DualShock 4 Back Button Updates

It's telling that the DualShock controller, with its two analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, and a quartet of face buttons, has remained virtually unchanged since 1997.

Over time there have been minor additions, such as motion sensors and the DualShock 4 touchpad, but Sony has been hesitant to threaten things with PlayStation games. And it never needs to; the DualShock line of controllers has always worked well without any pretense or change due to the change.

That sleek design that makes the launch of the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachedment remarkable. Sony has yet to introduce a new, high-end controller with a premium price tag to compete with Microsoft's Elite controllers or offerings from companies such as Scuf or Astro. The company instead focuses on shipping out backpacks – arguably the most profitable of those gamepads – and in doing so with the $ 29.99 addition of the existing DualShock 4 hardware.

The question is whether the majority of players need those extra buttons on the back of their controllers, and whether Sony has been able to bring everything the competing players need from the behind-the-scenes features of such simple attachments.

Why move the buttons behind the controller?

Here is an ancient argument as to why the buttons on the back of the controller are useful: When playing a shooter, you can return the jumper command to one of the back buttons. This allows you to jump without removing your thumb from the right analog stick, allowing you to continue tasting well while you are on the sidelines. Without the back panel button, you'll have to give up the analog stick, losing control of your target for a second.

The downside of the back button, of course, is that you have to buy a completely new support controller. Also, these pro controllers are cheap.

But now the Sony people come up with a clever solution: the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachedment is a must. What you lack in pizzazz marketing, it makes it easy and engaging.

The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment is not something to look for. It's a small black plastic fog with the kind of data it's built into. Installation on DualShock 4 takes seconds: It simply dives into the data port at the bottom of the controller, jumping the DualShock body like a dummy. Attachments add a little weight, but they shouldn't be a problem for most players, even after spending hours. I was never bothered by the extra weight, or size, during my workout hours.

I found that my middle fingers naturally came to rest on the pointed rows of fitted buttons on the back, where previously they simply rolled the DualShock 4 handles, doing nothing. It is a stable, natural stable that does not feel worthless.

Photo: James Bareham / Polygon

Two additional paddles can be built as triggers, but feel like buttons. Nothing is drawn halfway through this – it's either a press or not. In fact I prefer the feeling of tightness, because it prevents accidental pressure machines that can come from the back arteries with soft touches. But if you're looking for something more precise, say, a racing game where you might want to slow down a little, this attachment won't help.

The downside of video game services is that they often need to be installed separately or updated. Here, however, no additional software is needed, which makes use of the attachment as easy as its installation.

When playing S.tar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, I decide I want to have parry and dodge jobs given these rear pockets, quick access to defensive steering. (By default, the dodge is assigned a circle and Pry is assigned to the L1.) Holding the screen in the middle of the attachment brings all the button options to the controller, and pressing each paddle will change the order in which it is set. Once the settings are completed, another tap on the screen and I'm good to go.

This works not only on PS4, but also on Windows PC, including the driver to be installed. Attachments include three profile Slots, and so you can save up to three sets of different game assignments, and reduce the time you need to spend fights with controllers. Hope in the middle Jedi: The Fallen Order and Call of Duty: Modern Wars the setting took three seconds. It's like a crazy plan.

Photo: James Bareham / Polygon

While playing a lot of games, I don't consider myself a competitive player. But even during normal playtime, I found the attachment very useful. My reaction time to flying the returned gun to the storm area was more remarkable than it was when I had to get into the parry problem. He kills when he jumps in Modern Warfare, which had been very difficult to remove, also became a little easier.

If you're a midlevel player, your findings won't make you a star. But you can see a modest but noticeable improvement in your skills with this add-on. For me, the ultimate benefit is one of increasing comfort: My fingers and thumbs don't have to wander until it reaches all the buttons I need every minute.

This attachment will not cost every company that sells high-quality pro controllers – those products still offer flexibility and customization options rather than simply adding two rear paddles. But for people looking to enter the world of back-pan buttons without spending over $ 100 on a completely new controller, the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment does its job well, and at a fraction of the cost.

The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment will be released on Jan. 23. The hardware was updated using the sales unit provided by Sony. You can find more details about Polygon's ethics policy here.