Monday, 26 October 2026

ARcNet APS-4 PS4 Controller Review: A Budget Third-Party Pad, Not a DualShock 4

The ARcNet APS-4 is a budget third-party wireless controller for PS4 and Windows PC that claims dual vibration, a 6-axis sensor, a headset jack and a speaker. Here is what the listing says, what it leaves out, and who should skip it.
By Gadget Soch··9 min read
Cover graphic: ARcNet APS-4 PS4 Controller Review: A Budget Third-Party Pad, Not a DualShock 4

The ARcNet APS-4 is a third-party wireless controller built in the shape of a PlayStation 4 pad, sold on Amazon.in as a budget replacement for PS4, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro and Windows PC. According to its listing it has two vibration motors, a 6-axis motion sensor, a 3.5 mm headset jack and a built-in speaker. It can suit a family that needs a spare PS4 pad, but it is not a Sony DualShock 4, and nearly everything about it comes from the seller rather than independent testing.

The link in this article points to the Amazon.in listing titled “ARcNet Dualshock Wireless Controller Game Switch For PS 4 With 3.5 mm Headset Port & 6 Axis Gyro Sensor Wireless USB Controller Compatible for PS 4 Slim/PRO/Fat With Built in Speaker”, model number APS-4, sold as a single controller (checked on 17 October 2026). Confirm the model and pack size on the listing before ordering.

How this article was written: we could not find an official ARcNet product page or any independent review of this controller. The specifications below are taken from the Amazon.in listing (seller-provided information, captured on 17 October 2026) and are labelled as such. gadgetsoch has not tested the APS-4, so this is a specification-based explainer, not a hands-on review.

Quick verdict

  • Best for: PS4 owners who want an inexpensive second or replacement controller for casual and local multiplayer games
  • Skip if: you want Sony build quality and support, play on a PS5, or need confirmed battery life
  • Key strengths (per the listing): PS4 and Windows PC compatibility, two vibration motors, 6-axis motion sensor, 3.5 mm headset jack, built-in speaker, anti-slip grip material
  • Key limitations: no official brand page or independent review, no battery capacity or playtime, warranty not stated in the listing data, touchpad not mentioned, and the listing is inconsistent about whether a cable is included

Is this a Sony DualShock 4?

No. The listing uses the word “Dualshock” in its title, but the brand is ARcNet, the manufacturer is listed as Arcnet Ent and the country of origin is China. Nothing in the listing data says it is made or licensed by Sony. DualShock 4 is the name of Sony’s own PS4 controller, which Sony lists on its PlayStation Direct store. If you want the genuine article, look for a listing sold as a Sony product.

This matters for three reasons. First, a third-party pad is not covered by Sony’s own compatibility testing, so behaviour after future console updates is the brand’s responsibility, not Sony’s. Second, warranty and service come from the seller or brand, not from Sony India. Third, PS4 controller features such as the touchpad may or may not be fully replicated, and the ARcNet listing does not describe them.

ARcNet APS-4 specifications from the Amazon.in listing

ARcNet APS-4 key specs at a glance
ARcNet APS-4 key specifications, summarised from the table in this review.
FeatureListing claim
ModelAPS-4
CompatibilityPS4, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro and Windows PC
ConnectionWireless. On PC it shows in Bluetooth as “wireless controller”
First console pairingUsing the charge cable in the package
VibrationTwo vibration motors
Motion sensor6-axis
Audio3.5 mm headphone jack and built-in speaker
Controls4-way directional buttons and two analog joysticks
GripAnti-slip, anti-sweat material
Package1 PS4 controller (cable referenced elsewhere in the listing)
Dimensions and weight20 x 18 x 7 cm, 350 g (likely packaged figures)
Release date on Amazon27 October 2024
Country of originChina

Check the current price of the ARcNet APS-4 PS4 controller on Amazon.in

What the features mean in practice

Two vibration motors

The ARcNet listing claims two vibration motors. In games that use rumble, a two-motor arrangement lets developers create both strong jolts and lighter buzzes. Without testing, we cannot say how close the APS-4’s feedback feels to Sony’s, but the presence of dual motors means PS4 games that use rumble should at least have something to drive.

6-axis motion sensor

The listing claims a 6-axis sensor, which combines an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Some PS4 games use motion for aiming, steering or small interactions, and PC emulators and tools can also use gyro input. This is a useful inclusion on a budget pad, as some low-cost controllers, such as the Gamenophobia X3, do not list one. How accurate it is has not been independently checked.

Headset jack and built-in speaker

The 3.5 mm jack lets you plug a wired headset straight into the controller, which is the simplest way to use a headset on a PS4 for game audio and party chat. The built-in speaker plays the small sound effects some PS4 games route to the controller. The listing does not say whether the jack supports a microphone, so check this on the listing questions if chat is important to you.

What is not mentioned

The listing data does not mention the touchpad, the light bar (apart from a white light that flashes during PC pairing), the battery capacity, charging time, playtime or the charging connector type. Several PS4 games use the touchpad for maps or menus, so confirm it works from product photos and buyer answers before relying on it.

