The standard PS4 controller is a vast improvement on its predecessor and feels much more substantial. Additionally, the ergonomic layout, innovative touchpad and angled shoulder buttons make it a fine choice to play games for long periods. Some time ago, Microsoft unleashed a premium version of the Xbox One controller which has modular elements and oozes quality. Of course, this luxury build comes at a hefty price and is designed to compete with Scuf and other custom designs. Even though the price can be a bit difficult to accept, it’s well worth it given the quality on offer. Unfortunately, it seems Sony isn’t considering a similar strategy and believes the standard Dual Shock 4 is ample. In an interview with The Verge, Sony’s system architect Mark Cerny clarified:
“We want to keep PlayStation 4 as a single unified audience. We need to be quite careful to the enhancements we add to the controller. But it’s not the sort of thing that’s going to create have’s and have nots.”
This is an interesting comment to make because Sony has unveiled a premium product in the form of the PS4 Pro. Given this console’s 4K focus and higher specification, you wouldn’t expect the company to have any issues in providing a more expensive controller. I understand Mark Cerny’s point if Sony retained a single console and didn’t launch the PS4 Pro. Saying that, Sony keeps reminding users that they’re part of the same ecosystem. Despite this, I don’t think the decision makes a lot of sense because there’s certainly a market for it.
A better controller gives an advantage. Makes sense to me.
And 4k resolution does not? Besides, anyone can go out and buy custom controllers which give them said advantage, Sony are just detaching themselves from that market for no real reason.
I’m a little upset that people set up controllers in non-standard ways to gain an advantage in competitive online play. It creates an interface war that starts with NES Advantage and ends with, what, neural implants? At a certain point, why even play at all when an AI can do it better? We have to draw a line at a standard for human beings somewhere, and I’m all in favor of an even playing field at the controller level.
I do think Sony is toeing the line with its officially licensed Hori controllers that slightly advantage different styles of play, but they aren’t as dramatically superior as the X-Box Elite.
4K resolution isn’t going to add much of an advantage, and in some cases the extra detail may be a distraction.