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[Wowfunhappy]

My Dualshock 3 broke (again) which means I'll need to pay $45 for a new one. That's 45% of the $100 I paid to buy my (used) PS3 in the first place. The alternative is to buy a used controller—which is what I did last time, and look what happened—or choose a third party controller, which all tend to suck.

Why are controllers so expensive? Or perhaps more importantly, why are so few companies able to make good ones? A game controller is, essentially, just a piece of plastic with buttons attached, and maybe a couple of accelerometers thrown in. Perhaps that's an oversimplification, but controllers certainly aren't advanced pieces of technology.

My favorite traditional-style controller is the Gamecube controllers, which (due to Smash Brothers) Nintendo still manufactures and sells for $30 each. You can find them for even less (again, new) if you do some searching on Amazon. Why the lower price? You might say that it's because the Gamecube controller is old, but it's also a very good controller even today. If someone was to make a Gamecube controller in the shape of a Dualshock 3 with PS3 button layouts for $30, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Sure, it's not wireless, but I can deal with that to save $15+.

It's all well and good for me to complain about having to spend money, but what's really saddening is to see what the price of controllers has done to the gaming landscape. I've talked to a lot of people who say the reason they don't care about split-screen multiplayer, or haven't bought Towerfall Ascension, is because they only have one controller. Buying additional controllers is a significant investment, because each one costs as much or more than the cost of an actual game. And so they stick to online multiplayer, simply because the alternative is too pricey.

This would be the perfect market for a lower-cost competitor to enter, and I don't understand why third party controllers are always so horrible. Are they really just that difficult to make?

 

[hydrophilic attack]

Because it's an easy way for platform holders to make money

 

[Piston Hyundai]

In a word: Wireless.

 

[harz-marz]

The glory days of 4 player split screen are over, and this saddens me. Too much focus on online play!

 

[User 479360]

First post nails it.

Then again, they're about equivalent to the price of games. And when you think about it, you get a lot more use out of a controller than you usually do out of a single game. So the price is kind of justified there.

Do I hate that they're so expensive? Absolutely, because I collect them. But the prices aren't absurd when you boil them down.

 

[alr1ght]

Markup. I wouldn't be surprised if the BOM is under $10 on any modern controller.

 

[Arttemis]

Procube controllers are only $30, but they sold out within a couple days and are 2 months out before the next batch arrives.

 

[Secret Character]

$45 expensive?

I'm waiting on this $200 beauty:

When it comes to first party controllers, though, I've never gone through more than two during a console's entire life cycle.

 

[Goose_Se7en]

Many people break controllers and I just think when they came they tend to be rough with their gamepads.

I got my ps4 in March 2014 and rotate 3 DS4 around and haven't had any problems whatsoever. I remember reading that the nubs on the analog sticks were cheap so I purchased so covers for them.

My ps3 controllers still going strong, Xbox One same thing and I got my X1 in November 2014.

Be more careful and gentle with them. They won't break.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

Because it's an easy way for platform holders to make money

Markup. I wouldn't be surprised if the BOM is under $10 on any modern controller.

Which begs the second question: why are third party controllers so horrible? I'd happily get a third party PS3 controller if I could find one that was consistently reviewed as being half-decent. They all seem to have either awful buttons or stiff joysticks or terrible build quality, or some combination thereof.

In a word: Wireless.

I think there's room in the market for more types of controllers though. Microsoft has their standard XB1 controller and the Elite model—why not also have a bare-bones, wired-only, no rumble version they can sell for $25?

Be more careful and gentle with them. They won't break.

In my case, I think the problem is that I've bought all of my Dualshock 3's used, which I'm obviously not going to do again. But the reason I've done that is because new ones are $45.

 

[EvilAlPacino]

My question is this.....what the heck are people doing to the controllers to break them.

I have a few 360 controllers for years and they work perfectly fine.

Have one Day One Xbox One controller, no issues whatsoever.

Have a Titanfall controller, no issues at all.

Have Elite controller, no issues.

The only time I had an issue with any of my controller was when one of the 360's shoulder buttons wore out. I fixed it within minutes and it's been fine since.

Hell, I still have THE DUKE from the original Xbox and it works fine.

