The controllers from third-party manufacturers have been offering additional buttons for years to make our gaming experience easier. Only shortly before the end of the PS4 era, Sony is now also bringing an official key upgrade for its DualShock 4. But who really needs the 40-euro accessories?
Attaching the DualShock 4 back button extension to the controller is still the most difficult thing. It is pushed into the jack connector on the front. The correct angle is decisive here: the connector on the end piece has a small joint and is therefore flexible. If this sits exactly in the entrance of the controller, you can audibly snap the small device into place with a little pressure.
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The extension fits snugly against the back of the DualShock 4. Nothing stands out here, there are no edges and thanks to the narrow 24 grams, the weight also doesn't matter. An output for connecting a headset was also considered. The next step is to set up the part. To speak of programming here would be an exaggeration, because the assignment of the two buttons is a breeze.
The free choice
After pressing the display, the current assignment of the first profile is shown. With double pressure you switch between three of them. If you press the display for a second, you can assign the two buttons. Switches through the available assignments with the two new buttons. Apart from the touchpad as well as the Share and PlayStation buttons, you can select all buttons, shoulder buttons, triggers and directions of the digital cross.
If you have adjusted both sides, just press the OLED screen again to save the current profile. In the game you can adjust your settings at any time or choose a different profile. From now on, the assigned function will not be replaced, but doubled: For example, if you put a square on one of the back buttons, the standard button will continue to work as before. So everything works as before, even if you are still playing according to the old pattern.
In practice, it takes us a while to get used to the back button extension – or to use it at all. For the first test, we choose Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. In the fray, our fingers land on the standard keys – people are simply creatures of habit. As a result, we literally force ourselves to reload the weapon with the new buttons and activate firing series. The training is worth it, because a few laps later the inputs work smoothly and relaxed. Now we benefit from the new opportunities.
Small but powerful
Especially with shooters, the correct assignment has the great advantage that you no longer have to take your thumbs off the sticks. This way we always stay in control, regardless of the selected function. That only makes fractions of a second, but especially with the very fast Modern Warfare, it makes the difference between shooting and being shot down several times.
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A quick tap with a middle or ring finger is all it takes to have a new magazine in the assault rifle. A clear pressure point allows precise use. This provides a plus in speed and control and gives an overall better feel. Clear and audible pressure points please as well as the smooth operation of both keys.
The back button extension also pays off at Apex Legends, because it makes it easier for us to select healing objects and uses them faster. At The Division 2 we pack the use of the medication and the reload on the additional buttons. Shooters may be the best, but of course they are not the only example of meaningful use. After all, the back button extension is compatible with every game, so you can try everything from car racing to action adventures to role-playing games.
Sony has announced a new expansion for the DualShock 4 of the PS4 in mid-February 2020.
In the end there is still the question of price. At first glance, 40 euros for two buttons seems high. However, when you look at controllers with similar additional keys, this quickly becomes relativized. Practically no such device is available for less than 120 euros, usually the costs are even higher. Of course, such peripherals offer additional functions and setting options. But if you just want more buttons, you can get away with the connector relatively cheaply: Depending on the offer of a DualShock 4, you pay between 90 and 100 euros together with the connector.
