Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Dualshock 4?

Ljjsu on 15/08/2020 - 12:40

Hi all,

I've been wanting to purchase a controller for PC gaming for a while now. I've never gotten a Playstation console - so I don't have any other controllers on hand. I don't have too much money (I'm still a uni student after all) - and am scared of buying a fake controller.

The specific Gumtree user is able to sell theirs to me for $45 - would this be an okay price? It looks like it's in fairly good condition.

What are some warning signs to look out for if/when I go and pick it up?

Thanks in advance :)

Gaming Game Controller PS4 Accessory Sony

Comments

  • bazingaa on 15/08/2020 - 13:00

    Why not usb xbox controller? Any specific reason for PS4 dualshock?

    • jjsu on 15/08/2020 - 13:06

      Can't seem to find any USB xbox controllers - I don't want to spend more money on a wireless receiver.

      • Richardc on 15/08/2020 - 15:52

        I just connected mine with usb cable and play.

      • Kangal on 15/08/2020 - 16:03
        +1

        If you "need" it right now, go ahead and buy it.
        If you can wait, then absolutely do NOT buy ANY of the DS4/PS4 controllers (new or otherwise) since the new PS5/DualSense controller will be out by the end of the year. Sony is basically phasing out the DS4, and bringing in the DS5… it would be like buying a brand new iPhone in September when the next one is being released in October.

        Where the DS4 controller is great is that is has a very very good gyro, and symmetrical joysticks that are objectively better. And for a longer-distance/couch gaming, there's a small touchpad, it has Headphone Jack if that's your jam, and has a small speaker on the controller. Not to mention overall, it's very high quality in terms of the connection, buttons, triggers, sticks, haptic vibrations, fit and finish. It also has a lightbar, but that's more of a con since its usually very very annoying. But the battery life on the DS4 simply sucks.

        Although, for most scenarios/useage the "Xbox One S" controller is superior. There's native support for it from Windows10 and many games and emulators have buttons mapped, so it's basically plug'n'play. The Xbox is at least as good as the DS4 when it comes to quality. And I'd say it's superior when it comes to aesthetics, large/comfort, and the battery life doesn't suck.

        The older Nintendo "Wii U Pro Wireless" Controller is also great, imho, but severely overpriced since it's kind of like a collector's item for many fans. There are $10 knock-offs that are almost as good, but ymmv.

  • foxmulder on 15/08/2020 - 13:08

    Amazon or Costco sells brand new one quiet regularly at around $70

    • jjsu on 15/08/2020 - 13:10

      I've read some pretty abhorrent reviews on the Amazon ones that are said to be sold by 'Sony'. I've never paid attention to the tech section much at Costco - so I might have a look next time I go.

      • foxmulder on 15/08/2020 - 13:36
        +1

        Search Amazon for Dualshock PS4 - pretty much if the controller is Sony brand AND sold by Amazon itself - you can be sure it's genuine. - if you have issues even after 30 days - it's easy return with them.

  • OfTheOverflow on 15/08/2020 - 13:21

    Eh, you used to be able to get them new for $50 occasionally. For the current climate I guess it's not a bad price but you really have no idea what condition it's in til you get your hands on it.

    Might be better buying from a place like CEX or somewhere that has a warranty period.

    • jjsu on 15/08/2020 - 13:51

      The seller is in a nearby suburb - so I'll go and have a look.

      What are some warning signs to look out for though?

      • pegaxs on 15/08/2020 - 14:19

        Make sure it turns on. Make sure it charges. Look for obvious and excessive wear on the thumb sticks.

        There is an issue with some of the older PS4 controllers where the touch pad would die and stop the controller from tuning on or charging. To bypass it, you can disconnect the touch pad controller and the rest of it works, except the touch pad. Not a deal breaker if you are only going to use it on the PC,as I don't think the touch pad is used anyway.

        You can also use a xbox controller on a PC IF the PC has Bluetooth (I'll assume it does if you are going to use a PS4 controller) AND you get the right controller (the series 2 xbox controller). The other way is with a USB cable. (But that isnt wireless.)

      • OfTheOverflow on 15/08/2020 - 14:23

        Ask if you can test it out on their PS4, even just the home page. You want to test the condition of the sticks and make sure they aren't loose, or have a drifting problem (which you'll be able to notice on the home screen). Also - make sure the triggers stick in when pressed repeatedly. Most controllers out there are V2, you want to avoid the V1 originals because they're built poorly.

        I think buying a new one if you can find one for ~$30 more is the way to go though, just to avoid any potential issues & have warranty. Or maybe if you can wait a bit for next gen console controllers to come out in a few months?

  • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2020 - 15:32

    Theyre brand new @ $50 all the time

    • FireRunner on 15/08/2020 - 15:41
      +1

      Not for the past few months. We probably won't see them at that price again until Black Friday

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