 

[Decider]

Many people break controllers and I just think when they came they tend to be rough with their gamepads.

I got my ps4 in March 2014 and rotate 3 DS4 around and haven't had any problems whatsoever. I remember reading that the nubs on the analog sticks were cheap so I purchased so covers for them.

My ps3 controllers still going strong, Xbox One same thing and I got my X1 in November 2014.

Be more careful and gentle with them. They won't break.

I've been swapping between two DS4s for Fallout 4 and the d-pad on one of them just abruptly stopped functioning. Both pads were brand new and I'm about 120 hours into the game. Virtually every other controller I've got has lasted longer than 60 hours. I also take excellent care of my stuff, so mistreatment is not always the root cause.

 

[BiggNife]

My question is this.....what the heck are people doing to the controllers to break them.

I have a few 360 controllers for years and they work perfectly fine.

Have one Day One Xbox One controller, no issues whatsoever.

Have a Titanfall controller, no issues at all.

Have Elite controller, no issues.

The only time I had an issue with any of my controller was when one of the 360's shoulder buttons wore out. I fixed it within minutes and it's been fine since.

Hell, I still have THE DUKE from the original Xbox and it works fine.

I'm guessing you don't own a PS4, then, because Dualshock 4s have notoriously shitty build quality. It's really the only big flaw in an otherwise fantastic controller.

 

[Cerity]

Which begs the second question: why are third party controllers so horrible? I'd happily get a third party PS3 controller if I could find one that was consistently reviewed as being half-decent. They all seem to have either awful buttons or stiff joysticks or terrible build quality, or some combination thereof.

Because those dudes also want to make money even though they're selling at a lower price point.

 

[EvilAlPacino]

I'm guessing you don't own a PS4, then, because Dualshock 4s have notoriously shitty build quality. It's really the only big flaw in an otherwise fantastic controller.

I do, I just dont use the DS4. I use an Xbox one controller with the Cronus adapter.

That's probably why I dont know.

 

[secretanchitman]

My question is this.....what the heck are people doing to the controllers to break them.

I have a few 360 controllers for years and they work perfectly fine.

Have one Day One Xbox One controller, no issues whatsoever.

Have a Titanfall controller, no issues at all.

Have Elite controller, no issues.

The only time I had an issue with any of my controller was when one of the 360's shoulder buttons wore out. I fixed it within minutes and it's been fine since.

Hell, I still have THE DUKE from the original Xbox and it works fine.

Accidents can happen, crap build quality, or just regular hardware failure. Honestly I've had the special edition 360 twisting d-pad controller break on me just after using the d-pad for under a year in Marvel vs Capcom 3, and Microsoft wouldn't replace it (30 or 90 day warranty I believe). None of my other controllers have broken on me though.

 

[Taker34]

Why? Look at this post:

France accessories market.

Source.

 

[DJ_Lae]

I do, I just dont use the DS4. I use an Xbox one controller with the Cronus adapter.

That's probably why I dont know.

Does it work well? I'll admit I'm tempted, especially now that I own an Elite controller, making my Dual Shock 4 feel even more like a piece of shit.

 

[EvilAlPacino]

Does it work well? I'll admit I'm tempted, especially now that I own an Elite controller, making my Dual Shock 4 feel even more like a piece of shit.

Yeah, works really well. Never had an issue. There is a big mess of a set up to have it work correctly.

Here's my set up.

1) Cronus adapter connected to PS4.
2) USB hub connected to adapter.
3) PS4 controller must be connected to a specific port on the USB hub.
4) Xbox One controller must be connected to a specific port on the USB hub.

The reason for this set up is to keep the authentication between the console and DS4 controller active. If this setup is not set up, the Xbox One controller will lose connectivity every 10 minutes, even when controller is wired in. Not cool when playing multiplayer games.

I forgot what USB number each controller has to be one, but I was able to get the instructions from the Cronus site.

 

[xenorevlis]

Which begs the second question: why are third party controllers so horrible? I'd happily get a third party PS3 controller if I could find one that was consistently reviewed as being half-decent. They all seem to have either awful buttons or stiff joysticks or terrible build quality, or some combination thereof.


