PS4 controllers are popular due to their compatibility with PS3, Mac, Android, iOS, PS4, and even some select games on PS5. They also have super cool features like the DualShock, in-built speakers, and a touchpad.
Unfortunately, there’s been a shortage of PS4 controllers in the market. Gamers can’t get their hands on a new one and have been wondering whetherSony has discontinued production.
So, why are PS4 controllers sold out? Continue reading to find out!
Why Are PS4 Controllers Sold Out?
The PS4 controllers are scarce in the market due to several reasons. Firstly, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, there wasn’t enough supply to meet the high demand.
The lockdown didn’t only slow down the production process, but also affected shipping to other countries. Since everyone was at home during that period, the demand for the PS4 controller increased.
Only the old stock was available and they were quickly sold out. Without restocking, game stores and other online marketing platforms ran out of PS4 controllers.
Secondly, some people claim that Sony stopped producing the PS4 controllers following the launch of the PS5, so that people could buy the PS5 controllers.
We’re not sure about the veracity of this claim.However,one fact to note is that Sony discontinued the production of colored PS4 controllers after the launch of the PS5.
So the new shipment of PS4 controllers were black and white.Gamers preferred the range of colors of the PS4 controllers so they bought what was available in stock before the introduction of the black-and-white versions.
Scarcity of production materials also contributed to the unavailability of PS4 controllers in the market.The parts for the manufacturing of the PS4 controllers were scarce. Manufacturers struggled to get the right chip, and when they finally got the chip, it was super expensive.
Also, the increased cost of production of PS4 controllers made them more expensive. So, if you’re lucky to find a PS4 controller, it’s probably going to cost you a lot of money.
If you’re planning on changing your PS4 controller every year, you’d need to save up some more to get a new one. Else, use your current controller so that it can last a longer time.
This situation has created a problem in the market: the introduction of fake PS4 controllers. It would amount to double jeopardy to buy a fake controller at a very high price. And this begs the question, how do you know a PS4 controller is fake?
PS4 Controllers: 15 Ways To Tell An Original From A Fake
The scarcity of PS4 controllers in the market has led to the rise of fake controllers. Fake PS4 controllers look almost like the original ones. If you’re new to gaming equipment, you’re likely to fall victim to buying a fake PS4 controller.
However, there are several ways to identify a fake controller. Here are15 ways to tell a fake PS4 controller from an original one.
1. The Case
There are several features on the case that can help you identify a fake PS4 controller.
- The light on the diagram at the back of the box: The light drawn to highlight a particular part of the PS4 appears on the original. However, this light appears to have faded on a fake PS4 controller.
- The write-up: The write-up on the original controller is clearer than that of the fake. There may also be spelling errors on the fake that you may not notice if you don’t read and compare both.
- The serial code and model number position underneath the box: The original has the serial code and model number side by side. It doesn’t have any other write-ups except Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. and made in. The fake version has so many write-ups underneath.
- Color: The color of the original packaging is a darker shade than the fake.
- USB cable: The fake and original both indicate that the controller doesn’t come with a USB cable. However, the fake comes with a USB cable but the original doesn’t.
- The case design: Some fake controllers come in a pack that fits the controller. The original is more of a box that just houses the controller.
2. The Weight
Fake controllers are lighter than the original. You’ll notice the difference if you weigh both of them.
3. The Connectors
The color of the connectors of the original is silver or gray, while the fake can be other colors like yellow.
4. The Back of the Controller
There are many differences to spot at the back of the controller.
- On the fake, EAC comes before the logo, while on the original, the logo comes before EAC.
Note: This depends on the brand you buy.
- On the fake, some of the write-ups are jam-packed (no space in-between) and very bold. On the original, the write-ups are a bit dimmer but with proper spacing.
- On the original, the write-ups appear detailed with numbers appearing beneath the Made in. On the fake, however, the numbers come on top of the Made in, and the write-ups are scanty.
5. The Joysticks
The joysticks on the fakes make more noise. The original makes little or no noise.
6. Sound Quality
The fake controller has very poor sound. Your voice sounds low and is not clear. While on the original, the sound quality is clear and distinct.
7. Sony Logo
The original has the real SONY logo – together and straight. On the fake, you’d notice that the SONY logo appears stretched and slanted.
8. The SHARE
The word “SHARE”on the original controller is together and straight. On the fake, it stretches out.
9. The TouchPad
The original touchpad works on both PC and PS4. However, the fake doesn’t work on PCs. It only works on the PS4.
10. The PS Logo on the Controller
The PS logo on the original displays perfectly without any space left between the P and the S underneath it. On the fake, however, there is a slight space.
11. The Buttons
The buttons on the fake controller are more rigid. You’d need to add a little pressure for it to work. On the original, the buttons are light to touch. You don’t need as much pressure.
12. Battery Life
Original PS4 controllers have a battery life of 800 mAh. The battery is usually thick and dark gray, and all specifications appear clearly on it. The fake, on the other hand, has a white battery, which ranges from around 300 – 600 mAh.
However, the pack indicates that the battery capacity is 800 mAh, so you can only see it if you open the controller.
13. Cover over TouchPad
The original controller doesn’t have a thin cover over its touchpad. The fake has a cover which you’d have to peel off.
14. The Framework
The finishing of the original controller is neat and tight, while that of a fake controller looks like it wasn’t properly fit.
15. The Search Light
Original controllers show a white light when trying to pair with the PS4. However, fake controllers give off a different color.
Where Can I Buy An Original PS4 Controller?
The shortage of PS4 controllers has introduced an influx of fake PS4 controllers into the market. You can hardly trust the ones you find even online.
Your best bet at getting an original PS4 controller is at an authorized physical game store or on the website of reputable e-commerce brands. You’ll hardly get an original on other sites. There’s a shortage in production, therefore, these sites can’t get their hands on it. Whatever you see on these sites may likely be a fake version.
It’s best to buy from a game store because then, you can examine the controller closely. You’ll be able to tell a fake from an original before paying for it.
When you purchase online, you can only depend on the reviews which may not even be true. You can’t touch it or examine it. When it arrives, you may discover that you got a fake for the price of an original.
Fake PS4 controllers do work, however, they’re not as fast as the original. They may have their shortcomings but they’re not useless.
However, fakes are a no for professional gamers. It slows the game and makes everything difficult. So, if you’re a professional gamer or you just love a good game, go for the original. It is more expensive but it’ll do you more good.
Conclusion
Why are PS4 controllers sold out? There has been a shortage in the production and distribution of PS4 controllers. The shortage was due to the COVID-19 lockdown that slowed the production process and hindered the shipping of the products to other countries.
The stocks available were sold out and while the demand increased, the supply decreased. The shortage led to the influx of fake or substandard PS4 controllers into the market.
The fakes however are cheaper and work fine for a normal gamer. However, they can’t satisfy a professional gamer due to obvious shortcomings.
