Is PlayStation Discontinuing PS4 Controllers in 2024? Don‘t Count on it
Based on currently available information, PlayStation does not appear ready to discontinue the PS4 controller in 2024 or likely even the next couple years. While supply challenges with the PS5 persist, the PS4 remains a very relevant device – and Sony still supports the platform.
PlayStation‘s PS4 Support Runs Deep
Sony themselves have stated they plan to continue supporting the PlayStation 4 console until 2025. That‘s still another 2-3 years away.
Given typical 6-7 year lifecycles for modern consoles, a PS4 discontinuation around 2025-2026 fits reasonable expectations. So if you still game on a PS4, it seems PlayStation won‘t leave you controller-less anytime soon.
With over 115 million PS4s sold, and still facing shortages for its next-gen replacement, Sony has good reason to keep backing the PS4. As of April 2022, PlayStation Plus still had 47.3 million subscribers – a massive user base that relies on PS4 controller availability.
Plenty of Use Cases to Go Around
For those still gaming on PS4 consoles, it‘s reassuring Sony has plans to support your controller needs for years to come. And even PS5 owners can get a lot of mileage out of a trusty DualShock 4.
PS4 controllers retain full compatibility for PS4 backwards compatibility gaming on PS5 hardware. Considering the PS4 library encompasses over 4,000 titles, that‘s a lot of gaming requiring a DS4.
Beyond console gaming, PS4 controllers also shine as mobile gaming companions. Samsung‘s partnership with PlayStation bringing official DS4 mobile controller integration drives this excellent secondary use case.
And we can‘t forget PC gaming, for which PlayStation controllers have offered plug-and-play compatibility for years now.
Simply put, with such an abundance of DS4 controller compatible gaming scenarios, PlayStation discontinuing it makes little sense. Why sell gamers a PS5 when so many lack even a PS4 controller due to supply constraints?
The PS4 Accessory Ecosystem Persists
PlayStation not only has motive to supply PS4 controllers for years due to console and user base factors – a lucrative accessory ecosystem persists as well.
Consider the PS3 to PS4 generational transition. Sony continued manufacturing PS3 accessories for 3 years after the PS4 launched. Third party accessory makers retained PS3 support for even longer.
Fast forward to today, where current accessory and peripheral offerings for PS4 include:
- Controllers – 25 color variants across standard, pro, slim variations
- Headsets – both 1st and 3rd party wired & wireless
- Charging Stations
- Racing Wheels & Flight Sticks
- Custom Controllers – SCUF, etc.
With such a healthy PS4 accessory market built up after a decade, why leave it behind if PS4 support continues until 2025?
Until PS5 availability issues improve and more migrate over, PlayStation is wise to milk remaining value from the PS4 generation.
Repairs Ensure Your DS4‘s Usable Life
As your DualShock 4 ages past the 1 year included warranty, no need to fret – affordable repair options exist for PS4 controllers.
Sony themselves offer flat-rate mail-in PS4 controller repairs from their PlayStation product support team. Common issues like stick drift, button defects, or battery problems cost a reasonable $39.99 per repair in the United States. Just don‘t expect the fastest turnaround at around 2 weeks plus shipping.
Third party shops offer benefits like shorter repair times, lower costs, or lifetime workmanship warranties. Local options also help you avoid mailing off your beloved controller. With part costs continuing to drop over a controller‘s lifecycle, third party repairs make financial sense.
And if you‘re the DIY type, controller component suppliers like eBay and Amazon offer everything needed to replace PS4 controller analog sticks, buttons, batteries and more with simple tools.
Used PS4 Controller Resale Value Stays Strong
Even after putting your DualShock 4 out to pasture, you‘ll likely recoup a good chunk of value reselling it. Strong demand keeps used PS4 controller resale prices surprisingly stable years into the PS5 lifecycle.
On peer-to-peer marketplaces like eBay, functional first party PS4 controllers still command around $25-$35 depending on condition. More collectable colors or special editions can push towards $50+. Considering Sony‘s $59.99 MSRP for new units hasn‘t budged, that‘s pretty solid controller resale value 6+ years from launch.
Previous console generations also paint an optimistic picture for longer term PS4 controller value retention. Even today, used PS3 controllers sell for $20+ on eBay, nearly 15 years post-launch.
DualSense Adoption Still Ramping
It‘s also telling that while the PS5 immerses fans in next-gen gaming glory, uptake of its signature DualSense controller seems a more gradual climb by comparison to previous console transitions.
Sony reported selling over 30 million PS5 consoles as of June 2022. Impressive numbers hampered mainly by supply, rather than demand constraints.
Yet it took nearly 18 months post-launch for the DualSense to surpass the DS4 as the #1 best selling gaming peripheral in the US. And even today, retailers show the DS4 remains a staple best selling controller alongside its next-gen counterpart.
While still early in the console lifecycle, the data suggests a healthy appetite persists for PS4 controllers despite growing PS5 install base. This further supports Sony maintaining DS4 availability rather than rushing towards discontinuation.
The Verdict? PS4 Controllers Safe For Now
Considering all indicators, PlayStation ceasing production of PS4 controllers anywhere in the near future seems highly unlikely. With stated plans for PS4 support through 2025, massive continuing PS4 usage, key accessory ecosystem incentives, and repair cost and resale value dynamics all ameliorating risk, gamers comfortable with the DS4 can seemingly rest easy enjoying years more gameplay ahead.
What are your thoughts? Does growing your PS4 controller collection still make sense? Let‘s discuss in the comments!
