Sony DualShock 4 PS4 controller: how to spot a counterfeit?
The PlayStation, created and developed by Sony, is one of the best-selling home consoles in the world. Each new console release is an event in its own right, as we saw once again with the release of the Playstation 5 last November. Since its release in 2013, the Playstation 4, or PS4 for aficionados, has remained one of the best-selling home consoles. It is still coveted by many gamers, as are its accessories, in particular the DualShock 4 controller.
Playstation controllers are fairly expensive, selling for between €40 and €60. This high price means that many gamers are turning to the second-hand market to acquire their Playstation accessories at a lower price. However, the second-hand market isn't just made up of honest people - there are also plenty of counterfeit products for sale on classified ad sites.
Here are a few tips on how to spot a counterfeit DualShock 4 controller.
Packaging
The first thing to do when trying to authenticate your PS4 controller is to look carefully at the packaging it comes in. Make sure everything is spelt correctly. Information written in languages other than English and French indicates a fake DualShock 4.
On the left, a real Playstation controller, on the right, a fake DualShock 4.
The materials used
Playstation controllers in general are sold at high prices because they incorporate a good deal of technology and are made from high-quality materials. Unlike an original controller, a fake DualShock will be made from lower-quality materials. You can feel it when you touch it. You can also tell by the weight of the controller - a fake PlayStation controller will feel lighter than a genuine DualShock.
On the left, an original controller, on the right, a fake DualShock 4
The joystick buttons
The Playstation controller is carefully designed and flawless. On counterfeits, certain details are left out. For example, the slightest error in the "triangle", "circle", "cross" and "square" buttons tells you that you are dealing with a counterfeit. Counterfeiters make a lot of mistakes in this area, whether it's alignment problems, badly centred printing or buttons that are too thick.
Joysticks
Take a close look at the joysticks too: on original DualShock systems, a rubbery material is used, whereas on imitations, it's more like a rigid plastic. Test them out, and the noise will help you in your investigation. It's very discreet on an original controller.
Also make sure that the movements are fluid, the joysticks should move freely and return to the same place automatically. If this isn't the case, you're looking at a counterfeit DualShock 4.
The joystick on an authentic Playstation controller
The light bar
Try putting your DualShock 4 controller on charge for a few moments for this next step. On a real Sony controller, when it's plugged in, the LED stays on throughout the charging process. Fake DualShock controllers light up as soon as they are charged, only to go out a few seconds later despite the fact that they are still charging. This test is crucial and easy to spot.
The light bar on an authentic PS4 controller
The serial number
As irrefutable proof, checking the serial number is the surest way to verify whether or not you are in possession of a counterfeit. Sony has set up a space on its support site where you can enter the serial number of your controller. The site will then tell you whether or not the serial number exists.
This is where you'll find the serial number on a Sony DualShock controller.
Buy your second-hand Playstation accessories safely with Obvy
To avoid being taken in by scammers, use Obvy to buy your Playstation accessories or any other home console.
Obvy is a secure payment solution that not only allows you to check the identity and therefore the reliability of your seller or buyer, but also, in the event of dissatisfaction, with Obvy you can return the purchased product to your seller without any difficulty, and the sum paid for the transaction will be refunded to you afterwards.