Is the best PS4 controller from Microsoft?
13.3.2017
Translation: machine translated
PS4 gamers no longer have to make do with the Dualshock 4. As with the Xbox One, various pro controllers are now also available for Sony's console. One potential customer even comes from the competition.
The Dualshock controller is all well and good, but some gamers are looking for that little bit extra. For the Xbox One, there has been, for some time now, the Elite. A premium controller for gamers with special expectations. With the Nacon Revolution Pro, PS4 gamers can also enjoy a top-of-the-range controller. And there's even another alternative - one that borders on blasphemy. But let's start with the Nacon.
The Xbox-designed pro controller
"Ohh how nice," is the first thing that comes to mind when I touch it. Sure, I'm completely happy with the Dualshock 4, but the Nacon Revolution Pro feels even a hair more luxurious. The surface is smooth, but not slippery. Even if you squeeze hard, nothing squeaks. The buttons are pleasant to click, especially the triggers. The analogue sticks are also very precise and have just the right amount of resistance. They feel very solid, which is essential if you're going to abuse the controller like my colleague when he's playing 'FIFA'. The directional cross looks a bit like the Iron Cross, but is not only perfectly controllable in war games.
It's a shame that neither the analogue sticks nor the directional cross can be swapped. The Xbox Elite offers much more flexibility in this respect. In exchange, the Nacon has different weights that you can insert into the handle. So you can easily make your joystick lighter or heavier.
The ergonomics of the pro controller are excellent. Having used the Elite for a long time, I have to say that the Nacon is at least equivalent. The size is, for me, just perfect and the layout of the analogue sticks should delight anyone who has always enjoyed the Xbox layout.
On the back are the additional programmable buttons. For me, their placement is perfect and their firm feel suits me. Compared to the Xbox Elite where I was always inadvertently pressing the keys, Nacon scores points. With the software supplied, you can also associate the buttons with macros. Another button toggles between profiles and the switch allows you to switch to 'Pro' or 'Advanced' mode. In 'Pro' mode, all the buttons are normal and the ring around the right analogue stick is red. On the contrary, if it's blue, Advanced mode is activated and, with it, your precision settings.
Precision tuning and some annoying imperfections
Macros aren't the only things that can be programmed with the software. You can tailor the deadband and response of the sticks and triggers with precision. I'm fine with the standard settings, but if you have a nervous index finger, you can undertake the necessary correction. It's a shame that the Nacon has to be connected to your PC to make all these changes. Once again, Microsoft is one step ahead with its application. However, the extremely precise sticks and settings won't just delight e-sporters.
But there are still two drawbacks. The first: the PS4 can't power up with the Pro Controller. So you always have to stand up or use another controller. And what annoyed me the most: the Pro Controller is only wired. Arguments like the price and the timeframe don't matter to me. I'm not a 'Street Fighter V' pro and would love to have a wireless option. The cord, which is a good three metres long, is actually a bit short for my purposes. Sure, it's stylish, but I'd prefer Bluetooth as employed at PlayStation since the PS3!
PC support is also missed. There's no official driver and even though the stream and Windows recognise the keys, games simply ignore the controller. Admittedly, there's a workaround, but it's not really very comfortable.
The PlayStation-style pro controller
Another pro controller is available for the PS4: the Razer Raiju. After a few delays, the device is finally here. The Raiju, like the Nacon, relies on wired (microUSB), but has arranged its analogue sticks like the standard PS4 controller.
It's a lot bulkier than the Nacon, but has a nice non-slip surface on the back and so offers a good grip, even for sweaty hands. The analogue sticks have good feedback and the blue cap is easy to remove or replace (doesn't replace as easily) if you've, once again, gone too crazy. The x, square, triangle and round buttons are a bit special. They are extremely flat, but much faster than the traditional keys. The Share and Options keys work on the same principle.
The directional cross also takes some getting used to. It consists of four individual keys that are too hard for my liking. What's more, it's concave and therefore points inwards, which will certainly be approved and criticised. The position doesn't mean much to me either. When you hold the Raiju in your hand, your thumb is directly on the directional cross and not on the analogue stick. Admittedly, this may be an advantage for fighting games, but on this point I much prefer the Dualshock 4. Its proportions are simply perfect. Added to this is also the fact that a one-piece directional cross is often favoured in a lot of fighting games.
In return, the Raiju's additional triggers and buttons are perfectly accessible and very pleasant to click. The second row of triggers can be removed; unscrewed to be exact. That's why it comes with a screwdriver. But a quick change like with the Elite is unfortunately impossible.
Via the quick control strip, i.e. the four buttons on the edge of the controller, you can program additional buttons, change profiles and change the audio settings of a connected headset. You don't need software like you do for the Nacon. However, you do have the disadvantage of not being able to fine-tune the triggers or analogue sticks. You simply have the option of shortening the trigger pressure point if you're playing a shooter or racing game.
What's nice is that the Raiju also works seamlessly on PC. But I'm a little disappointed that Razer hasn't fitted its usual flashy lights. The controller loses points for style. And yes, like the Nacon, the Raiju can't power up the PS4.
The competition from the competition
It's no coincidence that the Xbox One Elite is one of, or even the best controller on the market: first-class finish, extremely versatile configuration options, swappable sticks and directional cross, removable or optional buttons on the back, etc. And the icing on the cake: wireless! Here too, you're paying a premium price.
But why am I telling you this? The Elite controller can only be used on PC and Xbox One, right?
Not necessarily. With the CronusMAX Plus, you can use almost any controller on any console. If you don't mind desecrating the PS4, you can also connect the Elite to Sony consoles - unfortunately only in wired mode. While the Dualshock 4 uses Bluetooth, the Elite doesn't work wirelessly. And the CronusMAX Plus requires a lot of patience during installation.
Summary: sticking with the Dualshock 4?
Depending on your preferences, the standard PS4 controller is still the best choice. Admittedly, the touchpad sticks slightly in my case, but thankfully I received a new controller with the PS4 Pro. As much as I enjoy handling the Pro, Raiju or Elite, wireless freedom is, for me, more important. Having options is not negligible, and there are quite a few of them. So get the controller that best suits your style. The Nacon pro is an excellent device, with a few minor flaws brought about by the transfer of Xbox control to PS4. For the Elite you need an extra device, and the Razer is a bit massive. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. So I'm still waiting for a wireless pro controller.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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