Best cheap PS4 controller deals for July 2023
Hunting around to get a cheap PS4 controller? Be it official or third-party, this is the place to be.
With Sony's last-gen tech now cheaper than ever before, it's now proving to be a great time to pick up one of the best cheap PS4 controller deals on the web. What's really convenient is that the controller works across both PS5 and the PS4 (but only with the PS4 games on the former), so there are lots of benefits to having a spare one handy. Not to mention, if you can get one cheap.
To broaden the options, though, we've got you covered for the official Sony DualShock 4 and a few of the best options from third-party manufacturers too, some with some cool extra features if you fancy something a little different that can double-up as a PC controller, or maybe a money-saving cheap PS4 controller instead.
All in, however, there really isn't a better option than PlayStation's official DualShock 4, in our view, if you're on the hunt to pick up a cheap PS4 controller price while still getting a premium model. The DualShock represents the most reliable, best built, most comfortable, and ergonomic, and generally, the best way to enjoy PS4 games - think of how some PS4 games incorporate the controller's mini speaker sometimes.
There's a great range of styles and colors available so there's something for everyone's tastes. And they've had a design refresh since their initial conception too, adding the stylish front light strip, improved battery life, and more durable rubber on the analogs. An extra PS4 controller lets you bring in more players, and ensures you always have a spare charged and ready. Getting a great PS4 controller price is a deal that will easily pay for itself over a short space of time.
The official PS4 controller - best prices
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This is the original DualShock 4 PS4 controller, and it’s incredibly versatile and works with every PS4 and PS4 Pro. The design has been tweaked since the PS4 originally launched to make the thumbsticks more robust and there's now an attractive LED bar on the front of the touchpad. Just a word of warning: DualShock 4s do NOT come with a USB charging cable, which they need.
You should have one from the box of the PS4 console you bought, but, if not, spares are cheap and widely available. The Amazon Basics version does the job just fine. The standard DualShock 4 is also available in an enormous range of different colors, patterns, and designs now, so you can often select that at checkout.
Razer Raiju - a great PS4 pad for eSports; ideal for shooters
For some, the official PS4 controller isn’t quite good enough. Maybe you’re looking to take part in eSports or play online in some official tournaments. If this is the case you should consider looking at the Razer Raiju, as it offers a few features that aren’t standard on other pads. It has hair triggers and sprung face buttons that are more responsive and snappy than the slightly spongy versions on the official pad. On top of that, the analog sticks are more responsive too, cutting down on any slight deadzone between pushing the stick and something happening on screen.
To be clear, these are incredibly marginal improvements, but they can make all the difference to professional and tournament play. It also has mappable buttons under the pad itself, so you can program certain sequences in, handy if you’re looking to guarantee certain movesets every time you attempt them. The downside is that this is super-pricey.
Nacon Revolution Pro - a more complex pad for a cheaper price. Great for fighting games
If you don’t want to splash over $120 / £120 on a Pro controller, then the Nacon is a nice halfway house between the official DualShock and the Razer Raiju. Just be aware that you get what you pay for, so while the pad is more set up for esports than the standard Sony controller - with more sensitive triggers, responsive sticks, and a better d-pad (which makes it ideal for fighting games). The pad is weightier too, much like the Razer, so you’ll need to adjust your grip to get the most out of it.
Official GT Sport Limited Edition controller - best prices
This lovely, subtle GT Sport Limited Edition controller for PS4 is a neat way to show your love for the series, without ruining the excellent design of the standard DualShock. It comes in a nice silver color and has an understated GT Sport logo on the touchpad. The perfect way to celebrate the series' 20th anniversary.
God of War Limited Edition controller - best prices
This is a tremendous official controller with the exact same features as the standard DualShock 4, but has all kinds of fancy God of War stylings on it. There’s a rune on the right hand-grip, a game logo on the touchpad, and two-tone colors on the base of the handles. Perfect for anyone looking to create a God of War bundle as a gift - just get the game and the pad. Only problem? It isn't available in the US, and there is very limited stock in the UK.
Official Sony Dualshock 4 charging station - best prices
If you don't want wires running between your PS4 console and your sofa, it may be time to invest in one of these PS4 controller charging stations. They plug neatly into a power source and allow you to charge a couple of pads wherever you choose, regardless of whether or not your console is switched on. A handy piece of kit, and available at a decent price.
Does the PS4 controller work with PC?
Yes, the official PS4 controllers do work with PCs, and they’re pretty easy to set up. In our opinion, these are the best controller you can use for PC gaming, so it’s well worth grabbing one if you prefer gaming with a pad compared to a keyboard and mouse.
Are PS4 controllers being discontinued?
Sony discontinued the DualShock 4 controller in Japan back in January 2021, however, the last-gen controller is still available for the rest of the world. With the controller supporting PS4 games on PS5, it's likely Sony will keep manufacturing the controllers (and console) for a couple more years at least. Expect 2025 at the earliest.
Why are PS4 controllers still so expensive?
PS4 controllers have remained at a high price due to manufacturing and parts going up, as a result of the global pandemic in 2020. The standard MSRP/RRP is $49.99 / £49.99 but can drop to around the $30/£30 mark in sales. We're not expecting Sony to drop the cost either, for the foreseeable future anyway.
We've put together this handy guide for you on how to use a PS4 controller on PC. You can also find all the latest PS5 price and bundles when you are ready to make the jump to next-gen gaming.
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Rob is the Deputy Editor of sister site, TechRadar Gaming, and has been in the games and tech industry for years. Prior to a recent stint as Gaming Editor at WePC, Rob was the Commissioning Editor for Hardware at GamesRadar+, and was on the hardware team for more than four years, since its inception in late 2018. He is also a writer on games and has had work published over the last six years or so at the likes of Eurogamer, RPS, PCGN, and more. He is also a qualified landscape and garden designer, so does that in his spare time, while he is also an expert on the virtual landscapes and environments of games and loves to write about them too, including in an upcoming book on the topic!
- Matt PoskittDeals Editor