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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →There is no controller called “DualShock 4 Pro.” Sony uses “Pro” for the PS4 Pro console. The controller comparison most people mean is between the original DUALSHOCK 4 and the revised version Sony began shipping in 2016 with the PS4 Pro and the slimmer PS4. According to Sony’s own statements, that revision added no significant new functionality. Its physical and connectivity changes are small, and both versions work with the PS4 Pro.
Why the name is confusing
The mix-up comes from the product line. Sony’s September 2016 PS4 Pro announcement names PS4 Pro as a PlayStation console, and Sony’s product materials name DUALSHOCK 4 as the wireless controller for PS4. Nothing in Sony’s official announcements or product pages uses “DUALSHOCK 4 Pro” as a model name. When a listing or article uses that phrase, it is describing one of two things: the PS4 Pro console, or the revised DUALSHOCK 4 that came bundled with it.
If you are shopping, search for “DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller.” That is the name Sony uses on its product page. Check the seller, listing, and condition yourself, because Sony’s materials do not confirm stock or the authenticity of third-party sellers.
What changed in the revised DUALSHOCK 4
Sony’s PlayStation Blog FAQ, “PS4 Pro: The Ultimate FAQ,” published September 8, 2016, says the latest DUALSHOCK 4 ships with PS4 Pro and the new slimmer PS4, and adds: “But it does not introduce any significant new functionality.” Sony lists two differences:
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#1 Best Overall
- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
- A visible light bar. The light bar shows through a strip on the top of the touch pad.
- USB communication alongside Bluetooth. The revision supports USB as well as Bluetooth.
Those are the only revision differences Sony itemizes. The FAQ does not describe a new button layout, a new battery, or a performance upgrade, so do not expect any of those from the revised model.
Original versus revised at a glance
| Question | Original DUALSHOCK 4 | Revised DUALSHOCK 4 (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller | DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller; Sony calls it the latest version, not a “Pro” controller |
| Light bar visibility | Light bar present; Sony’s FAQ does not describe it as visible through the touch pad | Light bar visible through a strip on the top of the touch pad |
| Communication | Bluetooth; Sony’s FAQ does not itemize its wired behavior | USB communication in addition to Bluetooth |
| PS4 Pro compatibility | Supported; Sony says existing controllers, including launch versions, are fully supported on PS4 Pro | Supported |
| Compatibility with other PS4 models | Sony’s FAQ does not restate this for the original model | Supported by every PS4 model |
| Significant new functionality | Not applicable | None, according to Sony’s FAQ |
Compatibility
Compatibility is the practical point for most owners. Sony says existing DUALSHOCK 4 controllers, including launch versions, are fully supported on PS4 Pro, so you do not need to replace a working controller to play on the Pro. Sony also says the revised controller is fully supported by every PS4 model. The revision is therefore not tied to PS4 Pro. It is a small update that works across the PS4 line.
Rank #2
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
What did not change
Sony’s 2013 DUALSHOCK 4 announcement already describes a touch pad, a light bar, and a six-axis sensor as features of the controller. The 2016 revision kept those features. Its differences are in light-bar visibility and communication options, not in the core feature set. Do not read the revision as the first controller with a touch pad or motion sensing.
How to tell which controller you have
Sony’s materials do not give a single visual check that works on every unit. Use these steps:
Rank #3
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play
- Look at the top of the touch pad while the controller is powered on. If the light bar shows through a strip on the touch pad, you have the revised model.
- If the light bar is not visible through the touch pad, you have the original design. Sony’s sources do not give a step-by-step model-number check, so use the label on the controller or the box if you need certainty.
- To test USB, connect the controller to a PS4 or PS4 Pro with a USB cable. Only the revised model is described by Sony as supporting USB communication in addition to Bluetooth, so an original controller may not behave the same way over a cable.
Buying and accessories
A Sony DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller is the right product if you need a replacement or a second controller. Sony’s product page also lists an official charging base that charges up to two DUALSHOCK 4 controllers. The charging base is a separate accessory, not a controller, and it is not required for either version to work.
Current prices and stock are not established by Sony’s official materials, so compare retailers directly before buying. Any third-party controller with “Pro” in its name is a different product from Sony’s official controller, and its features should be checked against its own manufacturer’s listing.
Rank #4
- 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
- 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
- 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
What the evidence does not support
Sony has not published battery life, input latency, or performance benchmarks comparing the two controller versions. Any figure you see for a performance gap between them is not from Sony’s official materials. The only sourced statement about functionality is Sony’s FAQ line that the revision does not add significant new functionality.
Sources: Sony Interactive Entertainment’s 2013 DUALSHOCK 4 announcement; PlayStation Blog, “PS4 Pro: The Ultimate FAQ” (September 8, 2016); Sony Interactive Entertainment’s 2016 announcement of new PS4 peripherals; PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 4 product page; and Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PS4 Pro announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🎮【Kind Remind】- Fully compatible with PS4/PS4 pro/Slim. USB wired connection supports PC(Windows 7/8/10/11). With this controller, you can enjoy games in multiple platforms. (Note: you need to activate device with the USB cable in the package for the first connection.)
- 🎮【Support for Built-in Vibration Function】 The game controller has two built-in motion motors, which give you different intensity feedback and a more realistic game experience.
- 🎮【New Way to Play】- The clickable touch pad and integrated light bar offer you a new way to play games. Additionally, 3.5mm audio jack supports compatible headphone.You can enjoy volume controls located directly on the controller and don’t need to worry about disturbing others.is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】- The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Customer Service】- We have a reliable after-sale service team. If you have any problems with the product once it arrives or if you have any questions about the product, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team via Amazon e-mail.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
