Well cuz unless you use a different tech, all you can really do is make it less likely, it's really not possible to 100 percent fix it, I have however noticed that thier newer controllers seem to be better than thier older revision, i repair alot of controllers and other tech for people so I've seen my share of wear and drift on all sorts of controllers from all sorts of companies, what needs to be done is more research on tech, or a switch to hall effect across the board as an industry norm, but even that may wear down over time
idk if i got lucky but my ds5 never got stick drift even after aggressively slamming it on my desk several times out of rage until i threw my controller on the ground which ripped out the battery and connector. but even then im sure theres no stick drift
That's crazy, I just purchased a broken controller from the eBay user you showed in the beginning of your video. I needed to find a GEN 3 board to replace a board I damaged soldering new hall-effect sticks on. I didn't know about the serial number trick but I did see a comparison of 3 controllers showing you can identify based on the big symbols on the back and matched it to a replacement controller selling on eBay for $27.
Cool. Now if you have access to the QR code, I suggest using that instead of using symbols. If they release a 5th gen, it may not follow the symbol method, but the QR method will most likely work fine.
@@batuhanguner8103 Yes, I've changed the joysticks in all of my controllers. I would recommend the GuliKit TMR joysticks (they are more expensive, and you only get 2) Next best option is the Ginfull v5 hall-effect joysticks (they have the bigger magnet with a curved shape). Those you can get 10 for less than $15.
I think the audio differences in button presses isn't necessarily a difference of gens, but is just a variable in all individual controllers. Even within a single controller, or in exact same models of controllers, the same buttons might sound different, and this goes for all controllers ever. I'm a general collector of controllers, and the sound difference always bothers me especially when it's within the same controller for the same type of button.
This is definitely the case. I have a gen 4 and so does my son but his X button is a lot more clicky than mine, Mine has a more spongey feel to it, so much so that it sometimes creaks when pressing/holding it more firmly.
Damn so my black controller is actually still a Gen 1 controller! Cool. I did buy it in 2021. So my white controller that came with the console is still unused and probably a Gen 1 for sure. I do want a new controller but I don't need it so I won't buy it. But if I ever do need one I'll keep all this info in mind. Thank you.
@@HCIbnluckily my gen 1 hasn’t had any issues. *knocks on wood* The only controller that’s ever done that for me is my switch controllers, 2 pairs so far. My other 2 pairs are still okay
I bought my black dualsense in May of 2021, it's a Gen 1. I've used it since I got it and just last week I noticed a very very small amount of stick drift in my left stick. I'm 37 years old, never dropped it and take care of my electronics. I'm not upset though, 3 years old of playing 5 days a week isn't bad. Now I don't know if i just get a new one or wait and use the one that comes with the pro whenever it comes out.
@@SeanTKO Same, bought my black Gen1 Dualsense in 2021. Used it extensively since then. There is a miniscule drift on the left stick that I noticed a couple of months ago, it goes away for some time if I press L3 and make several full circles with the stick while it's pressed. And, yep, unfortunately I did drop my controller several times throughout the years, but I don't think it's the main source of the drift problem. lol Also I'm using it on PC only and in most cases there are ways to just slightly increase the deadzone either inside games themselves or with other software. I'm thinking of buying a new one, but rn the matter is not that pressing, works fine in most cases.
Just checked my controllers, also have 3 gen ones. 1 that came with the console, and two with custom face plates which I bought later. but all still working like as good as new. Also same age but did also buy the ps5 edge controller (first gen) which is 1,5 years old which for some reason has a creaking sound when pushing the option button but also work fine otherwise.
@@Suckerbunch I have the same issue with the creaking. My X button feels really "spongey" especially when pressing firmly and that's when it makes a creaking sound. All other buttons are fine and more "clicky". My son has the same gen (a gen 4) and his X button is fine. There definitely must be some variations in the way the rubber membranes inside are manufactured.
My BDM-010 That came with my launch console has silver screws, not black. I only had to replace the trigger springs because one snapped. Still works great! I wish I could limit battery charge to 40% or at least 75% or something since I almost always have it plugged in and I don't want to wear the battery quickly.
That is exactly what I was thinking! I have a 020 just for PC gaming using the USB Cable, sometimes I remember and feel kinda uncomfortable because I play for weeks without using it wireless. I just started connecting it to my phone so it can drain some battery, also playing some casual games like Minecraft using Bluetooth, however, I don't play long enough to drain it to 0.
I have two dualshock 3 controllers that has analog sticks you don't have to solder. All you do take out the old ones and pop in new ones. Of course my other controllers have to be soldered.
Did you notice anything about the dpads between each generation? A huge problem the fighting game community has had with the dualsense controllers is that the dpad is too mushy and inaccurate on the older generations, but the dualsense edge has apparently remedied that as the shell is reported to be "tighter".
Really informative, thank you! I just wanted to provide a small tidbit, Sony announced the Deep Earth collection in September 2023 and I bought one in November 2023 so they were available prior to 2024 as well 👍 Hope you have a good week! :)
I feel on my Gen 1, the options and create buttons are easier to press and feel tactile like mechanical while on both my gen 2 and gen 3 controller it feels mushy and require more force to press.
@@DistinctionDino my gen 1 is the launch one too. Only the option and create button feels better to me. It keeps getting drift issue but cleaning the potentiometer helps get rid of it for a while. All my other controllers just fell better with haptic feedback and even the triggers themselves.
