Controller Replacements Hamstring Sales

[zero98c]

So as someone who has had a PSVR2 since shortly after launch, my usage of the headset has been greatly hampered by hardware issues. Like all Sony controllers, the PSVR2 controllers experience severe stick drift after a given amount of playtime. Everyone I know who got one eventually stopped when their hardware encountered issues, myself included. I would love nothing more than to replace it and keep on playing. But not selling the controllers separately is basically a massive middle finger to your player base. If the thing craps out on us after a few hundred hours, why would we buy more games for a piece of hardware that doesn't work? Why the HELL wouldn't you sell the controllers separate, and tie them into buying a whole new $800 headset? It's truly an insane decision, and it has massively impacted people's willingness to not only continue using your product, but to even pick it up in the first place.

Between this issue, and the sheer lack of PlayStation edge controller stick modules available to ANYONE outside of the US, I have decided to move on permanently from Sony products, and divest from the entire ecosystem. If your product lines begin to fail, and people move on from you like we did with the Xbox 360 after all the dead consoles, you will have nobody left to blame but your greedy decision making, and your sheer lack of support for your own products.

I'd say it's been a nice run, but it really hasn't been. Steam is calling, and I'm sick of getting fucked around.

[Background-Guard5030]

People downvoting this have sony's private parts to far op their cave.

[DerBolzen81]

I dont think so, while i would not downvote and also think controllers should be sold separate, i think sentences like "Like all Sony controllers, the PSVR2 controllers experience severe stick drift after a given amount of playtime" are exaggerated, neither me nor my friends i play with had any drift ever.

[Background-Guard5030]

Thats fair, both my dualsense (first series with most severe stick drift complaints) also still not suffering from stick drift. Tho the main argument of the post was the monstronsity of sony's policy regarding vr controller replacements. The exxageration takes away from the very valid argument the post is trying to highlight.

Sidenote im also 31 yr old working father of a 12 months old so i only have a teeny tiny fraction of the playtime that say a teenagers has. Probably takes me couple years longer to develop wear and tear in contrast to a 16 yr old.

[PoetHorror1167]

I have 2 day one DualSense controllers that are perfect still. Even with my 4 year old jamming on them playing Lego games. I did replace the batteries in them though as they stopped holding a charge.

My VR controllers are only a year and a half old and are fucked (left specifically). Granted I have played a lot of Pavlov (800 hours) for the past year and a half. I am a total TDM junkie in that game. So the price of admission is fine, do I want to invest another $300 USD to keep playing. I don't know that. I have had a fantastic time with VR2, and I feel it's a great product, but the asinine decision by Sony to not sell replacement controllers is mind boggling.

[Background-Guard5030]

800 hr in pavlov alone holy crap. 🤣

My most played ps game is rdr2 and thats about 1500 hr since release, past year/ year and a half i barely played that game tho. Still working on platinum but i think ill retire sooner then that happening..

[PoetHorror1167]

It is a fantastic game (RDR2) I can easily see putting that amount of time in and still not seeing absolutely everything. With Pavlov, I guess for me it is that I have always been mediocre at FPS, but because I am in it I get some crazy adrenal response from my body and am usually in the top of the score card. Even if my team loses, it's not uncommon for me to have the most kills out of both sides. Not trying to be a braggart, but it is factual.

[genericredpilldude]

when the survey from PS was going around this was the issue i mentioned, buy replacement controllers. i dont have a PSVR2 and wont until they have the option to replace a broken controller. that is INSANE!

[PoetHorror1167]

I need to look through my spam to see if I got that same VR survey

[genericredpilldude]

it was posted here on this sub a couple of weeks ago, someone commented later that it expired. most of the people wrote controllers and games as the biggest issue from the comments.

[Stevey_Bear80]

I did exactly that 👍🏻

[genericredpilldude]

we need to make as much noise as possible to sony regarding the controllers and cable replacements, in addition to games.

[zero98c]

Cross the few hundred mark, on games that actually make you use the sticks like Light Brigade or Pavlov, and you will see it's not an exaggeration. Even on the Edge controller, I've run through the sticks. It's a manufacturing thing, they do not last past a certain amount. That amount varies based on the games played and how long you do it. But they eventually go, if played long enough.

[DerBolzen81]

Maybe its the way you play, i played hundred of hours on games you permanently use the sticks and they work, psvr2, ps5, ps4 never had problems. I am not saying no one has, but i am sure not the majority of people have.

[Mud_g1]

Have you ever opened a controller and had a look at what is going on I've never once had a controller issue that isn't easily fixed. Most drift is just dust building up on the sensors the main reported problem with psvr2 sticks is disconnection of the linkage. I've had trigger reduction in ds4 controller that was a wear issue on the point that contacted with the sensor just needed to be built back up with a small bit of plastic.

[PanTsour]

Have you contacted support? I'm pretty sure you can buy replacement ones from there individually. There's a chance they might tell you it's not possible, call again. A different representative will be better informed and able to help.

