1. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
NACON’s Revolution Unlimited Pro PS4 controller isn’t its first foray into PS4 controllers but very well may be their best. Supporting both wired and wireless connections, the premium feel of the controller is exactly what esports and casual gamers want. If you are concerned about how sensitive your controller sticks are, NACON made it so you can easily swap from concave to convex and back again. The underside of the controller makes it easy to adjust headset volume, game mode or the controller’s communication mode. On top of its ergonomics and comfort fit, the Revolution Unlimited Pro includes important extras like button mapping, stick and axis inversion, dead zone sensitivity and vibration intensity. On top of its primary compatibility with the PS4, the NACON also works with Windows computers for PC gaming.
2. SCUF Infinity Pro
Competitive gamers who want the very best PS4 controllers should look at the SCUF Infinity 4PS Pro as a stand-out option. While the SCUF Impact offers four paddles on the underside of the controller, the Infinity Pro adds two. Like the Impact, the paddles are designed with elite gameplay in mind so gamers do not have to remove their thumbs from a joystick to perform any winning moves. The triggers on the Infinity are second to none with mechanics that reduce any unnecessary latency. Do you have larger hands? Add the trigger extender to suit larger hand sizes. Any Infinity Pro user should take advantage of the quick shift trigger stop that all but eliminates any unnecessary trigger movement past the activation point. This very well could be the difference between victory and defeat, making it a critical function for any pro or serious gamer. Add in a secure grip, thanks to integrated rubber, and you’ll never lose a game because you lost control. Last but not least are the multitude of sizes available for the thumbsticks which. again, ensure that the SCUF conforms to your hand size, grip and style of gameplay.
3. Geeklin
With an incredibly attractive price point that’s well below the cost of the standard controller, the Geeklin wireless controller is a great backup. Wirelessly connected to your PS4, the Geeklin also doubles for anyone who still games on a PS3 as well. Differentiating it from the pack are the placement of L3 and R3 buttons, which are on the back of the controllers where fingers would traditionally rest. They perform exactly the same as if you were pushing the analog sticks, but the placement is far more comfortable. The ergonomics are good and the lightweight design makes it easy to hold the Geeklin for long gaming sessions. A non-slip, no-sweat design is also part of the budget-friendly package to make sure you can play as comfortably as possible. To that end, the layout of the buttons is slightly optimized over the standard controller to ensure accurate placement alongside highly sensitive buttons that respond immediately.
4. ASTRO C40
If you are looking for one of the most elite controllers for the PS4, look no further than the Astro C40 TR. In the same way Microsoft raises the bar with the Xbox Elite Controller, so too does the Astro. The premium design carries a premium price point, but for pro gamers, it is well worth the cost. The ergonomic layout is second to none ensuring that the controller is designed to not leave anything to chance. Having the option to remap buttons also ensures that you can personalize everything about the Astro, so it’s tournament ready. Trigger stops to adjust the throw of each trigger so you have the absolute best performance available while deep in intense FPS gameplay. As an officially licensed controller, you know that your money is well spent. That is especially true when you learn that both the analog stick and d-pad modules are easily swapped.
5. Razer Raion Fightpad
Designed with fighting games in mind, the Razer Raion fightpad is a great controller option. Backed by the strength of the Razor name, the Raion immediately stands out with a six-face button layout. In addition to the four traditional buttons (square, circle, triangle, etc.), the Raion adds both an R1 and R2 option on the front of the controller. This optimizes space but also provides your hands quicker access to the buttons you need when you need them. Each button is also designed to be slightly larger than a standard controller, so there is less chance of you hitting the wrong input, which could cost you a match. Whereas the standard PS4 controller adds a 4-way D-Pad, the Raion adds an 8-way D-Pad, so your combo executions are more precise. Are your matches getting ultra competitive? Disable any buttons you do not need with a built-in lock function so there is no chance of the wrong input being pressed when it matters most. While wireless controllers are generally favored, the Raion’s wired connection all but eliminates the milliseconds of lag that can come with a wireless connection.
Final Thoughts
There is no question that Sony’s standard PS4 controller is a fantastic choice. Its balance of cost, weight and performance make it the right choice for millions of gamers. That doesn’t make it the best one for you. as a handful of third-party options can take your PS4 gaming to the next level. If you own a Xbox, check out some of the best third-party Xbox controllers.