Still using my Gen 1 black controller. So glad to read stuff like this. I got my white controller that came with the console in 2021 too. Keeping that for when my current one starts having issues.
The white adaptive trigger housings are removable but held in by a clip where it attaches to the shell that is very hard to spot and reach. I managed to remove one by wiggling and prying the housing in various directions and didn't see the clip until afterwards. Nothing broke, thankfully.
Does the ps5 controller package that its bought in contain any form of serialnumber or model number on the box itself, or is there another way of determining what generation the controller is before buying?
I know serial numbers have it, not sure if serial numbers are on the box. Ending in a 1 is bdm-010 and ending in an A is bdm-020. I don't own any 30/40 controllers so someone else would need to say what their serial numbers end in. I do know the older ending in a 1 / bdm-010 are better than the 020 models when it comes to stick drift
Yes, the packaging of the PS5 controller (DualSense) does contain a model number and sometimes a serial number on the outside of the box. This can help identify the specific version or generation of the controller. Here's how you can use these details to determine the generation or version of the controller: Model Number: The model number (such as CFI-ZCT1W for the earlier models or CFI-ZCT1A for later versions) is typically printed on the box. This can help you identify whether the controller is part of the first-generation release or a newer iteration. Newer revisions may have slight updates in design or functionality, so checking the model number is important if you're looking for a specific version. Serial Number: In some cases, a serial number is also printed on the box. While it may not directly tell you the generation, it can still be useful for warranty purposes or confirming authenticity. Packaging Differences: Sometimes, newer versions or generations of the controller are indicated by subtle changes in the packaging design or information listed on the box. For example, updated boxes may mention new features or compatibility improvements. To determine the generation of the controller before buying: Check the model number on the box (ask the retailer if necessary). Look for online resources that list specific differences between model numbers and their corresponding release dates. Consult the retailer to confirm if you're buying the latest version, especially if newer controllers have been released with updated features or fixes. - Via ChatGPT
Pot luck which controller you get, just like the fans in the ps5 slim. I got my ps5 slim last week the box without the 8k on and still got a gen 3 controller
So I bought my PS5 day one (I preordered it) and I have 2 010s and 1 020 with drift. I recently bought a new controller (a 040) and still works fine, but it's too soon to celebrate yet.
This is just what was looking for, thank you so much!! I knew the upgraded the sticks in version 2, And the springs in version 3, But my nain question was with the last set.
probably a minor difference but the rumble on my gen 1 also shakes the face buttons which makes a rattling noise. The other controller I have, probably gen 2 or 3 doesn't have this issue.
I’ve been using a gen 2 (cosmic red) and the right haptic motor has gone bad. It has over 400 hours on it, I use it for all my gaming. Might take it apart and investigate. Got a slim in a convoluted trade within family and got a gen 3 with it. Got a cosmic red one for Christmas and it’s a gen 5. The og PS5 we had came with a gen 2 as well (like I said convoluted) and the black controller we bought with it (forced into a bundle deal in early 2022 but still paid under MSRP for both the console and controller) was a gen 2 as well. No drift in any of ours.
They feel cheaper and more plasticy now. Got the first version still here. Feels heavier and and the adaptive triggers seem to have more stable less plasticy resistance
original ps5 white controller that came with my PS5 OG is Gen 3 and the black controller i bought separatly is gen 2 i knew theres a difference between how i felt playing with those... my white ones triggers are so effective and hard to push back
@@overdriver99 I posted a video. It doesn't require a calibration board nor do you need to manually adjust using a pin. This is available now and its not expensive. I will be swapping out my current hall-effect sticks for these newer upgraded V5 at some point.
In my testing just using the controllers normal not abusing them and keeping the outside clean they last 6 months before stick drift happens. Even after cleaning the sensors which are not hard to get to but is a little bit annoying to take apart the controllers they still drifted so it seems like these controllers or at least the thumb sticks have a 6 month life span which is awful and cheap from Sony. These controllers in Canada where I live cost 94 dollars it’s freaking ridiculous.
i thought that the analog sticks of the newer gen (ps5s and red) some how feel more 'tactile' for some reason when i first use them. So they actually undergone some minor changes over the years. Thanks.
In my experience, Gen 1 still feels the best to me, just because it is amazingly quiet. The sticks barely make a sound when they hit the outer housing. Sometimes I still default to the controller I got with the console at launch instead for the DualSense Edge, if I want more quiet experience. However, it can be nothing but a fluke. Also, it's possible that the sound differences are caused simply by continuous usage throughout the time.
Well it's still using the potentiometer so I'm just gonna assume and say: not so much. I will say this though: A controller with hall effects are way less prone to drift when it comes to use. I haven't bought any hall effects yet but I do plan on buying one this week.
It's better than the one, two and three last generations, I have a 3 and 4 generation, the three got drift in four months, the 4 than came with my PS5 Slim, still without drift, the 4 generation is the best so far
@@LebaronJames-xo1st what games are you playing to get drift in 4 months? I have 2 controllers for more than a year and none have drift and I play on average like 4-5 hours a day.
I have two gen 1 white controllers from launch (one came with the console), one black and one red from the uk launch of those colours (both gen 1), a black gen 3 from much later, and the astro bot controller which is gen 4.
I could immediately tell the difference between gen 2 and gen 4 controller by just holding it. Gen 4 felt more lighter and more hollow than gen 2 but i think gen4 have better trigger and rumble effect. I still prefer gen 2 as weight distribution of the controller feels balanced but gen 4 feels really top heavy.
