Topic: Dualshock 5

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Personally I would be OK with the DS4. As someone who always had issues with the symmetric layout, the trigger position (no wonder these weren't used for 'triggers' in FPS games by default) and those horribly designed 'grip' sections of the previous controllers, the DS4 was a revelation. I always blamed the symmetric layout for the reason I ended up with cramp and pain when playing on the older consoles (From PS1 to PS3) but now I know it was mostly down to the grip and angle of these and the trigger too. I still prefer the asymmetric layout of the Xbox and all the other pro level controllers (there is a reason why these are asymmetric by design), but I would be happy if they kept the same design - just better built and maybe slightly bigger?

The only change I would like to see is an actual battery compartment! Controversial I know but I would also expect them to supply a rechargeable battery pack and a plug and play charge cable. This gives a controller a LOT more flexibility and options - as well as a 'longer' game time. In an emergency, you can use standard batteries, buy a pack of rechargeable batteries or a spare battery pack - all a LOT cheaper than buying two controllers just so you can have 1 charging and 1 for gaming. Also, when the rechargeable pack finally dies (won't charge or hold much charge), you can easily replace it instead of having to use it wired or throw it away. I don't think I have any PS3 controllers that actually hold a charge for a reasonable length of time any more and several that just won't charge at all. All my XB360 controllers all still work because I can easily put batteries, rechargeable packs etc in them. It just adds options and choice - you can buy a branded battery pack, a 3rd party battery pack, a branded set of rechargeable batteries (Duracell for example), unbranded rechargeables or just regular batteries - point is, you don't have to throw away your controller when the battery dies (by dies I mean won't recharge or won't hold much of a charge anymore).

Secondly, I want better build quality! If it means losing the speaker, the touch pad or even the light bar to make a controller better built and at a reasonable price point, so be it. I only have one DS4 controller that 'works' right now and around 4 or 5 that don't - thanks to shoddy thumbsticks. Maybe its the symmetrical layout that causes me to be a bit more heavy handed with the 'click to sprint' on the left Thumb Stick but everyone of mine has lasted no more than a few months before breaking so I can't 'sprint' or if I do, its very stop start and erratic. I certainly haven't had anywhere near as many issues with my XB1 although in fairness, I did buy an Elite controller which shows NO sign of wear on the thumb sticks. I did have to re-glue a grip after 20-24months and then the shoulder button broke after 2.5yrs or so. I know it was expensive, but actually worked out a lot cheaper than buying a new PS4 controller every 3-6months. I am sure the only reason my one controller is still working is because its not been used much - 60hrs on GoW, a few hrs on H:ZD's expansion and 5hrs or so on Spider-Man and that's it in the past 12-14months since I bought it. My DS4 that came with my Pro broke within 2months - or at least started to have issues with running. If the PS5 wasn't that close and I knew I would be playing a LOT on my PS4, I would buy a Scuf controller - I certainly won't buy another Sony controller - might as well just throw money away!!

Other than that, I would be perfectly happy with another 'DS4' style controller. It would be nice if they added trigger rumbles too for some additional feedback (like the XB1 controller) although I wouldn't be disappointed if they didn't. The touchpad has been a complete waste as far as I am concerned. The only game I can think of that actually used it was Killzone and that seemed 'shoe horned' in to justify it. Infamous spray cans also seemed shoe horned in to make use of some of the DS4's options. Since then though, all the games I have played have just used it as an extra button - unless I have forgotten something or not played the games that may use it more. Point is, as far as I am concerned, its been a complete waste. That maybe down to the fact that third party multi-platform games aren't going to build something in that is only relevant to the PS4. I know laptop owners have a touchpad but most PC gamers will be using a desktop with mouse and the Xbox doesn't have a touchpad either so, like kinect, not really something Devs will be utilising. I quite like the lightbar strip that came with the later DS4's although when gaming, I don't tend to look down at the controller and notice how its changing and reacting appropriate to my game situation. As someone without the PS camera though, its totally unnecessary and redundant - just another battery draining aspect. The little speaker though is something I quite like in some games and so wouldn't mind that being kept.

Short of copying Scuf or any of the other 'pro' controllers with mappable buttons/levers the basic format of two analogue thumbsticks, a d-pad, a set of 4 'action' buttons, the two triggers and two shoulder buttons/bumpers (whatever you want to call them) has remained unchanged for years and doesn't really need to be changed either. Of course you will still get your PS power button, menu and share (because everything has to be shared on social media and uploaded to your 'feed' these days) will still be there - I can also see them adding a button to 'stream' on twitch/youtube or whatever one is 'hip' at that moment - just not Mixer as that will be on Xbox's new controller

There is the thing of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' and for me, its taken multiple iterations of the PS controller to get to the Dualshock 4 and whilst I do prefer some of the 3rd party 'Pro' designs for the DS4, the current one is the 'best' and most comfortable to use for extended periods controller that Sony have ever made in my opinion so they now just need to concentrate on build quality and battery life which could come from making a battery compartment as that would also increase battery size.