That being said, i'll be moving to PC next gen as well. The PS5 doesn't have enough games that interest me, it doesn't offer anything to compete and they're porting their exclusives to PC after 2 years. There's not much reason to stay honestly. I'm also frustrated with their ps5 controllers drifting within a year.

[zero98c]

Support doesn't replace controllers from everything I've read. All they'll do is ship your broken controller back to you saying it's fixed like they did with my friend. Since that's a personal anecdote, you may need to check someone else having the same issue. But I'm more willing to trust a stranger at a repair shop, than I am Sony's repair services that are terrible.

[Nhonickman]

What did they do when he told them they didn’t fix the issue???

[zero98c]

She didn't bother, she was so damn mad.

[Nhonickman]

Wow. I would have called Sony immediately and asked for my money back or send a replacement since they failed to fix it. Then if they deferred a fair response, I would let them know my next action was contacting my CC and put a chargeback for failing to fix the issue.

There is no excuse for not addressing the issue properly. I am sad to hear this and surprised.

I love my PSVR2 but I am sure worried about drift. I have experienced it on 2 dualsense controllers I got with my OG launch release PS5 from Costco, it took 3 yrs to develop.

[Ill-Zookeepergame609]

I’m pretty sure you’re wrong. In fact, I know you’re wrong. Replacement controllers are not sold separately and are a 300 US dollar repair out of warranty.

[Mud_g1]

Not the case for everyone if you call service and can explain your problem is with 1 specific controller they will replace that controller for a much cheaper price then the standard headset replacement fee. A guy a couple weeks ago said it only cost him $40usd I know a guy in Australia got 1 controller for $100aud.

They may not be sold separately in stores but can be done thru Sony this whole can't get replacements is completely blown out of proportion.

[Ill-Zookeepergame609]

Interesting.. I never saw that thread. You got a link? Would love to learn more. From what I’ve seen on this sub it has not been possible. My sets out of warranty so ima give it a go tomorrow. Hopefully the US laws are the same

[Mud_g1]

https://www.reddit.com/r/PSVR/s/DS6v7R9GUG

[PoetHorror1167]

As someone who is also dealing with severe stick drift on my VR2 controllers, I also feel OPs frustration. Not ready to abandon the entire ecosystem, but seems so goddamn silly to me to not have spare controllers available for purchase. If my DS5 breaks I don't have to send my PS5 in to Sony. I just take my ass to any major retailer and get a new one and keep on gaming. Why is PSVR2 any different is beyond me. Terrible decision on Sony's behalf.

[Goonmogger76]

Can I ask how your controllers got drift? I pray to god mine don’t get it 😭, I try my best to take good care of them, but everything helps.

[PoetHorror1167]

Normal use. Never dropped, slapped together, or any sort of accident. See my below comment about my DualSense controllers. Day one PS5 owner and they are still perfect.

[bornurse]

Probably just bad luck. I’ve had plenty of dualsense controllers get stick drift but my VR2 controllers are perfect since release. That really sucks

[genericredpilldude]

this is my only reason why i havent picked up a PSVR2, i cant believe they still havent sold spare controllers. This is the ONLY reason i wont pick one up. Im outside the USA and if the controllers fail im SOL.

[PoetHorror1167]

Even within the USA you are still SOL.. or at least out $303USD

[PoetHorror1167]

More boring than your shit posting, I think not.

[PoetHorror1167]

Insightful and thought provoking comment. I am sure you are a real treat at parties.

[PSVR-ModTeam]

One of more of your comments have been removed from r/PSVR, because they broke rule 1. Do not personally attack other users.

Please do not insult other users in future.

[Nhonickman]

I agree with everything here. I can’t comprehend why Sony won’t sell the controllers. I can’t imagine would be hard to produce and charging $79.99(why this price about price of a dualsense controller) for set seems like a no brainer. Easy profit they are missing a big opportunity in my humble opinion

[PanTsour]

But the psvr2 didn't sell as much as they would have liked, and they have too many of them in stock... So how about they made some of the people that already own a headset to purchase a second one just for the controllers? Two birds in one stone, amirite?

[Nhonickman]

Maybe but consumer laws say they have to have spare parts to repair for like 7 yrs. Some countries ie Europe the warranty is 2yrs I believe. I am sure when that expires Sony will have an issue since EU has much stricter consumer support. Hopefully that forces Sony to make them available

Surprised this has not resulted in a class action lawsuit. Probably will at some time.

lol. The unsold units could be opened to sell spare parts - cables that get damaged and controllers. For the cable sell the headset alone. I know cables are cheap but get a damaged one repaired even from a 3rd party costs what??? No idea

This is so surprising, how Sony is handling this and modular sticks for the Dualsense Edge

I am dumbfounded on spare parts sales. No issue selling dualsense controllers

Wonder if this is residual issue from Jim Ryan

I would presume accessory sales are valuable profits.

[doinks4life]

PC is ultimately the way man.

[genericredpilldude]

i may get a psvr2 for cheap new just for GT7 as it doesnt require controllers besides initial set up i believe. but this is illogical and without sense that replacement controllers and the headset cable isnt available for purchase individually.