I think there's room in the market for more types of controllers though. Microsoft has their standard XB1 controller and the Elite model—why not also have a bare-bones, wired-only, no rumble version they can sell for $25?


In my case, I think the problem is that I've bought all of my Dualshock 3's used, which I'm obviously not going to do again. But the reason I've done that is because new ones are $45.

$10 is hyperbole, especially in the case of XBO and PS4 controllers. Even the PS3 pad, with gryo, pressure sensitive triggers, dual-motors, bluetooth wireless, lithium ion battery, it's at least double that.

MS did have a wired Xbox controller in past, for use with PC and such. I think you're looking for product prices that are so low that you will essentially be paying for bad quality materials. Also, are you only buying in-store or something? Your price point is what I payed for Dualshock 4.

Couple places for good prices on new DS3s:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...dVgd-uyk_4YYlpLWW6NteBoCvsDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

http://www.lightinthebox.com/dualsh...litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&sku=429_16930

 

[BumblebeeCody]

In a word: Wireless.

Even then, Fightsticks are wired controllers and are expensive as hell.

Only GameCube controllers are cheap and top tier.

 

[dreamcastmaster]

Accidents can happen, crap build quality, or just regular hardware failure. Honestly I've had the special edition 360 twisting d-pad controller break on me just after using the d-pad for under a year in Marvel vs Capcom 3, and Microsoft wouldn't replace it (30 or 90 day warranty I believe). None of my other controllers have broken on me though.

Ive had 2 of those controllers break, the Dpad just snaps off the post its mounted on. Again, just like you in less than a year.

 

[secretanchitman]

Ive had 2 of those controllers break, the Dpad just snaps off the post its mounted on. Again, just like you in less than a year.

I was really pissed off when it broke because it was ultra expensive and didn't last a year. I was gifted a Halo 4 360 controller with the twisting d-pad and surprisingly it kept up for a few years without fault. Now I never use it because I moved onto next (current) gen.

 

[Persona7]

I got those buffalo snes usb pads for towerfall. like 11 dollars each.

 

[dancrane212]

Does it work well? I'll admit I'm tempted, especially now that I own an Elite controller, making my Dual Shock 4 feel even more like a piece of shit.

I've being using it on my PS3 and it's fantastic. I created game profiles on the accessories app for PS3 titles and just save to the controller and plug it in the the adapter.

Finally having good triggers on that console is a godsend.

 

[Zack Zavage]

I've had to replace the thumb sticks of my DS4 twice already. The frequent disassembly process made the wires which are connected to the rumble kits dissolve. But they've been very poorly soldered by the manufacturer to begin with and I haven't bothered so far to borrow an soldering iron to fix it.

What I want to say is that from my experience, controllers that break just from playing are relatively easy to fix, even without having considerable technical knowledge. It's usually just one factor that makes your controller malfunctioning, so you just need to figure out what's broken and replace that specific part.

It's the same as with a pc. I mean you usually don't buy a new pc if your hard drive has died but the rest is still working perfectly. You just replace it.

As to your main concern. I really have to agree that they are quite expensive. Which is why I don't buy controllers for anyone but for myself even though I'm a huge fan of local multiplayer. If someone wants to play with me, they should have a controller to do so. I know that this attitude doesn't work out for many people, but for me it does since the people I play with do usually own the same console and bring their own peripherals with them. If it somehow happens that they don't have the necessary controller and I don't have one to spare as well, I just try to get the game on pc (if it's a multi platform title, or through emulation), since you can get to work most controllers to that thing.

 

[Duxxy3]

Because console manufacturers keep pumping useless shit into them that is nice to have, but not necessary.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

MS did have a wired Xbox controller in past, for use with PC and such. I think you're looking for product prices that are so low that you will essentially be paying for bad quality materials. Also, are you only buying in-store or something? Your price point is what I payed for Dualshock 4.

Couple places for good prices on new DS3s:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...dVgd-uyk_4YYlpLWW6NteBoCvsDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

http://www.lightinthebox.com/dualsh...litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&sku=429_16930

First link is a knockoff third party controller according to reviews. Second link I'm assuming is a knockoff because otherwise it falls into the "to good to be true" category; at $8, they're charging < &#8533; the price of any other site.

