If Sony won’t make a pro controller for PS4, Razer and Nacon will

I appreciate the effort, but…

Not to be confused with the couple-of-weeks-off PlayStation 4 Pro, Sony has announced a pair of third-party “pro” controllers coming to PlayStation 4 this year from Razer and Nacon.

“To give our competitive and pro players more choice, we invited Razer and Nacon to use their knowledge and expertise in developing eSports peripherals to design two unique pro controllers for PS4,” says Sony, writing on the European PlayStation Blog. “Through close collaboration we’ve been able to help optimise each controller for PS4 – incorporating innovative DualShock 4 controls and ensuring gamers can enjoy a plug & play experience with any model of PS4.”

This is the Razer Raiju, due out this holiday season (price TBA).

• Two extra bumpers and two extra detachable triggers
• Built-in control panel on the front of the controller
• Trigger-stop switches and hair trigger mode for ultra-fast trigger responses
• Two custom profiles which you can instantly switch between and modify
• 3.5mm headset jack and dedicated headset volume and mic mute controls
• Detachable analog stick rubber caps which provide extra grip during intense gaming sessions
• Compatibility with all PS4 systems via the braided 3m-long USB cable – detachable for easy storage

This is the Nacon Revolution, also due later this year, and also with an as-yet-announced price.

• 46° amplitude dual analogue sticks, enhanced with innovative firmware for advanced eSports accuracy and reach
• Four extra shortcut buttons
• Eight-way directional pad
• Four custom profiles – all configurable via the companion PC application, enabling players to: re-map buttons, assign macros to the four shortcut controls and adjust analog and trigger sensitivity
• Two internal compartments with six additional weights – for a tailored balance and feel
• Compatibility with all PS4 systems via the 3m-long secure connection USB cable – detachable for easy storage

Given the lackluster build quality of the standard DualShock 4, there is undoubtedly a demand for a higher-end gamepad. But third-parties? And wired controllers, at that? Yeah, I’m going to have to pass. Hold the snakes! (Look closer: both of these pads have snakes baked into their design.)

Earlier this year, Chris and Brett talked me into begrudgingly getting an Xbox One Elite controller, and I did, after holding out for a sale. The thing is wonderful. I’d love a first-party PS4 counterpart.

First look at two new licensed pro controllers for PS4 [PlayStation Blog EU]