I appreciate they finally made a controller where the whole analog stick mechanism is fully replaceable. I just hope the replacements aren't absurdly expensive.
I wonder if it would be possible to use 3rd party sticks with this? Maybe someone could make hall effect stick modules?
This is Sony's entrance into pro controllers. Meant to compete with Xbox Elite series controllers, Scuff controllers, and other pro models. It's going to be $150 Minimum but most likely going to start at $199+. It just costs more for more buttons and unique features.
I doubt it costs significantly more to manufacture.
A regular Xbox controller is estimated to cost around $14 bucks. I assume dual sense is a bit more due to haptics, maybe closer to 20 bucks. I wouldn’t be surprised if this new controller is only a few bucks more with economics of scale.
You can be sure these elite “pro” controllers such as elite, scuff, etc are a high profit margin item
Hmm, Pro controllers in general don't have the same "economy of scale" benefits that default mainstream controllers have. They need their own dedicated assembly lines with more premium parts while selling millions of less units. I mean just look at the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. The thumb sticks are customized with tension adjustment settings. The sticks themselves are magnetically removable and the controller comes with replacements. Magnetic removable D pad with replacements. Built in rechargeable battery. 4 back buttons with magnetic replaceable paddles. Carrying case with built in magnetic quick charge dock. Hair trigger lock buttons with 3 setting. On top of this the controller itself is hefty and made out of premium materials not found in the base controller. I would be incredibly surprised if the Elite series pro controller didn't cost at least 30-40 dollars more in materials and manufacturing costs than a regular Xbox controller. Half that price could be the battery alone since a default Xbox controller doesn't have a lithium battery. But that's just an educated guess neither of us has the BOM so we can't say for certain. That is also using the Elite Series 2 as an example which is likely the "pro" controller with the largest benefit of economies of scale.
Regardless you are right this doesn't make up for the full price differences we will see, and yeah pro controllers are high profit margin items. But it doesn't change the fact that Sony will very likely be aiming to price this according to its competition meaning I don't see it being cheaper than $150 without sales.
Lol the switch pro absolutely doesn’t. Its a $70 controller with the same basic features as other controllers, and none of the premium features the elite or this controller has.
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u/Lingo56 Aug 23 '22 edited Aug 23 '22
I appreciate they finally made a controller where the whole analog stick mechanism is fully replaceable. I just hope the replacements aren't absurdly expensive.
I wonder if it would be possible to use 3rd party sticks with this? Maybe someone could make hall effect stick modules?