Sony Is Completely Wasting the Dualshock 4's Potential

Release the Kraken!

PlayStation 4 really is an amazing piece of hardware. Its performance is great and the gaming possibilities are only starting to be explored. Among its most interesting features is one specific part that really needs a lot more of attention: the DualShock 4.

Recommended Videos

To be fair, the PlayStation 4 is still waiting to have a decent amount of exclusive games. While the number made for the latest Sony console keeps growing there are many titles aiming for PlayStation 3 and other platforms as well. This definitely hinders the complete leverage of what is one of the best gaming controllers available. There are, however, several games which have already been using some of the controller’s features with pretty amazing results.

Oh My God, a Light Bar

The first thing you probably noticed about the DualShock 4 is its light bar. Besides changing colors according to which player number you are, some games have found out very interesting ways of using these built-in LEDs to enhance the gaming experience.

DualShock 4 light bar

As you may very well know, Grand Theft Auto V’s story is focused on three different characters. Each one of them has a specific color assigned, which not only is shown in the game’s HUD but also affects the DualShock 4’s light bar. It may not be that useful, but it does feel great and helps with the whole immersion process. Additionally, when you are being chased by the police, the light bar flashes red and blue which too freaking cool.

There are other possible uses for the DualShock 4’s light bar that go a bit further. For instance, if you were playing Dying Light in the dark, turning your flashlight on in the game increased the light bar’s intensity. This example, as simple as it seems, goes a long way when it comes to getting players into the game’s situation.

Dying Light night

Of course these are just a few examples of how the PlayStation 4’s controller can be used for turning your own living room into the world you are playing in. Even though they may not be game-changing features they really add a lot to the overall gaming experience.

Your Controller Can Speak… Sort Of

The DualShock 4 controller has a built-in speaker for two main purposes. First of all it’s meant to work as a way of communicating with other players (by using the console’s headset). It also has other awesome uses while enjoying single-player games. Much in the same way as the light bar, the DualShock 4 speaker has been used to enhance the gaming experience. In this case, however, it’s a lot more effective.

Take Dying Light, for instance. In addition to the general sounds and music coming out of your TV (or whatever sound system you have installed), your controller speaker adds radio communications and even loot sounds. Once again, it may not be a lot, but it sure helps getting an increased feel of the things you do in a game.

Grand Theft Auto V, GTA V

In the same line, Grand Theft Auto V also uses the controller speaker for story-related phone conversations and police radio chatter. Another cool example can be found in Dead Nation: when switching weapons, a voice tells players which one they are using currently. This is no small trick since having zombies coming at you in huge numbers doesn’t give you a lot of breathing time.


Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Best Striker 9 Loadout in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone
CoD MW3 How to Get Collateral Kills
Read Article Taylor Swift Boyfriends List in Order
taylor swift red taylors version
Read Article Taylor Swift Meme: Top 10 Taylor Swift Memes, Ranked
Related Content
Read Article Best Striker 9 Loadout in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone
CoD MW3 How to Get Collateral Kills
Read Article Taylor Swift Boyfriends List in Order
taylor swift red taylors version
Read Article Taylor Swift Meme: Top 10 Taylor Swift Memes, Ranked
Author
Chris Jecks
Chris Jecks has been covering the games industry for over eight years. He typically covers new releases, FIFA, Fortnite, any good shooters, and loves nothing more than a good Pro Clubs session with the lads. Chris has a History degree from the University of Central Lancashire. He spends his days eagerly awaiting the release of BioShock 4.