I like that gen 4 is slightly lighter because it dosnt hurt my hands overtime. My gen 1 controller is heavy and after an hour or two it cramps my hands.
Well i have 3 ps5 controllers, the default white one, the red one, and the purple one. The serial numbers on the white one starts with F2 , the red one starts with F2, and the purple starts with G2. Does this means theyre ALL 2nd Gen?
My Gen 1 DualSenses *(Cosmic Red/Midnight Black/White)* that I got with my PS5 three years ago have ALL started having battery issues recently. Coincidentally, all at the same time and all exactly 3 years after I purchased them. They barely last 2 hours each before dying. My DualSense Edge is the most solid performer out of the 4 controllers I own. They’ve held up well over time, but I think it’s time to “upgrade” to some Gen 4 DualSenses. Thinking of copping Sterling Silver and Cobalt Blue this time around. I absolutely love the DualSense. I just wish that its battery life wasn’t so utterly mediocre.
I do have something of interest to add. I have a ps5 with two series 1 controllers. I afk and put my monitor Samsung m4 on standby. On waking the monitor it had a problem that it couldn’t see the hdmi port it was connected to and i would press the controller to help find the port with no luck. Today i have changed to the purple series 4 controller and now have no monitor problems at all. I never could find out the problem but got it solved by accident, Hope this helps people out there that have a similar set up like i do.
My gen 3 has a stick drift on the left stick. But not a normal stick drift you know, it's more a stick drift which comes if i make it to the right then it gives the command to the right and afterwards to the left too.
@HowToX Can you tell what Gen the controller is inside the box without opening it? The box underneath has CFI-ZCT1W written and there is a POS Car Code next to it. I wonder if it is possible to understand the model / Gen without opening the box. I fit is an old version, I'd return. The controller is in Cosmic Red colour.
I want to buy a replacment for the triggers l2 and r2. I find on Aliexpress triggers for gen 1, 2, 3. I currently have Gen 4 controller. Will gen 3 be compatible with my controller?
BDM-020 is the one my Ps5 came with and it had issues with the touchpad, the inputs sometimes were incorrect and it hovered by itself not allowing me to type with it since it glitched, I had to restart it to make it work.
I've noticed slight noise sounds from the headphone jack on early DualSense controllers (more noticeable in a menu, such as the system menu, when the music is turned off. It buzzes a little when a sound effect plays and then when going back to mute). Was this ever improved in the later releases?
Yes i noticed that the gen 1 is worst for the static noise, gen 2s its barely noticable, gen 3s some are really noticable and some arent, and gen 4 is barely noticable.
I don’t know if the potentiometers on the GEN four is across-the-board are different color because I have two GEN fours and they’re still the same color as the original
Let me ask you a favor. I have one BDM-040 and one BDM-030 controller. When I compare them, I see orange color tone difference on their LED while charging. Not so much but I can notice. BDM-040 is more yellowish orange, BDM-030 is more orangish. Do you see same thing on yours? Would you mind compare them for me please?
have their been more than one version of the dualsense edge controller? My backbutton are getting "sloppy". I think a plastic pin inside may have broke. Wondering if they've fixed that issue. A lot of people on Reddit r having the same issue.
I bought a new gen 2 controller recently and noticed some big differences to my other one - louder face buttons and (most of all) a much more slippery and unpleasant plastic on the sticks.
@@ShamanNoodles I recommend checking out Metal Plastic Electronics he does very detailed testing on several joysticks. I have the v5 Ginfulls and I'm very happy with them. I also have the GuliKit TMR joysticks and they are also great.
Maybe I should have zoomed in on them, but regardless of the brand, it's still the "trash can" design that has plagued most of the controllers of this generation.
What kind do the PS3 controllers use because I have an original PS3 controller from 2007 and it has no stick drift it still works. I’ve probably gone through 5 PS5 controllers in 2 years
I got a PS5 and couple controller in 2023, one of the controllers was a gen 1 and the other, a gen 2, but the serial number for my third controller had f3?
Just got a new one with my PS5 pro which seems to be a revision 5. No idea whats inside but on the outside I noticed some differences, the text on the back is bolder/darker and the plastic seems cheaper quality compared to my older ones.
Boss man, I watched your video and I just wanted to do a basic clean of the controllers just finished cleaning it and now when I play a game. The x button works but when I start a game, it doesn't work. You know how you log in and it says, push x to start game x is not working what x works for everything in the home screen then I tried to turn it off, and on, and x is working but then it auto holds L2 which means reverse in need for speed racing game my car is constantly reversing without me. Pushing reverse button, what did I do L two is being triggered without being pushed 😢
@@yippy7951 I mean I haven't noticed a difference except the fact that hall effects feel much better and more durable than the original sticks when I got them so 🤷♂️
I've been through about 3 or 4 DualSenses due to Stick drift now. I suppose I could actually make a fully working controller using parts from the broken ones
@@keithmaguire7065which requires dismantling the controllers and risking breaking those small wires and taking off the sensors on the thumb sticks is not easy and can be easily broken.
@@ryans413 the soldering on the wires is actually decent so you just have to be a little careful, I'd be more worried about the ribbons because they're so tiny
ohhhh, yesterday I bought a dualsense gen 3 without noticing it, the first time I had a dualsense in my hands was in a local gaming shop and for me, the controller was too big and needed better ergonomics, when this new controller got delivered I was going crazy about "this is not what I remember about the dualsense, this one is different?" thank you, I was going crazy about it for an entire day.
