In my opinion, the DS4 is the most comfortable Playstation to use. My main criticism though is the build quality. Compare to the XB1 standard controller, the difference is noticeable. Regardless about preference to layout or whether or not you should have a battery compartment (I prefer this incidentally even though I use a rechargeable pack, I prefer the choice!), the actual build quality isn't what I expect from Sony. The shell on my DS4's do not fit together flush. I have a different size gap on one side to the other, I can feel an edge where one is slightly out from the other too. More obvious as I have the gold controller. The rubber on the thumbsticks was notorious for wearing out quickly and the triggers get stuck too. The thumbsticks can get 'stuck' down so won't click anymore too. Obviously the battery life isn't great either but that's not own to build quality but the decision to use such a small battery.

Again, in my opinion, the best controller on the market is the Xbox Elite. The build quality is fantastic and feels solid in the hands. The decision to use metal parts may increase its weight but it has also increased its durability too. The way the shell fits together is much better too - not a single gap or part not fitting together perfectly. The brushed metal against the velvet plastic shell looks classy and 8months on, it still feels and looks as good as new. No play in the thumbsticks, no sign of wear or tear etc. In the same time, I had worn out my first DS4 and my 2nd is feeling a bit 'looser' now too with a slight bit of play in the thumbsticks - particularly the left.

If Sony were to make an Elite style DS4 - even without the option to swap the layout to an assymetric (my preferred layout - My left thumb sits perfectly on the D-pad and I have to stretch my thumb across to the thumbstcks - its no so bad with the right as I am always taking my thumb off to press the buttons. As far as I am concerned, the thumbs natural position should sit on the thumbstick if that is what gets used the most), with the same build quality and price, I would certainly buy it. I have no doubt it would work out more cost effective as I go through a controller in around 8-10 months so if it lasts a few years, it will work out cheaper in the long run.