Need a new PlayStation controller? Unlike Xboxes, Sony consoles have access to very few controllers from third-party manufacturers. Here are the different controllers you can use on PS5 and PS4.
The 2 best controllers for PlayStation
The essential classic
- Pretty and ergonomic
- Android and iOS compatibility
- Very successful adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
L’alternative
8 /10
- Ultra-high customization
- Configurable palettes
- Heavier
Released in December 2020, the PlayStation 5 has been a hot commodity for two years and has even seen its price increase. But if you are lucky enough to have been able to get your hands on a PS5, or if you still play on your PS4 or PS4 Pro, then you may need a second controller to play with others. It is also possible that you simply want to use a controller with different ergonomics. That’s why we’ve compiled a selection of available controllers for you, with their advantages and drawbacks.
Do you also play on PC? We specifically have a guide to the best controllers for pc. If you are more of a fan of mobile games, take a look at our recommendations of the controllers to choose on smartphone. Finally, if you finally go to the green side, you can consult our selection of controllers for Xbox consoles.
- Pretty and ergonomic
- Android and iOS compatibility
- Very successful adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
The DualSense controller remains a safe bet if you need an additional controller. Sold around 70 euros, it is available in several colors, including purple, burgundy or sky blue. Other than that, no customization is possible.
The build quality is there, and Sony has used a textured plastic that’s quite pleasant under the skin. The PS5’s controller is bulkier and heavier than the PS4’s, and that’s a good thing. In hand, the ergonomics are good.
The new PS5 controller has adaptive triggers, which provides more sensitivity in gameplay. Sony has remained faithful to the historical shape of its controllers, with symmetrical joysticks placed in the center. A mic, speaker, and headphone jack are included for easy multiplayer. Instead of conventional vibration motors, Sony has integrated haptic feedback which offers more finesse in the feelings, which in particular allows a better immersion on the sensations in play. .
Finally, be aware that Sony has presented a new “Pro” controller that might be compared to the manette Elite Series 2 from Xbox. it’s regarding the DualSense Edge. However, at the moment we have no indication of price or release date.
Note that the controller is compatible with Apple, Mac and iPhone devices. You can also use it on an Android smartphone with Bluetooth.
8 /10
- Ultra-high customization
- Configurable palettes
- Heavier
The Scuf Reflex is a good alternative to the official controller – provided you have the budget. We would rather recommend it as a replacement for the original DualSense if you are looking for something more personalized.
The Scuf Reflex is a more “pro” controller, in particular thanks to the presence of four paddles at the back, which are removable and reconfigurable. These will be especially useful for FPS. The triggers, like those of the DualSense, are adaptive. It’s a bit bulkier and a bit heavier than the original (300 grams vs. 282), and the materials chosen provide a nice quality feel, with the plastic perhaps nicer for those with a little sweaty palms. It charges via USB-C and of course has a jack port.
If it is an excellent controller, it has a big flaw: it is overpriced, with a starting price of 219 euros. And the more you customize it, the more the note will go up, even for discreet color additions. The controller can thus easily see its price increase by 100 euros. We did the test, if you customize everything that is possible to customize, with the most expensive options, your Scuf Reflex will cost you no less than 418 euros, that is to say the price of a good mid-range smartphone.
This customization is however very interesting since you can for example choose the shape of your joysticks, between concave and convex. It is also possible to add grips on the handles. You are in any case certain to have a controller in your image.
It works via Bluetooth or wired, on PS5 and PC (Windows 7 and later or macOS Monterey and later). However, it cannot be used on a PS4 — for the old Sony console, you will have to choose the model Impact Pro or the Infinity4PS Pro.
A controller to recommend to regular players, who want the best to play on their favorite console.
To find out more, find our full review of the Scuf Reflex.
Wired Nacon for PS4
If you have a PS4 or PS4 Pro, then you can use controllers other than the official DualShock controller. It is thus possible to obtain wired controllers almost at half price.
Nacon is a well-established and recognized manufacturer of console controllers. With this version of the PS4 controller, it takes the form of the official controller… all for 39 euros. Like the DualShock, it has a touchpad and a vibration motor.
If you prefer Xbox controllers and their ergonomics, Nacon also offers a controller for PS4 with asymmetrical joysticks.
Note that there are controllers from third-party manufacturers that are even less expensive (around 25 euros) but we do not particularly recommend them, as they may present problems with untimely disconnection.
A charging stand for your controllers
If you have multiple controllers, you can make your life easier by using a charging stand. Sony offers a station that will be able to simultaneously charge two controllers that simply clip on it. It simply plugs into the mains, which frees up USB ports on the console. The controllers have a charge indicator.
If you prefer to save your euros, you can also opt for a charging station from a third-party manufacturer. The latter works on exactly the same principle, except that it has two charge indicators. The small LEDs light up red when the controller is charging, and turn blue when the battery is full.
Learn more regarding PlayStation 4 and 5 controllers
How to choose your controller?
Great question. The preference for this or that controller is very personal. It will depend on everyone’s tastes: some, for example, prefer symmetrical joysticks like on the DualSense, while others will be more comfortable on a controller with asymmetrical joysticks like on the Xbox controllers. The weight can also play a lot. Besides, it may also depend on the size of your hands. Finally, if you are an avid gamer, or even a pro, and particularly practice FPS, the paddles at the back of the controller will allow you to perform many more actions simultaneously.
The same is true for certain parameters: some will prefer the freedom of wireless controllers, even if it means having to monitor the battery level, while others will prefer not to worry regarding that and will choose a wired controller directly.
Why are there very few third-party controllers for PlayStation consoles?
On this point, Sony clearly stands out from Microsoft. Where the Redmond company grants its licenses without concern to other companies to produce controllers compatible with its consoles, Sony is particularly cautious on this point. It’s simple, Sony does not license other manufacturers for the PS5. Scuf controllers are compatible, as they are in fact DualSense controllers disassembled and then rebuilt and customized. Scuf notably retains the original motherboard.
However, it is not impossible, as for the PS4, that Sony will end up granting licenses to certain manufacturers, little by little.
How to connect a controller on a PS5 / on a PS4?
Up to four controllers can be simultaneously connected to a PS5 or PS4. To connect a new controller, simply plug it in via its USB cable and press the PS button to turn it on.
Regarding the Scuf Reflex, there is no software to configure it. It behaves like a classic DualSense controller, so just plug it into the PS5 with its cable. The configuration of the pallets is done on the joystick. Three profiles are possible, and you can switch from one to the other using a button on the back of the pad. So select a profile, then press a palette and the button on the front panel to which you want to match it, to memorize the key. It is even possible to modify the mapping keys during the game, or quite simply to change profiles by just pressing said button.
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