I was hoping for a battery test. Supported ones sold as V2 last longer. I recently got one and it’s gen 4. But I haven’t compared the battery to my older gen 2 yet.
The Gen 5 has arrived! Here is a new video where I tear it down and compare it to the previous ones. th-cam.com/video/QJmtdcK-KqI/w-d-xo.html
V4440099611184038 this is the serial I got, so it's a BDM 040?
@@alexc0vRyes
@@HowToXThanks, I almost bought the wrong one, new sub!
Question, which Gen is the V1.0 ? @@HowToX
I noticed a gen 3 controller has better button feel as well as trigger feel/quieter operation vs gen 1. Just feels more refined.
Same, and they feel sturdier almost i just hot a gen 4 and it feels so much better than my 2 or 3s I have
its crazy how they didnt fix stick drift at all, even after those lawsuits
Well cuz unless you use a different tech, all you can really do is make it less likely, it's really not possible to 100 percent fix it, I have however noticed that thier newer controllers seem to be better than thier older revision, i repair alot of controllers and other tech for people so I've seen my share of wear and drift on all sorts of controllers from all sorts of companies, what needs to be done is more research on tech, or a switch to hall effect across the board as an industry norm, but even that may wear down over time
@@ZER0H0UR333crazy how they figured it out with the PS3 gen by using hall effect sticks and then just.... never did it again
@@ZER0H0UR333 You can easily 100% fix it with hall effect sticks. They don't cost that much. Sony doesn't do it because they just want more sales.
idk if i got lucky but my ds5 never got stick drift even after aggressively slamming it on my desk several times out of rage
until i threw my controller on the ground which ripped out the battery and connector. but even then im sure theres no stick drift
Are you showing real ps5 contollers
I love very specific, very informative videos like this
Can’t wait till they drop model BDSM-010 🔥🔥
I'll skip it to get BDSM-069.
Just bought mines a couple of days ago.
with the BDSM-020, you don't play the game... the game plays you ;)
The 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂 model
@@Serliu𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂
Absolutely comprehensive comparison and teardown of each models, you are the GOAT. Video is super drtailled and well explained! Definitely subscribed!
That's crazy, I just purchased a broken controller from the eBay user you showed in the beginning of your video. I needed to find a GEN 3 board to replace a board I damaged soldering new hall-effect sticks on. I didn't know about the serial number trick but I did see a comparison of 3 controllers showing you can identify based on the big symbols on the back and matched it to a replacement controller selling on eBay for $27.
Cool. Now if you have access to the QR code, I suggest using that instead of using symbols. If they release a 5th gen, it may not follow the symbol method, but the QR method will most likely work fine.
Where did you buy hall effect sticks?
@@RiccardoGrc I can't post links in comments because youtube will probably hide it. I order on "AE". You might be able to find elsewhere.
Did you end up using hall effect sticks? Are they good?
@@batuhanguner8103 Yes, I've changed the joysticks in all of my controllers. I would recommend the GuliKit TMR joysticks (they are more expensive, and you only get 2) Next best option is the Ginfull v5 hall-effect joysticks (they have the bigger magnet with a curved shape). Those you can get 10 for less than $15.
I think the audio differences in button presses isn't necessarily a difference of gens, but is just a variable in all individual controllers. Even within a single controller, or in exact same models of controllers, the same buttons might sound different, and this goes for all controllers ever. I'm a general collector of controllers, and the sound difference always bothers me especially when it's within the same controller for the same type of button.
yep. i had 2 relatively new dualsenses and their share/options buttons felt very different between the two
This is definitely the case. I have a gen 4 and so does my son but his X button is a lot more clicky than mine, Mine has a more spongey feel to it, so much so that it sometimes creaks when pressing/holding it more firmly.
@@ShepardofFire I'm facing this rn too, is one more clicky and hard while the other is more smooth and not as clicky?
Damn so my black controller is actually still a Gen 1 controller! Cool. I did buy it in 2021. So my white controller that came with the console is still unused and probably a Gen 1 for sure. I do want a new controller but I don't need it so I won't buy it. But if I ever do need one I'll keep all this info in mind. Thank you.
Good luck getting stick drift on the gen 1 models
@@HCIbnluckily my gen 1 hasn’t had any issues. *knocks on wood* The only controller that’s ever done that for me is my switch controllers, 2 pairs so far. My other 2 pairs are still okay
I bought my black dualsense in May of 2021, it's a Gen 1. I've used it since I got it and just last week I noticed a very very small amount of stick drift in my left stick. I'm 37 years old, never dropped it and take care of my electronics. I'm not upset though, 3 years old of playing 5 days a week isn't bad. Now I don't know if i just get a new one or wait and use the one that comes with the pro whenever it comes out.
@@SeanTKO my dualshock 4 from 2015 still works like it's brand new the quality on these dualsense controllers is horrendous
@@SeanTKO Same, bought my black Gen1 Dualsense in 2021. Used it extensively since then. There is a miniscule drift on the left stick that I noticed a couple of months ago, it goes away for some time if I press L3 and make several full circles with the stick while it's pressed. And, yep, unfortunately I did drop my controller several times throughout the years, but I don't think it's the main source of the drift problem. lol Also I'm using it on PC only and in most cases there are ways to just slightly increase the deadzone either inside games themselves or with other software. I'm thinking of buying a new one, but rn the matter is not that pressing, works fine in most cases.
