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Which official Sony PS4 controller should you buy?

7 years ago by Tom Stowe

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Firstly, lets clear something up here...

All DS4 controllers work with all PS4 consoles

The first thing to know is that all the official Sony PS4 controllers work with every PS4 version. So, whether you have the PS4 Pro, the slim PS4, or the original model, you can take your pick.

The original DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1): Showing its age

dualshock4-v1

The original DS4, which carries part number CUH-ZCT1, came with the original ‘fat’ PS4 consoles. It’s still available to buy standalone, though perhaps only until stocks run out.

This is the standard on which newer DS4s are based, and it features:

The usual array of PlayStation controls, namely two analogue sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, Start and PS buttons, two shoulder buttons and two triggers
A clickable touchpad, similar to the trackpad on a laptop
A Share button, which is used to start streaming your gameplay online
A lightbar, which is used for tracking in PSVR games and which you can’t turn off

Pros: the best PlayStation controller yet

Well, it’s widely regarded as a great evolution for PlayStation controllers. Many players say it’s much comfier that the PS3 controller, has great triggers, and has better sticks than DS3.

Cons: sticks are easily damaged

There are two major complaints with the original DS4. The first is the lightbar: you can’t turn it off, which can be distracting, and it wears down the DS4 battery quickly. The second is arguably more serious – many gamers have reported that the rubber on the controller’s analogue sticks is poor quality, and often starts to wear away after only a few weeks’ play. That’s a pretty serious quality concern, and a good reason to consider the newer version of the DS4 instead.

Colour options

The original DS4 is available in jet black, steel black, gold, crystal (transparent), and silver.

Slim/Pro DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT2): More reliable, more colours

DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT2)

With the slim PS4 and PS4 Pro, which both launched in 2016, Sony also created a new version of the official DS4 controller. It has product number CUH-ZCT2.

How different is it? Looks-wise, it’s largely identical. The only changes are:

The lightbar has been moved from the top-side of the controller, to just about the touchpad
Wired communication/control via USB is now supported

Battery life is the same as before.

Pros: wired for less lag, no more crumbly sticks

There are two good reasons to go for this new version of the DS4. Firstly, there’s much less chance that the rubber on the analogue sticks will break down – that issue seems to have been resolved. And second, if you play shooters or fighting games that benefit from lag-free input, the new wired USB connection could give you an advantage.

If you have a slim PS4 or a Pro, this new controller will also match the one that came with your controller.

Cons: the lightbar is even more in your face

The bad news is that you still can’t turn off the lightbar. And in its new position above the touchpad, it could be even more distracting during play.

More colour options

The newer official DS4 also has a wide range of colour options. Choose from jet black, magma red, wave blue, green camouflage, gold, silver, and glacier white.

These are the cheapest prices on some of the most popular DualShock 4 v2 colours:

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Razer Raiju: Durable and convenient

ds4-razer-raiju

So how about those officially licensed third-party controllers designed for eSports?

First up is the Razer Raiju, with its ergonomically designed shape and customisable parts. It features:

Two extra bumpers, plus detachable triggers on the back of the pad
Hair-trigger mode allows for ultra-fast responses
Detachable rubber caps prevent wear on analogue sticks
A front control panel lets you switch quickly between custom controller setup profiles
Dedicated volume and mic mute controls for the 3.5mm headphone jack
Durable, braided, detachable 3m USB cable

Pros: durable and convenient

The Razer Raiju’s custom profiles and extra buttons make it useful for serious eSports players, but it also has some pretty good conveniences for the rest of us. With its braided USB cable and analogue stick caps, it should also last a long time.

Cons: Pricey and distinctive in style

At an RRP of £149.99 though, those conveniences come at a price. And the Razer Raiju’s looks might not be for everyone.

Current best price:

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Nacon Revolution Pro: Budget eSports features

Nacon Revolution PS4 Pad

The Nacon Revolution was designed in collaboration with pro gamers, and has a lot of impressive-sounding feature – while lacking some basic ones. It offers:

46° amplitude dual analogue sticks, for greater accuracy and reach. They even have updatable firmware!
Four custom setup profiles (twice as many as the Razer), configurable with a companion PC app
Two internal weight compartments, for tailoring the balance and feel of the controller
Four extra shortcut buttons
An 8-way D-pad

However, the Nacon Revolution is wired only (so no wireless play). It also lacks a proper lightbar, making it unsuitable for PSVR.

Oddly for a Sony-licensed product, the Nacon Revolution also isn’t recognised by PCs as a DualShock 4. So, it’s not the best choice if you like playing on PC as well as PS4.

Pros: advanced eSports features

With its super-fancy analogue sticks, companion PC app, and weight balancing features, the Nacon Revolution comes across as a professional bit of kit. Design-wise, Nacon also haven’t strayed too far from Sony’s own DualShock 4 shape – so this controller should look good in any PS4 collection.

Cons: Lacking key features, unfavourable reviews

Its lack of wireless and a proper lightbar means Nacon Revolution may not be the best pick for a good all-round controller. And that’s fairly inexcusable when the price is around £84.99. Nacon Revolution may not be the best pick for a good all-round controller. Some reviews have also complained that its shape is uncomfortable to hold, although you may be better off trying it out for yourself.

Current best price:

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Is there a Sony-made Pro or Elite controller?

There is currently no Sony-made “Pro” equivalent of the Xbox One Elite controller. If you want to go pro, you’ll have to go third-party – but at least you have the two Sony-licensed options above.

If you've found this guide helpful in informing your decision about which PS4 controller to buy, don't forget we've got an unrivaled price comparison page for controllers to help you get the best deal out there!

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