In a lot of ways, the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller has done things right. PlayStation gamers have loved its improved ergonomics and triggers when compared to its older sibling, the DualShock 3. However, it has some shortcomings.
The light bar at the top of the DualShock 4 is a bit of a nuisance. You can’t turn off the controller manually when AFK or watching Netflix, so the powerful LED lights a portion of your room up like you’re at a DJ Tiesto concert. Made worse, Sony has no plans to change that, either.
Asked by fans on Twitter if users will ever be able to disable the DualShock 4’s light bar, Shuhei Yoshida replied:
no
Challenged by fans as to the effects on battery life, he added:
the LEDs do not use much battery
For how well Sony has done during the past year with satisfying its install base, it’s mind-boggling how it would fumble this opportunity. The DualShock 4 already has a pathetic battery life as it is, and having no way to turn it or its light bar off only complicates matters.
There’s already been a public outcry from PS4 owners on Twitter and other social media sites. If Sony is as pro-consumer as it says it is, it won’t be long before it changes its mind and tosses a light bar on/off switch into the PS4 options menu.