$45 is what Amazon wants for a new controller, which is the lowest I can seem to find it. Retail in-store prices are much worse; Gamestop wants $45 for a used controller, and $55 for a new one.

 

[tanooki27]

God I loved the build quality/feel of the GC controller. I'd pay a bunch for something like that, especially when stacked against the clicky, sticking ps4 controller

 

[BPoole]

Consider how much R&D goes into making a controller feel good in hand and be responsinve. The Xbox One controller took soething like $100 million to develop

 

[Wowfunhappy]

Consider how much R&D goes into making a controller feel good in hand and be responsinve. The Xbox One controller took soething like $100 million to develop

...to be perfectly honest, they could probably just stop putting R&D into controller design. Would anyone have been upset if Microsoft had just kept the Xbox 360 controller for the Xbox One?

I mean, I know the Xbox One controller has its fans, but it's not like it's set the world on fire. If given the choice, I'd rather have cheaper controllers.

Edit: Oh wait, the 360 controller had a crappy D-pad. It's hard to believe that took $100 R&D to fix though. Could have just copied Nintendo's design, since their D-Pad had expired.

I will also point out that up until the PS4, the Dualshock was basically unchanged throughout the existence of the Playstation brand. But that didn't make the Dualshock 3 any cheaper. Heck, Sony went out of their way to stop Dualshock 2's from working on the PS3, presumably to force people to buy new controllers.

 

[jadedm17]

You can find deals if you hunt.

That said, $60 is reasonable for something you get so much use from.
My X1 Locke controller has had 100 plus hours of Halo alone.

Cell phones, beds, controllers.... Some things are just worth the money.

First link is a knockoff third party controller according to reviews. Second link I'm assuming is a knockoff because otherwise it falls into the "to good to be true" category; at $8, they're charging < &#8533; the price of any other site.

$45 is what Amazon wants for a new controller, which is the lowest I can seem to find it. Retail in-store prices are much worse; Gamestop wants $45 for a used controller, and $55 for a new one.

Much like year Xbox and ps subs, you need to find timing and plan ahead; If you're running one year sub on either console or running one controller and they lapse then you're paying a premium for needing to buy then and there. If you're looking to save money then patience is what you need : BestBuy had Arkham Knight for $15 last week, which with GCU and my $10 free reward made it $2.17 with tax; If I went to BestBuy today that'd be $22-40 before tax before GCU and rewards. (This is also a principle I'm trying to teach my girlfriend who loves Barnes and Noble but could buy far more books planning ahead and using the Internet.)

 

[HotHamBoy]

The components of today's controllers are expensive if you want quality. As far as specialty controllers like arcade sticks go, that's a matter of niche market. The fewer units you can sell the more you have to charge to make a profit because you aren't producing as many components and therefore they cost more to manufacture.

 

[InsaneTiger]

I'm guessing you don't own a PS4, then, because Dualshock 4s have notoriously shitty build quality. It's really the only big flaw in an otherwise fantastic controller.

All of my DS4 controllers are working just fine.

Anyway, you use your controller literally every time you play. I'd say you get your money's worth.

 

[ugh_the_boot]

They do it because most companies are greedy, if they have something you need they will overcharge you for it (basic economics - supply & demand). Basically they know you need controllers so they charge as much as they can possibly get away with.

I've never had to replace any controllers but I had bought extras over the past few generations for couch co-op etc but with the Ps4 I only have the controller that came with the console and that is now going to shit (peeling rubber etc) but no way am I paying $99.00 (which is what they cost here in AUS) for another piece of shit build (I still have both of my original DS3's and they both work and look perfect). I am going to wait till sony redesign the DS4 before I buy another one and hopefully they get rid of that stupid light bar as well although I know they can get rid of the light bar via software so some better materials in the redesign of the actual controller will be enough to get me to buy it.

EDIT: Forgot to mention you have good taste OP the GCN controller is my fave of all time. Love the buttons and the analogue stick. The triggers could've done with a little less give but outside of that....perfect!

