Sony has changed everything about the DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5 from its predecessor, the DualShock 4 for the PlayStation 4. Since both controllers look the same, you might wonder if the thumbsticks are still the same.
Both the PS4 controller and the PS5 controller have thumbsticks that are the same size, shape, and material. The only difference is that the center of the analog stick on the PS5 is smooth, while the center of the analog stick on the PS4 is rougher. But in the long run, both thumbsticks could start to move.
In this article, I’ll talk about how the analog sticks on the PS4 controller and the PS5 controller are different. I will also talk about stick drifts, which are a common problem with the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers.
The Thumbsticks In The PS4 And PS5 Controllers
The thumbstick, also called the analog stick, is a type of joystick that is used to control games in two dimensions. Since you use your thumbs to move the thumbstick, it is in the middle of the PlayStation controllers as two analogs that stick out.
Sony’s controllers all use the same off-the-shelf analog sticks, which means that you will have a hard time finding these thumbsticks in stores. In fact, the only thing that is the same on both controllers is the thumbsticks.
In this video, TronicsFix shows that the DualSense and DualShock 4 thumbsticks are the same by taking them apart and comparing their parts:
The same hard rubber is used to make both of them. The thumbsticks on the two controllers feel different, though. The DualShock 4 has a “dog nose” texture all around with a raised edge, while the DualSense has a rough edge and a smooth middle.
Is The PS4 And PS5 Thumbstick In The Same Position?
With the DualSense, Sony completely changed the way their controllers look. The PS5 controller looks nothing like the DualShock controllers that came before it. The DualSense looks more futuristic because it is slim and has better ergonomics.
Both the PS4 and PS5 controllers have the same button layout, and the analog stick is in the same place on both. On both controllers, the thumbstick is placed below the D-pad. But the DualSense’s analog sticks are easier to use because their grips are longer and thicker.
Some gamers say that the DualShock 4 was hard to use because it was flat, which caused their thumb muscles to cramp. But the DualSense is better in this way because it has a thicker body, which is better for people with larger hands or longer thumbs.
Thumbstick Accessories For The PS4 And PS5 Joysticks
The thumbsticks on the PS4 and PS5 controllers have the same size in the middle, which means you can use the same accessories with both. So thumb grips for the DualShock 4 will also fit on the DualSense.
Thumb grips are nice because they raise the height of the analog stick. This makes it easier to reach the sticks and makes your hands less tired.
If you want thumb grips, check out the KontrolFreek FPS Freek Performance Thumbsticks for the PS4 and PS5 controllers, which you can get on Amazon.com. It is made of a rubber compound that makes it easier to hold and helps you play better as a whole.
Stick Drift In The PS4 And PS5 Controllers
Stick drift, also called analog drift, is a problem that many PS4 and PS5 users have. If your thumbstick is drifting, the game will move even though your hands are not touching the thumbsticks in any way.
If your analog stick has a problem with drifting, you may notice it when:
- The game character starts moving on its own in a certain direction.
- You lose control of the cars, and sometimes they go off the road by accident.
- The camera starts spinning around in circles.
Since the DualSense and DualShock 4 both have analog sticks, stick drift is something they both have in common.
At the time the PS5 controller came out, Sony hadn’t fixed the problem, even though it was a common one with its previous controllers. This led to a class-action lawsuit against Sony for selling people broken hardware that it knew was broken.
But Sony just released a new line of DualSense controllers with better analogs, which seems to solve the problem of sticks moving. People who have the older version of the PS5 controllers still need to be aware of this problem.
Reasons Why Stick Drift Happens
There are a few things that can cause people to drift. Thumbstick drifting is more likely as a controller gets older, but it can also happen if something goes wrong inside the controller. Why does stick drift happen?
- Around the analogs, dust builds up inside the controller.
- Friction causes wear and tear on the analog stick.
- Software goes wrong.
- The parts that move are broken.
How To Solve Stick Drift
If you want to save money on repair costs, you can try to fix stick drift yourself. Take it to the shop instead if the problem keeps coming back or if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Drifting can sometimes be fixed quickly and easily at home. Here are some suggestions:
- Turn the controller back on. The PS4 and PS5 controllers have a small button on the back that you can reach with a pin. When you press this button, the controller resets itself, which may stop it from drifting.
- Change the driver software. Some controller problems can be caused by bugs in the software. Check to see if the software versions on your controller and console are up to date.
- Get the thumbsticks clean. Grime, dust, and dirt can get in the way of the sensors or movement of the joystick. Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to gently wipe the base of the analogs or compressed air to blow out dust.
- Go to the store with it. If fixing it yourself doesn’t work, take it to an official store where they can fix it. Don’t try to take the controller apart yourself, because if you break the seals, the warranty will be void.
Final Words
The thumbsticks on the PS4 and PS5 controllers are the same. The thumbsticks on the DualShock4 and DualSense are the same size, have the same shape, and are made of the same material. The only small difference is that the joysticks have a different feel.
But since both controllers have the same analog sticks, they both have the same problem with analog drift. Stick drift happens in PS4 and PS5 controllers when they get old or when a part inside is broken. This can be fixed either at home or in a store.