All my 3 of my DualSenses are gen 1s. None have really gave any issues so far *knock on wood*, and all of them are around 3 years old
Just checked my controllers, also have 3 gen ones. 1 that came with the console, and two with custom face plates which I bought later. but all still working like as good as new. Also same age but did also buy the ps5 edge controller (first gen) which is 1,5 years old which for some reason has a creaking sound when pushing the option button but also work fine otherwise.
Mine 8 months did have issues not gaming that much dont know what happen
@@vinxanitv what issues do you have? I did game on and off for a while, also pretty Much game on pc.
@@Suckerbunch I have the same issue with the creaking. My X button feels really "spongey" especially when pressing firmly and that's when it makes a creaking sound. All other buttons are fine and more "clicky". My son has the same gen (a gen 4) and his X button is fine. There definitely must be some variations in the way the rubber membranes inside are manufactured.
So which one is drift proof
My BDM-010 That came with my launch console has silver screws, not black. I only had to replace the trigger springs because one snapped. Still works great! I wish I could limit battery charge to 40% or at least 75% or something since I almost always have it plugged in and I don't want to wear the battery quickly.
Also, my battery in the controller is not upside down.
You showed the gen 2 in the gen 1 spot at 7:36
That is exactly what I was thinking! I have a 020 just for PC gaming using the USB Cable, sometimes I remember and feel kinda uncomfortable because I play for weeks without using it wireless.
I just started connecting it to my phone so it can drain some battery, also playing some casual games like Minecraft using Bluetooth, however, I don't play long enough to drain it to 0.
This really helped me a lot on which controller to get and all the information from all the gen controllers
I have two dualshock 3 controllers that has analog sticks you don't have to solder. All you do take out the old ones and pop in new ones. Of course my other controllers have to be soldered.
Did you notice anything about the dpads between each generation? A huge problem the fighting game community has had with the dualsense controllers is that the dpad is too mushy and inaccurate on the older generations, but the dualsense edge has apparently remedied that as the shell is reported to be "tighter".
I've been looking for a video like this! Thanks!
Really informative, thank you! I just wanted to provide a small tidbit, Sony announced the Deep Earth collection in September 2023 and I bought one in November 2023 so they were available prior to 2024 as well 👍 Hope you have a good week! :)
Thanks for the great video. 👍
Thanks. I didn't not realize so many people would be interested.
Fantastic teardown video, super detailed so massive thank you
I feel on my Gen 1, the options and create buttons are easier to press and feel tactile like mechanical while on both my gen 2 and gen 3 controller it feels mushy and require more force to press.
Thought it was just me. I have like 5 different controllers and my launch controller just feels better than the rest
@@DistinctionDino my gen 1 is the launch one too. Only the option and create button feels better to me. It keeps getting drift issue but cleaning the potentiometer helps get rid of it for a while. All my other controllers just fell better with haptic feedback and even the triggers themselves.
@@izhanshafiq324 hmmm mine doesn’t have any issues at all. It’s my favorite one to use besides the edge.
Still using my Gen 1 black controller. So glad to read stuff like this. I got my white controller that came with the console in 2021 too. Keeping that for when my current one starts having issues.
Another thing to note is difference in speaker, quality, sound etc. I noticed my OG PS5 controller had better sound than newer ones.
Yes and the trigger also feel much better build quality with the spring much stronger
makes sense, Sony wants to cheap out on the revisions as much as possible
The white adaptive trigger housings are removable but held in by a clip where it attaches to the shell that is very hard to spot and reach. I managed to remove one by wiggling and prying the housing in various directions and didn't see the clip until afterwards. Nothing broke, thankfully.
Does the ps5 controller package that its bought in contain any form of serialnumber or model number on the box itself, or is there another way of determining what generation the controller is before buying?
Good question, would be good to know but I doubt sellers would give this info, unless of course it's printed on the box
I know serial numbers have it, not sure if serial numbers are on the box. Ending in a 1 is bdm-010 and ending in an A is bdm-020. I don't own any 30/40 controllers so someone else would need to say what their serial numbers end in. I do know the older ending in a 1 / bdm-010 are better than the 020 models when it comes to stick drift
@@thanksyoutubefortakingmyhandle I have one that ends in 0 and one that ends in 5
Yes, the packaging of the PS5 controller (DualSense) does contain a model number and sometimes a serial number on the outside of the box. This can help identify the specific version or generation of the controller. Here's how you can use these details to determine the generation or version of the controller:
Model Number: The model number (such as CFI-ZCT1W for the earlier models or CFI-ZCT1A for later versions) is typically printed on the box. This can help you identify whether the controller is part of the first-generation release or a newer iteration. Newer revisions may have slight updates in design or functionality, so checking the model number is important if you're looking for a specific version.
Serial Number: In some cases, a serial number is also printed on the box. While it may not directly tell you the generation, it can still be useful for warranty purposes or confirming authenticity.
Packaging Differences: Sometimes, newer versions or generations of the controller are indicated by subtle changes in the packaging design or information listed on the box. For example, updated boxes may mention new features or compatibility improvements.
To determine the generation of the controller before buying:
Check the model number on the box (ask the retailer if necessary).
Look for online resources that list specific differences between model numbers and their corresponding release dates.
Consult the retailer to confirm if you're buying the latest version, especially if newer controllers have been released with updated features or fixes.
