In case you missed it, Sony has just announced a very interesting DualShock 4 controller add-on named the Back Button Attachment. In a nutshell, this device clips onto your PlayStation 4 pad and provides you with two customisable buttons along the back of the controller. It will allow faster access to commands you need while playing competitive games, for instance, or could make certain inputs easier to reach for those with difficulties. It adds a little heft to your DualShock 4, sure, but it's otherwise a neat idea.
What makes this peripheral so interesting is the timing. PS4 only has a year left before next-gen arrives, so why on Earth would Sony release this controller-enhancing device now? Why not years ago? It seems a little late in the day to ask PS4 players to invest in something like this. Unless there's more to it than at first glance, of course. We can't help but think this add-on, and the time-frame in which it's arrived, suggests a couple of things about the PS5.
Firstly, it could be possible that the DualShock 4 will be compatible with Sony's next-gen console. Given that PS4 games will be backwards compatible with the PS5, it makes some sense to support the controllers too. The reason that the Back Button Attachment makes this seem more likely to us is that it could be an effort on Sony's part to get the PS4 controller ready for next-gen. Perhaps these extra buttons are a necessity if you want to use your DualShock 4 with PS5 games.
This would then further suggest the standard PS5 controller may come with the back paddles built-in. Maybe PS5 games will make use of these new inputs, and in order to get PS4 controllers up to speed, Sony is offering this new peripheral to bridge the gap. We already know that Sony wants to get PS4 owners transitioned to PS5 as quickly as possible -- maybe this is just one way it's helping bring everything in line.
Even the miniature OLED display on the Back Button Attachment could be somehow indicative of the PS5 controller. We doubt a screen like this will be in the DualShock 5, but perhaps a similar screen will be implemented into the touch pad? We've obviously heard several rumours suggesting there's a touch screen in the PS5 controller; maybe they're true, and this is a sign of things to come.
All of this is purely speculation on our part, but given the timing of this unusual device, and given what we know so far about PS5, it kind of makes sense. What do you think? Is the Back Button Attachment future-proofing for the DualShock 4 as we head into next-gen? Will the PS5 controller have these features as standard? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Comments 16
Interesting thought. When I saw this announcement, I thought, "better late than never, I guess", but perhaps you are onto something.
Sadly, my other thought was "there goes the already crappy battery life of the DS4"
"Miniature oled display"
The future is now!!
I don't understand why it needs a battery draining weight adding touchscreen. You can buy an off brand Xbox One controller for $14 from PowerA that offers those buttons and 1 button to program them "in 5 seconds". Sony should have been able to make a similar add-on for only half the price.
Advanced Gaming Buttons
If your fingers are busy with actions that you donβt want to release, you can now map additional actions to 2 buttons on the back of the controller to gain a competitive advantage. There is no app or Dash interaction required - simply press the program button 1 followed by the button you wish to map 2, then select either AGR or AGL 3 to complete the process in less than 5 seconds. This allows for quick on-the-fly button mapping between matches, or as you change characters in your favorite game.
I hope so. That makes sense ππ
It may have been a project that was long overdue and now just finally seeing the light of day and still needing to be sold to recoup some funds from development. Also, not everyone is a Day 1 PS5 adopter. Some, like myself (!), will have their PS4s for quite awhile longer.
My guess is it will work on both DS4 and DS5 because it late for just a PS4 peripheral. You really don't want this built in on the DS5 making the cost of a DS5 $30 more. But anything is still possible. It only maps inputs the controller already has. Not everyone will want or need it. For shooter games and fighting games it will be great and worth the cost over a custom controller. Allowing every one to buy at separate time to keep overall price down and as a personal choice item.
I will give this a try if i can map R3 and L3 to it and with good response. Being slip on i only need one for multiple contollers.
Going to wait for further reviews and gamers comments.
PS6 with include a generator to keep your controller alive while you game. Life support, if you will... π
Perhaps Sony steps up their game and built in a good enough battery in DualShock 5 π
I used to think of myself as a smart man but Iβve read about this thing 4 times today and still donβt understand it one bit.
@AhmadSumadi ahahahahah your comment cracked me up π
Basically this add-on connects to the DS4 via the headphone jack (but it has its own so you can still use them), and offers two additional buttons on the rear.
Using the clickable screen, you can set up to 3 different configurations for the two buttons.
What I think is a bit unclear is if you can add new actions (or shortcuts, for example for a map or inventory) as if these were "new" buttons, or if you can simply double the input of another existing button (for example mapping L3 and R3 to the new buttons).
As I said it's not crystal clear but it's most likely the latter option, judging by the fact that, in the trailer, the screen only shows existing buttons.
Interesting. This is the first/only use of the little 'EXT' socket on the DS4, AFAIK. I always wondered what it was for.
I wonder if the back 'paddles' are analogue or digital. If they just click without any travel then they won't be a very good substitute for the L1, L2, R1 and R2 buttons.
How's the ergonomics with this thing, do I press it with pinky or ring finger? Do the display drain ds4 battery or it has its own battery? I want to try it since it's only $30.
oled in the back, not in the front....VERY clever design...
I like it, but I guess I'll wait to see PS5 controller first. Unless reviews convince me to pick it up.
Just got one today , after about an hour my forearms are killing . Makes the ds4 the most uncomfortable controller I have ever held . Going straight to cex with it.
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