So the controller side of things for console gamers is something that’s constantly being improved on. Console makers are consistently introducing limited-edition controllers for various causes. And there’s also been a major push for more refined controller designs, especially with the rise of eSports. More and more console gamers are looking for that competitive edge, and now another entrant is here to fill the gap in the market.
PlayStation has announced a new Back Button Attachment for the DualShock 4 controller, offering programmable buttons and other features for PS4 owners. The device includes a full fidelity OLED Screen, and will connect to the DualShock 4 without additional components. The Back Button passes inputs via the headphone jack on the controller, leaving all of the normal controls unimpeded.
According to Sony, the controller peripheral will “shorten your response time” in games by introducing up to 16 different action combinations at an easily accessible location on the controller. Although some multiplayer games frown upon the use of “turbo” or macro controllers which allow multiple inputs from a single button press. It will be interesting to see how Sony implements the system to keep the use of these controllers from breaking online competitive play.
The attachment will include 3 programmable function buttons, each with their own profiles. These macro profiles can sync multiple button presses to a single mappable input. The controller addon also features a 3.5mm headset pass-through, which will allow any 3.5mm headset to be connected to the wireless controller.
As someone who has gotten very used to having extra and programmable buttons on the Xbox One controller I use, for both console and PC games, there’s definitely a market here. With Corsair also getting into the custom controller game with their purchase of Scuf, there’s going to be a lot of competition and innovation in this space in the next couple of years.
The Back Button Attachment will launch on January 23rd next year and cost $29.99. If you want to see more of it, check out the trailer for it down below.