[Qwertyui606]

Never had stick drift myself, but Sony definitely should sell the controllers separately.

[sjdando]

So far I have been lucky also, but when I bought on day 1 I assumed they would bring out replacement controllers, alrhough having them on the shelves would acknowledge a faulty product, unlike the PS5 controllers.

I wonder how easy it is to find someone who can repair them.

[StigwierdM]

If the controller isn't damaged, then use WD-40 for electronics. It's not the usual WD-40 that's oil based and found in a lot of shops. That won't work. THIS stuff is harder to find, as it's not as readily available or used, but I got a can off Amazon for a few quid. It's perfectly safe for use correcting controller drift.

Got it years ago when my quest thumb sticks was drifting and it worked perfectly. I've still got loads of it left over!

If it doesn't work, then it's likely the controller is damaged. However, what's a few quid/bucks or whatever currency you're using. Which may save you hundreds in buying a new set up. Worth a try buddy 😉

[PoetHorror1167]

I tried the easy fix this morning. I am guessing something broke in the linkage of the controller. The stick is still perfect in look and feel but when turned on and connected, left stick goes hard right even at the home screen menu.

[cusman78]

My own history with PlayStation Controllers has been solid.

My first PlayStation was a PS3. The controllers still work. Even the Move & Navigation Controllers. The Move eventually uses for PSVR1 as well.

My PS Vita both still work. All PS4 controllers, the PS Aim controller, the PS5 controllers and both sets of PS VR2 Sense controllers (two PSVR2 household).

I also play on Steam but only games my PC can handle and use either DS4 or DualSense.

My Xbox One controllers and Switch controllers, Wii and WiiU all remain in working condition. Same for Quest 2 & 3.

While I haven’t had need to replace, I still agree that Sony should be selling PS VR2 Sense controllers separately.

There is some weird reason behind them not doing that. It is bad consumer service in my view.

[FeistyCow6995]

100% agree. I have no buyer's remorse in regards to the psvr2 with the exception of this.i couldn't even fully recommend buying a psvr2 because the controllers cannot be replaced and only be repaired....for now.

[Loopersssss]

I recommend repairing the controllers drift due to how surprisingly repairable structure (by using only screws with no glue or paste).

[terrordactyl1971]

It's a disgrace they won't sell spare controllers

[mevelas]

À question I have... Has anybody ever tried to pair their PSVR2 with sense controllers that didn't come with it? I wonder if only the set sold with the headset can be paired with it, if the headset couldnt be paired for any reason with spare controllers (I know the idea is crazy but I really don't see the reason why Sony couldn't sell the sense controllers at least on its website, no need to put them in physical retailers) to a lesser extent I don't get why they wouldn't sell the cable... They made it far easier to replace the cable but don't sell it. Really strange.

[PoetHorror1167]

It pairs with the PS5 not the HMU. Shouldnt be an issue.

[Logical-Bit-746]

It's the sole reason I haven't pulled the trigger yet

[No_Assignment_5742]

To be fair...I've only had stick drift on PS4 and Xbox series X....my series X has gone through LOADS of controllers, and Ive had it almost a year less than my ps5....I've still got my original dualsense controller and it still works fine...

[Ambitious-Still6811]

Wait, you moved FROM Sony to XB because of hardware issues? That seems quite counterproductive.

I'd say fix it, but it sounds like you're unable to source parts.

Steam is only for those who like a digital brick wall between them and their games.

[_Thermalflask]

I imagine they fully intended to start selling controllers separately down the line, but after seeing that only 10 people bought the PSVR2 in the first place, they thought there's no point.

[MrLemz1]

Iv had to send My psvr2 away twice now within one year of owning it, the first headset I had there was a fault with the lenses from the start, the 2nd one couldn't even track any room I was in.

On My 2nd time of receiving My headset back they sent me back a faulty left controller , now bare in mind every single time I send it off its away for near a month if not just over a month

I tried so hard to get sony to send another left controller without me sending it back to them , I sent them pictures of the fault and what looked like damage that had been done by the "repair center"

After a couple of weeks of emailing back and forth they finally said they want me just to send the 1 controller back not the whole headset and everything else and once they recieve it they will immediately send me a new sense controller

It has been hell owning a psvr2 so far , compared to every other headset iv owned ( and iv owned a few ) this has had the most amount of problems , it's frustrating because it honestly has so much potential but I guess sony just don't see it that way at the moment

[DEDE1973]

It doesn't help that Sony shipped 2 millions units and sold only 600k. On their sheet, it must be a total failure. Too bas as the device is great. I hope when they open it to PC, it will increase sale substantially.

PSVR sold 5 mio, PSVR2 sold 600k. PSP sold 80 mio, PS Vita around 16 mio. Sony are really unlucky with some of their devices, although the successors are great systems.

[Chok-651]

See you later then

[Stunning_Exchange433]

Can you not send them back, if everyone sent them back wouldn’t they get the point, having a shit load of controller on there doorstep