Since its inception in November 2013, Sony’s PlayStation 4 has amassed a quality software library packed to the rafters of single-player adventures to keep solo gamers entertained well into 2016. However, multiplayer has always been an intrinsic element to the PlayStation brand since its genesis in the mid-90s, and PS4 is no different. Indeed, there’s plenty of great titles out there that you’ll want to share with some mates over a couple of beers and assorted nibbles, although if you’re up for some buddy-based shenanigans, you’ll need some extra DualShock 4 pads.
And let’s face it, everyone loves the DualShock pad. After all, the controller’s user-friendly design and iconic face buttons have become synonymous with the PlayStation brand since day-one, and it’s hard to imagine playing our favorite games without that force feedback. A successor to the Dual Analogue Controller—yes, the original PlayStation pad lacked analogue control and was only introduced in 1997, which could be turned on and off via a button press—the DualShock wasn’t made mandatory until 1999’s Ape Escape, after which it became a staple of PlayStation gaming worldwide. So popular was it among gamers that companies were quick to re-release some of their biggest PlayStation titles with rumble compatibility, such as the Resident Evil: Director’s Cut and Resident Evil 2 DualShock Version.
PS2 immediately adopted the DualShock as its standard controller, and its design once again served gamers of all tastes, whether it was button-mashing in a game of Tekken Tag Tournament or screeching around corners in Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec. However, the PS3 curiously omitted the rumble features with its SixAxis controller, which instead allowed gamers a degree of motion control by tilting the pad; titles such as Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Lair made use of this functionality. However, sensing consumers were unhappy with this design, Sony unveiled the DualShock 3 in 2007, restoring the pad’s trademark feedback with the same winning aesthetics. During the PS3’s early planning, Sony had toyed with the idea of completely redesigning its iconic controller, which it showcased at E3 2005; this prototype colloquially been labelled the ‘boomerang’ by gamers due to its distinctive shape.
Unsurprisingly, Sony immediately included the classic rumble features in the DualShock 4 for the PS4 in 2013, albeit complete with various new features include the touchpad, Share button, and a slightly tweaked design. Sony recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the PlayStation brand with a silver DualShock 4 mimicking the original controller. Sony’s DualShock 4 is an impressive piece of kit and it’s a testament to its reliability that the format holder has kept virtually the same template since the late-90s; however, they’re not the cheapest things to buy, and that can be a stopping point for some gamers on a budget. Fortunately, PSU is here to help you break through that barrier by presenting some great DualShock 4 bargains to kick-start your multiplayer enjoyment for those gamers who are a little strapped for cash.
So, let’s get on with some bargain hunting. We’ve included both U.K. and U.S. deals. Need some DualShock 4 deals? Then see below on how to play together, for cheaper.
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U.K. deals
–£37.85 @ Amazon, DualShock 4 Jet Black, Red, White, or Blue
–£39.99 @ John Lewis, DualShock 4 Jet Black pad
–£39.99 @ Rakuten, DualShock 4 Jet Black pad
-£34.85 @ ShopTo.net, DualShock 4 Jet Black, Red, Blue, and White
U.S. deals
–$51.99 @ Amazon, DualShock 4 Jet Black (the Red and White editions will set you back a couple of dollars more if you fancy them. The Wave Blue edition will set you back $49.99, so just follow the links via the Jet Black listing below).
–$50.00 @ NewEgg, DualShock 4 Jet Black
–$59.96 @ Walmart + free shipping, DualShock 4 Jet Black