was take it apart and drill out the plastic dowels and replace them with a small piece of metal from a clamp style paperclip (there are youtube videos out there showing how to do this.
After doing this, I've been using the same DS4 for 6 months with no problems.

 

[HaleStorm]

My PS4 sticks have not worn at all. It is mostly because they have been sitting in a drawer sine they were replaced with XB1 sticks though.

There is also the fact that I just have not had the many must play games come out for the PS4 yet. TLOU was good, and I played the Metro games there (Driveclub PS+ edition... Maybe? Please?), but everything else I have gone XB1 because it is exclusive, or because I want to play with friends and that is where they all are.

 

[Doombear]

The actual issue is that the plastic "dowel" that is molded into the triggers that it pivots on. What will happen is that one with the trigger spring on it will break off, so that there is no more tension from the spring, causing the trigger to stick, thus constantly feeding controller input, and causing all other inputs to not register.
I've had four DS4's have this problem.

Exactly what happened to my R2 after playing Destiny for a few days. I just sent mine back, but next time (who are we kidding thinking there won't be one) I will be doing the drill/pin fix and likely the X1 sticks at the same time.

How annoying was getting the triggers back in once you did the fix? That is the only real issue I have seen people have. Properly getting the spring back in right and the L2/R2 triggers back in right.

 

[inki]

I had a similar problem w/ my 360 controller (after years of use). I just use these now.

I got these and have had them on my DS4 since I got the system Day 1. NO issues at all like this. I also make sure my hands are clean before I use my controller.

 

[Symbiotx]

As cool as they look, they look very uncomfortable to press down constantly to run like in FPS games.

Nah, they really aren't uncomfortable or slippery. I like the feel of them. I mainly play FPS games, and it hasn't been a problem.

 

[MightyHedgehog]

I also make sure my hands are clean before I use my controller.

I think it's been firmly established that these things just cannot stand up to the test of normal use with people who claim to take care of their stuff having suffered this fate even ten or so months from launch to people having issues with newer colored controllers. It has nothing to really do with the cleanliness of hands as all previous stock controllers from Sony, MS, and Ninty stand up pretty well for years of heavy use, dirty hands or not. Sony just shat out some inferior build quality, design, and/or materials for their newest controller.

 

[Lord Error]

I think it's been firmly established that these things just cannot stand up to the test of normal use with people who claim to take care of their stuff having suffered this fate even ten or so months from launch to people having issues with newer colored controllers.

I haven't yet seen someone claiming to have a stick rubber peeling issue with colored controllers.

 

[dano1]

I think it's been firmly established that these things just cannot stand up to the test of normal use with people who claim to take care of their stuff having suffered this fate even ten or so months from launch to people having issues with newer colored controllers. It has nothing to really do with the cleanliness of hands as all previous stock controllers from Sony, MS, and Ninty stand up pretty well for years of heavy use, dirty hands or not. Sony just shat out some inferior build quality, design, and/or materials for their newest controller.

Both launch controllers replaced. New ones made of different material. They are fine. That's all.

 

[III-V]

I have 2 controllers, one has the issue one doesn't. I play them both about equally. will be sending in at some point if that option is still available.

 

[BlindMonkey]

My right stick is very worn and has split, my left stick looks really healthy in comparison.

Weird.