14 DAY TRIAL // Sony draws inspiration from Razer's controllers and announced it will launch a back button attachment for its Dualshock 4 controller. The new accessory will be available for purchase on February 14, 2020, for no less than $30 / €30.
The Dualshock Back Button Attachment lets players map up to 16 different actions and features two programmable and highly tactile back buttons. The two back buttons can map actions like triangle, circle, R1, and R2 among others, and promises to provide “amazing tactile feedback.”
Also, the attachment comes with an integrated OLED display that offers real-time information around button assignments. A dedicated button lets you remap back button inputs in just a few clicks, but you can also save and choose up to three different profiles for use in various games. There's also a headset pass-through that allows you to connect a 3.5mm wired headset to the controller.
The new accessory has been developed from the ground up by PlayStation and it's been tested and approved for all PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR titles. It's been built with the ergonomics of the Dualshock 4 in mind, so it should offer a comfy gameplay experience every time it's used.
We've recently reviewed two Razer controllers that feature back buttons and found them rather annoying because they are positioned where your fingers usually rest on the controller, so they're easy to trigger when you don't want to.
Not to mention that it will be hard to change the way you play games and add the new buttons to your standard controls scheme. Also, the price you have to pay seems a bit high at first glance, although the addition of a 3.5mm port makes it worth it.
According to PlayStation, the back button attachment is aimed at competitive gameplay, but we doubt competitive players will want to change their gaming habits for such an accessory.