 

[Jawbreaker]

God I loved the build quality/feel of the GC controller. I'd pay a bunch for something like that, especially when stacked against the clicky, sticking ps4 controller

The sticks on the GC controller were horrid. They would get loose after some wear and make playing games a struggle. I've never had that problem with any other controller, for reference. My Wavebird is still in good shape, but that one didn't get as much use so I don't know if it would eventually develop the same issue.

 

[Daouzin]

The sticks on the GC controller were horrid. They would get loose after some wear and make playing games a struggle. I've never had that problem with any other controller, for reference. My Wavebird is still in good shape, but that one didn't get as much use so I don't know if it would eventually develop the same issue.

As a Smash player that extensively uses a GC controller this has never happened to me since I stopped playing all other GC games. I personally blame Mario Party for this issue, maybe Double Dash, but Double Dash is so amazing, it's absolutely worth it, just keep a spare controller for Smash.

 

[KHlover]

Eh when you factor in how much you use those controllers it's not too bad. My (ironically 3rd party) Logitech RumblePad 2 is still going strong after 12 years. Gamecube controller going strong after 11 years. Wiimotes going strong after 10 years. Pro Controller only 3 years old, but no sign of wear after thousands of hours in use. Literally cents to the hour.

 

[sixteen-bit]

You can save about $25 on an Elite controller (even after shipping) by importing one from Japan due the yen conversion rate.

 

[Noisepurge]

A Toyota Corolla and a Porche 911 are both still cars, the other is just a little more expensive due to parts and brand value.

 

[Cleve]

My question is this.....what the heck are people doing to the controllers to break them.

The only controllers I've ever replaced due to failure were DS4s, and that's owning every mainstream system since the late 80s. The initial DS4s were very poorly made. They're better now, but at this point I just use an Elite on my ps4.

 

[hooijdonk17]

For PC I recently got the Logitech F310, no wireless, no rumble, can be had for 20 bucks and has great build quality. Consolencontroller prices are crazy.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

So perhaps the ultimate lesson here is that 3rd party controllers aren't all as terrible as people say?

I ended up buying the USPro PS3 Bluetooth Controller for $14 on Amazon. If figured that if it didn't work properly, I would return it, and if for some reason I couldn't return, I was only out $14.

Honestly, I'm pretty happy with it. Sticks and buttons don't feel quite as nice as those on the DS3, but they're pretty close, and I actually like the D-Pad more. The USB cord always falls out if I try to play while the controller is charging, but wirelessly the controller works fine. It also charges via devices other than my PS3, which the DS3 was never able to do for some reason.

 

[LiK]

Quality of parts and what's in it. Also, brand name contributes to the price, imo.

 

[Visualante2]

Feels necessary when the console margins are razor thin. Sort of a concession to retailers. But then they can't be that generous at the retailer end because you rarely see good deals on official controllers.

Spoiler

Friendship tax.

 

[Atolm]

Simple. Accesories and the like is where companies make money, they have huge profit margins. When you can buy six replacement thumbsticks from China for 3$, just imagine how much it costs for MS or Sony. I doubt building a controller is more than 10$ for them.

Also that's why a DS3 is 60$ almost ten years later.

 

[Megawarrior]

The sticks on the GC controller were horrid. They would get loose after some wear and make playing games a struggle. I've never had that problem with any other controller, for reference. My Wavebird is still in good shape, but that one didn't get as much use so I don't know if it would eventually develop the same issue.

Also I went through 5 official GC controllers and the 'X' button on it always stopped working at some point.

 

[Orayn]

Because it's an easy way for platform holders to make money

Yep, consoles have a pretty slim profit margin, but the markup on accessories is huge. The bill of materials on current gen controller (perhaps excluding the Wii U GamePad) is probably under $20, and they're something that will sell throughout the console's lifespan.

 

[RealityCheque]

2 DS4s
1 steam controller
2 Xbone controllers
2 GameCube
2 wiimotes
1 Nvidia Shield TV controller

Damn right they're expensive.

Also, I have a problem.

 

[SmiteOfHand]

Consider how much R&D goes into making a controller feel good in hand and be responsinve. The Xbox One controller took soething like $100 million to develop

This is the correct answer. People always under value how much R&D costs. Cost for parts is single data point of a much more complicated process.