- Via ChatGPT
Absolutely notice the weight difference between my gen 2 and gen 4
yes it is lighter
Huh! Neat video.
I got a PS5 Slim and just scanned the QR code on the white DualSense that came bundled with it.
It seems I have a Gen 3 controller.
I also got a PS5 Slim in March this year. It seems I have a Gen 4 Controller
Pot luck which controller you get, just like the fans in the ps5 slim. I got my ps5 slim last week the box without the 8k on and still got a gen 3 controller
Got one last month and i got a gen 4 B)
My gen 1 is still going strong
So I bought my PS5 day one (I preordered it) and I have 2 010s and 1 020 with drift. I recently bought a new controller (a 040) and still works fine, but it's too soon to celebrate yet.
Got the Gen 4 Metallic Blue today for 50$ today and its a thing of beauty!
Thanks for this, good job!
Thank you... Nice teardown and comparison ... Now i know my ps5 has gen 4
This is just what was looking for,
thank you so much!!
I knew the upgraded the sticks in version 2,
And the springs in version 3,
But my nain question was with the last set.
What is the difference if the number starts with a G and an F?
probably a minor difference but the rumble on my gen 1 also shakes the face buttons which makes a rattling noise. The other controller I have, probably gen 2 or 3 doesn't have this issue.
Thank you for this info, I bought a black ps5 controller 1 month ago and I just discovered it’s a gen 4s thank you
I’ve been using a gen 2 (cosmic red) and the right haptic motor has gone bad. It has over 400 hours on it, I use it for all my gaming. Might take it apart and investigate. Got a slim in a convoluted trade within family and got a gen 3 with it. Got a cosmic red one for Christmas and it’s a gen 5. The og PS5 we had came with a gen 2 as well (like I said convoluted) and the black controller we bought with it (forced into a bundle deal in early 2022 but still paid under MSRP for both the console and controller) was a gen 2 as well. No drift in any of ours.
question for button sound difference: are all the controllers brand new? because it might just be wear
Bdm 30 purple developed stick drift after 6 months, my original ones didnt develop until 2 years into gaming with it.
They feel cheaper and more plasticy now. Got the first version still here. Feels heavier and and the adaptive triggers seem to have more stable less plasticy resistance
original ps5 white controller that came with my PS5 OG is Gen 3
and the black controller i bought separatly is gen 2
i knew theres a difference between how i felt playing with those...
my white ones triggers are so effective and hard to push back
I wish they can solve stick drift, i got gen 1 and 3 both got stick drift
replace with hall-effect joysticks. i no longer have to deal with that problem anymore.
@@syn80 I don't see any reliable replacement. every single review said there are some sort of problem..
@@overdriver99 I posted a video. It doesn't require a calibration board nor do you need to manually adjust using a pin. This is available now and its not expensive. I will be swapping out my current hall-effect sticks for these newer upgraded V5 at some point.
In my testing just using the controllers normal not abusing them and keeping the outside clean they last 6 months before stick drift happens. Even after cleaning the sensors which are not hard to get to but is a little bit annoying to take apart the controllers they still drifted so it seems like these controllers or at least the thumb sticks have a 6 month life span which is awful and cheap from Sony. These controllers in Canada where I live cost 94 dollars it’s freaking ridiculous.
I have two pieces of the first series, one piece of the third series and a DS Edge which is the mother controller for all of these.
i thought that the analog sticks of the newer gen (ps5s and red) some how feel more 'tactile' for some reason when i first use them. So they actually undergone some minor changes over the years. Thanks.
They didn't feel different to me; not saying that you are wrong though.
In my experience, Gen 1 still feels the best to me, just because it is amazingly quiet. The sticks barely make a sound when they hit the outer housing. Sometimes I still default to the controller I got with the console at launch instead for the DualSense Edge, if I want more quiet experience. However, it can be nothing but a fluke. Also, it's possible that the sound differences are caused simply by continuous usage throughout the time.
But how about the durability? Is gen 4 less prone to stick drift?
Same question here
Well it's still using the potentiometer so I'm just gonna assume and say: not so much.
I will say this though: A controller with hall effects are way less prone to drift when it comes to use.
I haven't bought any hall effects yet but I do plan on buying one this week.
It's better than the one, two and three last generations, I have a 3 and 4 generation, the three got drift in four months, the 4 than came with my PS5 Slim, still without drift, the 4 generation is the best so far
@@LebaronJames-xo1st what games are you playing to get drift in 4 months? I have 2 controllers for more than a year and none have drift and I play on average like 4-5 hours a day.
@@MrMarbles It'll come eventually, It comes pretty weak at first and then it starts to exponentially grow
I have two gen 1 white controllers from launch (one came with the console), one black and one red from the uk launch of those colours (both gen 1), a black gen 3 from much later, and the astro bot controller which is gen 4.
the old ones the black around the thumbs sticks that comes out to reveal screws is glossy on new ones it’s matt
Gen 1 has the glossy part the rest of the generations it’s matt
what about the springs? you know, the thing that failed the most and they changed them?
I could immediately tell the difference between gen 2 and gen 4 controller by just holding it. Gen 4 felt more lighter and more hollow than gen 2 but i think gen4 have better trigger and rumble effect. I still prefer gen 2 as weight distribution of the controller feels balanced but gen 4 feels really top heavy.
I like that gen 4 is slightly lighter because it dosnt hurt my hands overtime. My gen 1 controller is heavy and after an hour or two it cramps my hands.
