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[whiteninja]

I got one used recently and the rubber was completely worn off. Got some new sticks and replaced them. Battery life really sucks so I plug the controller in my iphone charger a lot.
One thing I like better than the ds3 is that if you twist your hands in opposite directions while holding it, it won't squeak or give. I hated that on the ds3 but loosening the screws actually seemed to help.

 

[AppleSeason]

Given the fact that I skipped DS3 and moved from Sixaxis to DS4, it feels pretty decent. Not comparable to the original grey DS (The DS2 was crap compared to it) I keep using, but still pretty good.

 

[TheDarkKnight774]

Own 4 DS4s at or around launch. Have had no issues. Not sure if it's luck, usage, or how I use the controller but so far so good. Such a great design it sucks so many are having issues.

 

[dakun]

wow i got the exact opposite impression of the DS4.. i love it.

Used it since launch and didn't have any problems

 

[Stimpack]

I have a white one I bought at BB that does this...like the controller is lagging, really weird, about got me killed in Bloodborne the first time it happened. Something wrong with the headphone jack too, barely works. I think it still under warranty but haven't had time to bother with it.

I had this problem with one of my launch controllers. Ended up buying a white one thinking the problem would be fixed, but this one has the same issue.

 

[hesido]

Own 4 DS4s at or around launch. Have had no issues. Not sure if it's luck, usage, or how I use the controller but so far so good. Such a great design it sucks so many are having issues.

Probably, it's luck, or maybe you have marshmallow thumbs. I don't even put it under stress compared to how long I played with Ds3, left stick is worn out now. The new one I bought is also showing signs of damage.

 

[Get'sMad]

Still no problems w/ mine but I've only had it since February. Battery life does blow but it doesn't bother me too much since I always have my laptop at the coffee table I can plug into a usb port w/ a 6ft cable for charging if needed be.

Also even though I know you can use a DS4 w/ a PS3 I wanted to get a new DS3 for my PS3 and it's insane how those things still cost $50.

 

[whyreggielie]

Somehow, I feel like my charge time is equal to my Wii U gamepad which has a huge screen on it. The worst part is, I can't plug the thing into a wall near me like the gamepad and the USB wire is short as hell. Hard to enjoy extended play sessions when I got to get off my couch to do so

 

[Memorabilia]

DS4 build quality is indeed poor. I'm an extremely low use PS4 owner since mine mostly collects dust while I play thru my PS3/360 backlog...but I'm already seeing signs of wear with creaky triggers & sub-standard rubber thinning out on the sticks. Its too bad bc the DS4 is actually a nice design. I only slightly prefer the Xbone controller design/feel...but where it excels is solid build quality.

Edit: Battery life is also inexplicably bad. I bought a couple inexpensive (but surprisingly high quality) 15 ft charge cables for mine so I can game from the couch with them charging if I want to. So the bad battery life isn't the end of the world...but it is silly that I sometimes have to treat these controllers like they're corded in order to have extended gaming sessions.

Sony really needs to step up with a controller re-design that addresses build quality & battery life.

 

[Get'sMad]

Somehow, I feel like my charge time is equal to my Wii U gamepad which has a huge screen on it. The worst part is, I can't plug the thing into a wall near me like the gamepad and the USB wire is short as hell. Hard to enjoy extended play sessions when I got to get off my couch to do so

I mean of course you can buy a pretty long micro usb cable on the cheap but yeah the length of the USB cable thats bundled with the system is a joke...glad I had a couple pretty long micro USB cables lying around when I bought the thing.

 

[Dirk Benedict]

I have three Dualshock 4's. 1 I use on the PC and the other two for PS4 itself.

The design is very good, but the build quality itself is not. It's comfortable and conforms to my hands like a fitted glove.

I play games on the PC that require lot's of mashing and specifically a certain game that uses R1 heavily... after 30 hours total play, it feels like there are pieces broken and the R1 button is sunk in a bit, so the tactile response is very much off.

I was a fool to continue my play with another DS4... I think i'm going to buy 2 bone elite controllers and run through one while babying the other.

 

[Kagoshima_Luke]

Guess I must be really lucky. My DS4 (from the white Destiny bundle) is still in like new condition, even after marathon Destiny/FFXIV sessions. Sticks are perfect. Triggers are perfect. Buttons and touch pad are perfect.

Only complaint is the battery life, but considering how amazing the controller is in every other way, I'll deal with it.

The XB1 controller, on the other hand, is a huge step back from the old 360 controller, which is shocking considering they put millions of dollars into making it "better."

 

[Lucent]

I guess I got super lucky with my launch controller. Stick have not peeled at all. Triggers don't stick. Feels solid. Even more so than my xbox one pad. Battery life isn't great but def better than 4 hours.

 

[daevv]

I haven't used my launch one much so I don't know about wear and tear on the sitcks. My white one and camo one hold up like bosses! Glad I got them for $39.99 here in Canada before the dollar tanked.