Setting it up on a PS4 and on a Windows PC

The listing gives two specific setup instructions, which we summarise here in our own words:

  • PS4 (first time): connect the controller to the console with the charge cable from the package, as the listing says the first connection must be wired. After that it should work wirelessly.
  • Windows PC: hold the Share and Home (PS) buttons together for about three seconds. The listing says a white light will flash and the controller will appear in your PC’s Bluetooth device list as “wireless controller”. Pair it from Windows Bluetooth settings.

On PC, game support varies. Steam has its own controller settings that can recognise many PlayStation-style pads, while some games outside Steam expect an Xbox-style controller. The listing does not say whether the APS-4 appears to Windows as a PlayStation controller or something else, so be prepared to try Steam’s controller settings or a remapping tool if a game does not respond.

Battery and charging: an open question

The listing does not state battery capacity, charging time or playtime. With no figures for this model, plan on regular charging: charge it fully before first use, and keep a cable near the console. Since the listing is inconsistent about package contents, one bullet saying only “1 PS4 Controller” while another tells you to use the charge cable in the package, check what arrives and contact the seller if a cable is missing.

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

Who should buy the ARcNet APS-4
Who the ARcNet APS-4 suits, summarised from this review.

Buy it if you own a PS4, PS4 Slim or PS4 Pro and need an inexpensive extra controller for a sibling, a guest or local multiplayer, and you accept that the specifications are seller claims. It also makes sense if you want a PlayStation-style layout for casual PC gaming and are comfortable setting up Bluetooth.

Skip it if you play competitive online games where you want a known, consistent controller, if you own a PS5 (the listing only names PS4 consoles and Windows PC), or if you want a stated warranty and an established service network in India. Skip it as well if the “Game Switch” wording in the title made you think of Nintendo Switch: the compatibility bullet does not list the Switch.

Alternatives worth comparing

  • Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller: Sony’s own PS4 controller, listed on Sony’s PlayStation Direct store. The safest choice for compatibility with PS4 system updates and features like the touchpad.
  • Ant Esports GP320: a budget multi-platform gamepad that Ant Esports officially lists for PS4, PS3, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Android and iOS, with dual vibration motors, a turbo function and a 1-year warranty. Better if you also want to play on a phone.
  • Sony DualSense: Sony’s PS5 controller, with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers and official support for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android 12 or later. Consider it if you are moving to a PS5 or mostly play on PC.

What to check before you order

ARcNet APS-4 buying checklist
What to check before you buy the ARcNet APS-4.
  • Confirm the listing shows model APS-4 and a single-controller pack, as described above
  • Check that your console is a PS4, PS4 Slim or PS4 Pro, since no other console is named in the compatibility bullet
  • Look at product photos for a touchpad and Share and Options buttons if you use them in your games
  • Ask the seller about warranty and returns, because the listing data we saw states no warranty
  • On delivery, check whether a charging cable is in the box, and keep the invoice
  • Avoid assuming the word “Dualshock” in the title means a Sony product

If you are buying for a PS5 or want premium features, read our Sony DualSense review first.

See the ARcNet APS-4 wireless controller listing on Amazon.in

Frequently asked questions

Is the ARcNet APS-4 an original Sony controller?

No. It is sold by ARcNet, the manufacturer is listed as Arcnet Ent, and the country of origin is China. The listing does not claim Sony licensing.

Does the ARcNet controller work with a PS5?

The listing names only PS4, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro and Windows PC. PS5 is not mentioned, so do not buy it as a PS5 controller.

How do I connect the ARcNet controller to a PC?

According to the listing, hold Share and Home for about three seconds until a white light flashes, then pair the device named “wireless controller” from your PC’s Bluetooth settings.

Does it have a headphone jack?

Yes, the listing claims a built-in 3.5 mm headphone jack and a built-in speaker. Microphone support through the jack is not stated.

What is the battery life?

The listing does not state battery capacity or playtime, and we found no independent test of this model.

Does it have motion controls?

The listing claims a 6-axis motion sensor, which covers both tilt and rotation. Its accuracy has not been independently tested.

Final word

On paper, the ARcNet APS-4 covers the basics of a PS4 controller, including dual vibration, motion sensing, a headset jack and a speaker, plus Bluetooth pairing with a Windows PC. The trade-off is uncertainty: there is no official product page, no independent review, no battery figure and no stated warranty, and it is not a Sony product. For a spare pad in a casual household it may be enough. If that fits your needs, check the current price of the ARcNet APS-4 on Amazon.in.

Related reading on GadgetSoch: Sony DualSense Edge Review: Is the PS5 Pro Controller Worth It in India? and Cosmic Byte Stellaris Controller Review: Tri-Mode, Magnetic Sticks and Triggers Explained.

Sources

  • Amazon.in listing for ASIN B0DL63B844 (title, feature bullets and technical details), captured 17 October 2026
  • PlayStation Direct: DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PS4 product page (existence of Sony’s own PS4 controller), checked 17 October 2026
  • Ant Esports: GP320 official product page (for the GP320 alternative), checked 17 October 2026
  • Sony DualSense facts: Sony PlayStation official pages as cited in our DualSense review, checked 17 October 2026
  • Note: no official ARcNet product page or independent review of the APS-4 could be found as of 17 October 2026
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