Video games are mostly enjoyed with game controllers. They are input devices used to provide input to video games. These inputs are basically to control any objects or characters in the games. Game controllers are generally developed to be used with consoles, but modern manufacturers create controllers that support USB and Bluetooth, which means they can be used with PC gaming and mobile gaming too. Let us know ‘Does The PS4 Controller Have A Mic Built-in?’.
Does The PS4 Controller Have A Mic Built-in?
Many games require communication between players for coordination, and maybe tactical formations. But the Play Station 4, also known as PS4 does not have a microphone built-in because football and soccer games do not need real-time communication in the game plays, and there is no set-up for a direct function to speak to other players. Although they have a speaker built-in for in-game effects only.
What is a Game Controller?
A game controller was created for use with video games. Game controllers used to be built with USB-head wires that were connected to consoles, PCs, and other devices. But modern game controllers are now wireless-built, with rechargeable battery power, and in-built Bluetooth and features to enhance and upgrade the gaming experiences of game lovers. There have also been some improvements with better buttons and features installed in it. The gaming experience has evolved over the years thanks to improvements made to game controllers.
Variants of Game Controllers
There are different varying types of game controllers used for gaming, but a few of them will be highlighted:
- Gamepad: it is also called a Joypad. It is operated with both hands with your thumbs and fingers providing the input for the game. Gamepad has action buttons combined with two omnidirectional control sticks. The action buttons are most times labelled or identified with digits and directional inputs. Most modern games use gamepads as their primary means of input.
- Paddle: a paddle has the functions of a wheel and some fire buttons. The wheel is basically to control player movements or movements of an object along an axis of the video screen.
- Joystick: it is a device with a handheld stick that can be tilted around three axes. It is mostly used in flight simulations. Most joysticks are designed to be handled with the user’s primary hand.
- Trackball: a smooth sphere that is controlled with your hand in a rotatory movement. To control the cursor, you have to roll the trackball around.
- Light Gun: light guns are used in shooting games. It is also called a peripheral. They are usually similar to ray guns, and firearms.
PS4 Game Controller Features
The PS4 game controller is one of the most popular controllers when it comes to game controllers. With great analogue sticks, good grip, and other excellent features, the PS4 game controller is highly rated in the market.
- Touchpad: it is a pressure-sensitive feature that can perform numerous functions, even play certain games.
- Light Bar: this is used in location tracking. It only works in games that it is supported in. It is also used in player identification in games.
- Bluetooth: this feature is used for wireless connection to other devices. It also has a micro USB port that can be used to connect to PCs.
- Built-in Speaker: this allows you to listen to cues and instructions given by the game or controller.
- Share Button: it is a feature that allows you to share gaming moments with friends, like screenshots or videos of your gameplay. You can also use it to access your activity feed on PS4’s social features.
Types of PS4 Controllers
The official PS4 controller with a license is Sony. But there are other options apart from Sony. They come in slightly different shapes and sizes. These controllers are called third-party controllers. Sony’s DualShock 4 is the primary controller, but some other licensed controllers are HORI wired Mini gamepads, Razer Raiju Pro Gaming controller, Nacon Revolution Pro controller, and Nacon wired Compact controllers.
One of the disadvantages of other licensed controllers is if Sony makes an upgrade, the other controllers that are not official might become obsolete. Also, some of the other controllers have a limited compatibility rate with video games, like the HORI wired Mini gamepads.
What to Look Out For When Buying a PS4 Controller?
There are quite some things to look out for
- Budget: first in most situations is budget. You might be looking for quality controllers but the price may not meet your budget, so you will have to go with what your budget says.
- Wired or Wireless: You should also consider if you prefer a wired or wireless controller bearing in mind the upsides and downsides of both of them. If you go for a wired type, you would have to stick with your console, unlike the Bluetooth-enabled wireless type. But using the wired type gives a faster input response most times compared to the wireless.
- Weight and Colour: this is sometimes what some gamers look out for because the weight of game controllers differs. While some people like their controllers heavy, others like them light-weighted for personal reasons like having small hands, or getting a controller that will be easy for your kids to handle.
How can I Communicate using a PS4 controller?
There are a few ways to turn your PS4 controller into a communication tool or use a microphone with it:
- The most direct way to use a mic with your controller is to purchase a microphone and connect it to the controller.
- Another way is using the PlayStation camera. To do this you have to:
- Select the device in the settings menu
- Select PlayStation camera and click microphone.
- You can also use the headset that came with your PS4, which is when you purchased the console. Just plug it into the controller and it starts working automatically.
You can decide to choose any of these options for microphone and communication purposes.
How to Connect your PS4 Controller to your PC?
You would need a micro USB cable, maybe the one you use to charge your controller, then connect it to the micro USB port on the controller and then to your PC. Make sure the connection to both controller and PC is firm to avoid issues.
How to Connect your PS4 Controller to your Smart TV?
You might also want to connect your controller to your Smart television, here’s how:
You can only connect to your TV through Bluetooth. If your TV has no Bluetooth, then you would have to purchase a Bluetooth adapter. The next step is to simply follow the instructions on how to connect the devices to the adapter. Be sure to set your controller to pairing mode and that it is within range of the adapter for faster and easier connection.
How to know your PS4 Battery is fully charged?
There’s a light indicator behind the controller that turns from red to green when it is fully charged. You can also check settings to confirm if it is fully charged;
- Just go to settings
- Select devices
- Tap controllers and check battery level.
If it says it is full, then it is fully charged and you can disconnect the charger from the controller and the power socket.
How to Take Care of Your PS4 Controllers?
If you want your controllers to last for a longer period, then you need to make sure you take very good care of them.
Here are some tips:
- Store it properly and in a safe place to avoid damage of any form. Avoid exposure to sunlight or liquid or extreme temperatures.
- Be very delicate with the way you operate the buttons of the controller, and avoid pressing them too hard.
- Clean regularly with a soft, dry cloth to avoid dust getting into the wrong places. If there are tough stains on it then use a soft cleaning agent.
- Do not overuse it. Try not to use your controllers for very long hours.
Why is My PS4 Controller Not Working?
There may be various reasons why your PS4 controller may not be working, or not working properly. You would need to few things if your controller is not responding properly:
- It could be that the battery of your controller is low, all you need to do is connect your charger to a power source and then connect it to your device.
- Try resetting your controller if it is not responding appropriately. If you do that and it still is not working then you need to get another PS4 controller.
- Something might be wrong with your console, so try restarting it.
- You should check for updates on your console. It could be your controller needs an upgrade.
- If none of these works out, then you need to contact the Sony support group.
Can My PS4 Controller Work With Other Games
Yes, you can use your PS4 controller with other games. There are a lot of PC games, and game consoles that support using it. Here is a few of them:
- Halo Infinite, 2021
- Hardcore Mecha, 2019
- Sayonara Wild Hearts, 2019
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, 2019
- Void Bastards, 2019
- HyperParasite, 2019
- Trials Rising, 2019
- God Eater, 2019
- Hitman 2, 2018
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, 2019
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider, 2018
- Fire Pro Wrestling World, 2017
Conclusion
Microphones, not built-in PS4 controllers do not make them of less quality or dent the design. The fact is the primary design for that kind of controller does not include a built-in mic, but you still have the option of putting in an external microphone, especially when you want to use the controllers for games other than Soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PS5 Controller have a microphone?
Yes, the PS5 controller has a built-in microphone for communication with friends and gamers online.
What’s the difference in weight between the Dual?
The Sony DualShock 4 weighs lesser at 210g compared to Scuf Impact’s weight of 226g. A difference of 16g.