 

[KORNdoggy]

I have 2 controller from launch. I get ~8 hours out of each (light on dim) and have no cosmetic, or funtional issues. Rubber on thumb sticks is gravy. No squeeky triggers, no sticking buttons. Besides the original dual shock 2 it's the most robust controller i've had. 360 was good too, but that had issues with loose batteries and analog sticks dragging left. It sucks though of you,re having such issues. I get that it's frustrating especially given the cost of official pads.

 

[Santar]

Yeah the build quality on the PS4 controllers are horrible.
The buttons on mine are already starting to show signs of wear after only a year with not a lot of use.
My PS3 sixaxis controllers that are almost 10 years old still works like a charm.
Incredibly disappointed by Sony

 

[neojubei]

I guess I got super lucky with my launch controller. Stick have not peeled at all. Triggers don't stick. Feels solid. Even more so than my xbox one pad. Battery life isn't great but def better than 4 hours.

i have had the same experience.

 

[slapnuts]

Never had an issue with the DS4 so far...my launch DS4 is still fine and then i bought one of those newer Wave Blue controllers when they initially were released...so far both controllers are in great shape and had lots of usage.

One thing i did notice though is the texture on the newer DS4 Wave Blue is different vs my launch DS4 controller. The texture on the Wave Blue is much more smoother and just looks better made while my launch DS4 has this weird texture where you can almost see why they peel so easily but again...my original DS4 is still fine.

I did have one issue with the trigger squeaking but i used a little WD40 spray on it...it worked.

 

[AyaisMUsikWhore]

My launch controller finally shows the wear and tear on the analog sticks but my other controllers are perfectly fine. I think I've dropped them a total of 500 times and they still work fine.

But to each their own.

 

[Omega]

No problems here. I like to think I take care of my stuff and some people report the weirdest things with the controller. What are doing to the controller?

I don't get people like you.

Sometimes electronics have issues regardless of how well you take care of it.

 

[barit]

My Launch DS4 works fine since Day-1. Must be one of the few lucky ones I guess. *shrug*

Discloser: but I use these things controller stick extansions

 

[Gono]

I love the DS4, never had any problem. At first I was a bit afraid of it peeling out after reading so much about... but never happened, and I played a lot for more than a year.

 

[Lernaean]

I would be cynical about this thread 2 days ago, but 2 days of DMC4SE and my left stick flaked a little bit.
Also it's true that compared to XBOX One controller and WiiU Pro, the DS4 is a joke.

 

[Etnos]

Not sure what were they thinking with the glowing lamp in front, it kept glowing on my screen, nonsensical design.

I know a black tape fixes it, but you shouldn't need to fix glaring industrial design missteps.

Battery life was pretty bad also.

 

[CREMSteve]

I have two, both are over a year old and are used daily. No issues so far (minus the poor battery life). /shrug

 

[swazzyswess]

no stick issues because I've been using covers since day one (that's not an excuse though; extra accessories shouldn't be required to keep something functional).

battery life is total garbage though. two controllers + charging station helps, but again, that doesn't mitigate the huge step down in battery life from the DS3.

 

[entremet]

Looks like there are batches of controllers with uneven build quality.

I remember the peeling sticks early on. No shoulder button sticking is reported.

Seems like Sony cheaped out on the materials.

 

[timetokill]

It's clear that Sony cheaped out on the controllers in an attempt to boost profits after the PS3 disaster. It's a shame because I thought this was the best DS design yet, but it just has too many flaws.

 

[Wynnebeck]

I would be cynical about this thread 2 days ago, but 2 days of DMC4SE and my left stick flaked a little bit.
Also it's true that compared to XBOX One controller and WiiU Pro, the DS4 is a joke.

I would have to disagree. The Xbox One controller is a legit step back from the 360 controller and is truly mind boggling how MS shit the bed after spending $100 million in development when you already had a winning design before. Makes no sense.

 

[n0razi]

loving my XB1 Stick/2000mah Battery modded DS4... pretty much solves all the issues I had with it... sticks are perfect and battery life is days

analog sticks getting stuck is an easy fix, means the screw behind the touchpad is a bit too tight

 

[xJavonta]

My sticks on my launch DS4 are JUST now wearing out. It's been under really heavy use on both PS4 and PC, playing games of literally every genre. I'd say it's pretty well built. It's also my only controller so it never gets swapped out or anything like that.

 

[muleyman13]

I would have to disagree. The Xbox One controller is a legit step back from the 360 controller and is truly mind boggling how MS shit the bed after spending $100 million in development when you already had a winning design before. Makes no sense.

I have to concur 100 percent, Loved the 360 controller ,it is the GOAT IMO, but the Xbox One controller is terrible to me. The DS4 is my current fav and I don't understand why the fixed what did not need fixing to me.

 

[ANDS]

Almost two years on and I've got no problems with my launch controllers. Charge time is pretty good, and they last enough for a day of playtime (marathon play not so much).

Blanket "This item sucks" for electronics is really silly. If there was a reliable defect you'd be hearing about it.

 

[hyp]

replaced my pack-in launch controller due to a squeaky trigger and analog rubber coming off. the other controller i bought at launch is now starting to lose its rubber as well and there's this sticky film all over it compared to the replacement one i got to replace the pack-in.