@@ryans413bruh Thats a strength issje
It's not better it's the trigger in gen 4 is lighter. It should be heavier the effect
Well i have 3 ps5 controllers, the default white one, the red one, and the purple one. The serial numbers on the white one starts with F2 , the red one starts with F2, and the purple starts with G2. Does this means theyre ALL 2nd Gen?
@@LouvreJaramillWhy you gotta be like that. He might have a medical issue.
My Gen 1 DualSenses *(Cosmic Red/Midnight Black/White)* that I got with my PS5 three years ago have ALL started having battery issues recently. Coincidentally, all at the same time and all exactly 3 years after I purchased them. They barely last 2 hours each before dying. My DualSense Edge is the most solid performer out of the 4 controllers I own. They’ve held up well over time, but I think it’s time to “upgrade” to some Gen 4 DualSenses. Thinking of copping Sterling Silver and Cobalt Blue this time around. I absolutely love the DualSense. I just wish that its battery life wasn’t so utterly mediocre.
I do have something of interest to add. I have a ps5 with two series 1 controllers.
I afk and put my monitor Samsung m4 on standby. On waking the monitor it had a problem that it couldn’t see the hdmi port it was connected to and i would press the controller to help find the port with no luck. Today i have changed to the purple series 4 controller and now have no monitor problems at all. I never could find out the problem but got it solved by accident,
Hope this helps people out there that have a similar set up like i do.
My gen 3 has a stick drift on the left stick. But not a normal stick drift you know, it's more a stick drift which comes if i make it to the right then it gives the command to the right and afterwards to the left too.
is there a way to tell the difference between versions from the box?
How come I have a lip 1708 but it has 8 screws? So which one is it really cause I wanted to see if I can put mouse click trigers kit on it...
I’m in need of a new dual sense controller for SF6
Good video!
@HowToX Can you tell what Gen the controller is inside the box without opening it? The box underneath has CFI-ZCT1W written and there is a POS Car Code next to it. I wonder if it is possible to understand the model / Gen without opening the box. I fit is an old version, I'd return. The controller is in Cosmic Red colour.
I doubt there is a way to do it with the box. From what I know, the serial number isn't on the box.
I want to buy a replacment for the triggers l2 and r2. I find on Aliexpress triggers for gen 1, 2, 3. I currently have Gen 4 controller. Will gen 3 be compatible with my controller?
BDM-020 is the one my Ps5 came with and it had issues with the touchpad, the inputs sometimes were incorrect and it hovered by itself not allowing me to type with it since it glitched, I had to restart it to make it work.
I've noticed slight noise sounds from the headphone jack on early DualSense controllers (more noticeable in a menu, such as the system menu, when the music is turned off. It buzzes a little when a sound effect plays and then when going back to mute). Was this ever improved in the later releases?
I haven't heard anything about it, but I wonder if anyone has tested the jack. Perhaps I could have but I didn't think of it.
Yes i noticed that the gen 1 is worst for the static noise, gen 2s its barely noticable, gen 3s some are really noticable and some arent, and gen 4 is barely noticable.
@@lanternnnnn thank you. I may get a latest edition controller sometime. is the Astro Bot one Gen 4 (40)?
So there is not a single even little size difference ? Some said that the new batch are a little smaller then Dualsense v1 ?
I don’t know if the potentiometers on the GEN four is across-the-board are different color because I have two GEN fours and they’re still the same color as the original
Got one right now from the store. Starts with F5. gen 5 i suppose. Im happy
Several others have reported this as well.
Same!
What color?
@@gage1911 Midnight Black
Excellent video. A vital public service to all PS5 controller owners. 👍
A little late to the party but qas wondering if anyone knows the sterling silver dualsense is gen 4?
Yes i have it
@@damhilmn Hey man, thanks for the reply i got the metallic Blue from Black friday sale today :D quite happy wit it!
Let me ask you a favor. I have one BDM-040 and one BDM-030 controller. When I compare them, I see orange color tone difference on their LED while charging. Not so much but I can notice. BDM-040 is more yellowish orange, BDM-030 is more orangish. Do you see same thing on yours? Would you mind compare them for me please?
You said the second digit in the audio but in the video you marked the first digit in red. So what is it ?
have their been more than one version of the dualsense edge controller? My backbutton are getting "sloppy". I think a plastic pin inside may have broke. Wondering if they've fixed that issue. A lot of people on Reddit r having the same issue.
When you take the sticks off the new gens do they still have a metal housing around the stick module like the last gens?
The second digit on the new black Duelsense I got is a "5".
What color did you get?
I bought a new gen 2 controller recently and noticed some big differences to my other one - louder face buttons and (most of all) a much more slippery and unpleasant plastic on the sticks.
I got 2(both gen 2)/3(gen 3) controllers with drift already, I'm considering getting a Volcanic Red cause it looks dope!
It does look nice, but I don't think it'll fair any better as far as drift.
V5 hall-effect joysticks are the way to go. It will never get drift because there is nothing to rub against wearing down the potentiometers.
@@syn80 Interesting! I'll look into it!
@@ShamanNoodles I recommend checking out Metal Plastic Electronics he does very detailed testing on several joysticks. I have the v5 Ginfulls and I'm very happy with them. I also have the GuliKit TMR joysticks and they are also great.
And this is why they purposely make unrealizable controllers.
Does anyone know if the 4th generation has different microphone ribbon cables compared to the 3rd generation? I need to do a repair and I'm not sure.
