Sony Has No Plans to Let you Disable the PS4 DualShock 4’s Light Bar

January 16, 2014

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:

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.

Although Jonathan Leack began covering the gaming industry in 2009, his earliest roots date back to 2004 when he wrote his first of many reviews to come. Equipped with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and several information technology certifications, he provides a unique perspective that is technological and business conscious. Having acquired the role of Executive Editor in 2016, his mission is to make GameRevolution a gaming site that thoughtfully considers the consumer perspective, and has a knowledgeable presence of PC gaming, console, hardware, and eSports coverage.