 

[Yautja_Warrior]

Not had a problem with my DS4 (day one PS4 owner) but I don't hammer my pads and look after them, its certainly better build quality than any of the plastic quality of the older Sony pads.

 

[Fjordson]

Third DS4 and the triangle button is sticking. Crazy how flimsy these things are.

I'm tempted to get the anniversary PS1 style DS4 in September, but it'll probably start falling apart after a few months.

 

[23qwerty]

My two launch controllers still going strong

 

[Xander Crews]

My launch one from 2013 peeled. I've bought a couple more recently and I've had no issues with them at all.

 

[Willy Wanka]

I haven't owned my PS4 for long so I can't comment on the DS4's long term durability but it does feel a lot more solidly built than the DS3. The biggest downside for me so far is abysmal battery life (and the ridiculously tiny charge cable included in the box). I don't even understand what is draining it so fast. I'm tempted to buy a second controller but I'm thinking it would be better to wait for a revision with better battery life and less of quality issues mentioned already in this thead.

 

[Yoday]

My launch one from 2013 peeled. I've bought a couple more recently and I've had no issues with them at all.

Launch controllers had a different material on the sticks that simply does not last. They revised them almost a year ago just before the blue and red controllers came out. The new material doesn't seem to peel like the old stuff did. My wife destroys analog sticks, and while she has taken all of the texture off of the newer sticks after a few hundred hours of use, they have not peeled yet. In contrast she got the older sticks to the point of peeling within an hour of play.

I would highly recommend anyone with an older model of the DS4 that has the peeling issue contact Sony support and get them replaced. They make you pay for shipping your controller to them, but otherwise it is free. I'm not sure if they will still do it outside of the one year warranty, but they didn't ask for any kind of proof of purchase date or anything when I did it.

 

[Silent-blades]

My Artic white controllers left analog stick gets stuck in the upper left part of the pad. I got a return stamp but have to pay for shipping. Kinda bummed but meh. My launch controller right bumper sticks. Love the system but cmon Sony.

 

[Curufinwe]

Is there anything like the Real triggers attachments that were available for the DS3?

The DS4 triggers are fine for every other game, but for DriveClub I would like a bigger, wider R2 since I'm holding it down 90% of the time.

 

[Skyzard]

Id gladly pay more for a controller with a good battery, adjustable triggers and some moddable buttons on the under side for shooters.

I saw some site (linked on gaf somewhere...forgotten atm) that allows you to add 2 buttons to the back (like the xbox elite controllers), and swap out the sticks I think. Rather expensive though.

Someone mentioned replacing the battery themselves. Not exactly ideal.

Seems like it's possible to get what you want now but I want something super durable and good to go.

Although I don't have a PS4 so it's less important for me. I'm making do with the x1 pad on pc, which is decent but end game I want a reliable DS4.

 

[swazzyswess]

Not had a problem with my DS4 (day one PS4 owner) but I don't hammer my pads and look after them, its certainly better build quality than any of the plastic quality of the older Sony pads.

can't believe that line still gets trotted out.

 

[ANDS]

can't believe that line still gets trotted out.

Is it any less banal than the general "these things are flimsy. . ."

 

[b0d]

can't believe that line still gets trotted out.

Yep. That good old "I haven't any issue so those who do have some must do something wrong". Always a success. Empathy for the brothers there's no longer.
Already got two messed-up R2. My bro. had the same issue. The sticks, i covered with those since day one, you know, just in case. (They feel quite good to me, by the way).

 

[n0razi]

Battery swap (which almost doubles battery life) is literally 4 screws (easily visible, so wont void warranty) and then you plug in the new one, it takes 5 minutes tops and costs ~$10. if you can change the battery on the wii u gampad, you can change the battery on the ds4

Swapping the thumbsticks for Xbox1 versions is basically the same thing but you unscrew the logic board and then pop in the new sticks.. takes maybe an additional 5-10 minutes and costs ~$5

$15 and youve solved the biggest issues with the DS4!
https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4Mods/comments/2wmm87/clear_ds4_with_xb1_thumbsticks_2000mah_battery/

 

[jello44]

Get these. It's pathetic that they're needed for the DS4 but they will make your gaming life better on DS4.

http://www.amazon.com/Grip-iT-Analog-Stick-Covers-Xbox-360/dp/B003NSLGW2

I had these for my DS3, which didn't have the best analog sticks. I swapped them on my DS4 once the rubber on the sticks started to wear off and they've been great.

 

[VanWinkle]

Still on my first day one controller and the only issue is that the bumpy texture on the sticks is now smooth. That being said, I consider myself lucky, since you hear about these issues all the time.

I absolutely love this controller, but they DESPERATELY need to sort out these build quality issues. Really wish they could improve battery life dramatially, too.

 

[Meffer]

The WiiU Pro is still the best controller I've used this generation or any in recent memory. Wish the DS4 had at least half the battery of the Pro. It be 40 hours!