Are the direction and other buttons all interchangeable between all 4 models??
(But not L2 R2.) or are they too??
Also, are the Gen 4 potentiometers also by ALPS? Looks like they finally changed them?
Maybe I should have zoomed in on them, but regardless of the brand, it's still the "trash can" design that has plagued most of the controllers of this generation.
Sony only uses ALPS or Favor Union (orange color potentiometers)
@@syn80 favor Union are horrible..
@@izhanshafiq324 both are horrible compared to hall-effect sticks
What kind do the PS3 controllers use because I have an original PS3 controller from 2007 and it has no stick drift it still works. I’ve probably gone through 5 PS5 controllers in 2 years
I got a PS5 and couple controller in 2023, one of the controllers was a gen 1 and the other, a gen 2, but the serial number for my third controller had f3?
Yes my Black one too
my white one too
did they ever improve the shitty r1 button that breaks within months?
Great video. Very simple to understand
Just got a new one with my PS5 pro which seems to be a revision 5. No idea whats inside but on the outside I noticed some differences, the text on the back is bolder/darker and the plastic seems cheaper quality compared to my older ones.
My pro cMe with a Gen 4 controller
The sticks changed from Gen 1+2 to 3+4; I've just tried to put some hall sensors into two BDM-030s and they just flat out didn't work.
I have three ps5 controllers all three have stick drift. And an xbox series x controller for pc that has stick drift. Love it.
I've had a ps5 since 2021. I have 2 normal dualsense and 1 Edge. None of them have drift. My ps4 controller from 2015 doesn't have drift
@@sup3r-d4n1-bg Sweet
Might be a you issue
@@grthjryrd7552 Yeah probably, search "Sony faces class action lawsuit over alleged PS5 controller defect "
@@grthjryrd7552 Dayum😂😂
Boss man, I watched your video and I just wanted to do a basic clean of the controllers just finished cleaning it and now when I play a game. The x button works but when I start a game, it doesn't work. You know how you log in and it says, push x to start game x is not working what x works for everything in the home screen then I tried to turn it off, and on, and x is working but then it auto holds L2 which means reverse in need for speed racing game my car is constantly reversing without me. Pushing reverse button, what did I do L two is being triggered without being pushed 😢
got my base disc ps5 in November 2022 and the controller it cam with is apparently gen 3
Would’ve liked to see a comparison between the trigger springs on all versions. I had 2 of them break on my Gen 1 controller.
Are there colors that are definitely gen 3 because I bought a purple dualsense that is a gen 3 in the video, but turned to be a gen 2 controller.
If you want Gen 4, then get whatever the newest announced colors are.
Could u do a video on different version of the dualsense edge?
Perhaps one day. That may be an expensive investment.
I wish they would release a black version
Is the 030 and 020 shell housings the same? And buttons etc..
So none of those versions fix the drift problem? 😓
Yeah that sucks. From now on, I will only buy a controller with hall effects.
@@IamBatman225Hall effect sticks have worse battery consumption and less precision
@@yippy7951 I mean I haven't noticed a difference except the fact that hall effects feel much better and more durable than the original sticks when I got them so 🤷♂️
@@IamBatman225 Fair enough, I guess if you don't notice the disadvantages then it's worth it for no more stick drift
@@yippy7951 yeah it's actually worth it, trust me. the sticks still feel like brand new after a week of use even when rough.
Are all the volvic red ones gen 4?
I've been through about 3 or 4 DualSenses due to Stick drift now. I suppose I could actually make a fully working controller using parts from the broken ones
You really should consider buying some thumb grip covers and use those to retrain your thumb strength.
the potentiometers just need cleaning,that should get rid of the stick drift
@@keithmaguire7065which requires dismantling the controllers and risking breaking those small wires and taking off the sensors on the thumb sticks is not easy and can be easily broken.
@@ryans413 the soldering on the wires is actually decent so you just have to be a little careful, I'd be more worried about the ribbons because they're so tiny
Question, is it possible to switch the PCB board between a Gen 1 and Gen 4? if im doing a joystick swap?
ohhhh, yesterday I bought a dualsense gen 3 without noticing it, the first time I had a dualsense in my hands was in a local gaming shop and for me, the controller was too big and needed better ergonomics, when this new controller got delivered I was going crazy about "this is not what I remember about the dualsense, this one is different?"
thank you, I was going crazy about it for an entire day.
they will feel identical as they have the same design and external appearance. that has remained the same.
Would you be able to tell the version from the box as well?
I had the boxes, but did not want to assume all boxes are printed the same way as mine. Especially when you consider worldwide distribution.
Is the new colors and previous still good?
Great work
In terms of battery they're similar yea?
I was hoping for a battery test. Supported ones sold as V2 last longer. I recently got one and it’s gen 4. But I haven’t compared the battery to my older gen 2 yet.
Mine has a f not a g, does the f stand for 4th gen?
In terms of determining what gen, all you need to worry about is the second digit.
amazing video
Are ribbon cables that connect to the trigger mechanisms interchangeable between gen1 and gen2?
Probably not. It looks different to me as I have gen 1
@@Azura2910arpg me too. I like the gen2 cables more than gen1’s.
The latest Astro Bot Controller is still using BDM-040
So gen 4 is best ?
i have 2 f43 an 1 g33 does that mean i have 2 gen 4 an 1 gen 3 controller i cant find anything about them online
Correct
Good video. Can you make one dedicated to the dualsense edge please?