DualShock 4 CUH-ZCT2

For more information regarding common troubleshooting problems and solutions, check out DualShock 4 Troubleshooting

The Sony Model CUH-ZCT2 Wireless Controller, also known as the DualShock 4 was released in 2016 to replace the outgoing CUH-ZCT1 controller released in 2013. Model numbers will have a country code suffix, but the core model remains the same. The CUH-ZCT2U (United States) and CUH-ZCT2J (Japan) controllers contain the same components.

The Dualshock 4 controller is compatible with the Playstation 4 and some Playstation 3 titles. The controller can interface over Bluetooth or Micro USB.

The controller is the same, with the primary differences being external. This revision of the controller has a LED pass-through on the trackpad, wich the old one does not have. The Bluetooth chipset has also changed internally.

This controller uses Bluetooth 4.0 so you will need a USB adapter that supports Bluetooth 4.0. Bluetooth 4.0 LE is preferred to reduce power consumption. However, if you find your controller doesn’t like non LE adapters it should be presumed you must use a Bluetooth 4.0 LE adapter.

The DS4 registers as a Standard HID Device when plugged into a PC. However, it only natively supports DirectInput games. Xinput games will require emulation of this mode to use this controller. This may not work for games that expect a real Xbox controller, but will work on the vast majority of newer games. Most modern titles increasingly include DirectInput and Xinput support

The user of a DS4 on a PC should be aware certain features of the DS4 only work with the Sony Bluetooth adapter and are NOT part of the HID Device class. These features are:

• Trackpad (This feature also depends on developer support)
• Headphone jack (Typically functions in HID mode but will not function with Xinput emulation)
• PS Button (Steam Machine/Steam Big Picture Mode only)

Recommended adapters (3rd party)

NOTE: These adapters are NOT supported by Sony. For the best results, it’s best to stick to these adapters (or very similar equivalent models).

• MIATONE Bluetooth 4.0 LE (CSR)
• Medialink 4.0 CSR (DS4Windows recommendation)

Official Sony Bluetooth adapter links

This adapter is typically much more expensive then 3rd party options at ~$25. However, it is officially supported by Sony and all features will work (if your games support these features). With that being said, it’s not a good value for someone who knows what they are doing.

Amazon

GameStop

Micro USB

MicroUSB is the easiest option since the controller will “just work”. However, you are limited to 15ft because of the USB standard. Anything past 15ft will require you to connect over Bluetooth.

Bluetooth

The option of using Bluetooth allows the user of the controller to play past 15ft. The downside to this is that your performance is largely dependent on which Bluetooth chipset you have. While most work without major problems, others just do not work right no matter what you try. This is common on some 3rd party proprietary Bluetooth adapters (Ex: Broadcom).

DualShock 4 Accessories

DualShock 4 Wikipedia Page

DualShock 4 Manufacturer Specifications

DualShock 4 Maunfacturer Troubleshooting