The PlayStation 4 is over twelve years old at this point, yet new titles are still being released for it, and it has a library containing some of the most critically acclaimed titles ever. For those reasons and more, you may still be playing the console. At some point, you may need to upgrade your PS4’s controllers. The basic design of the DualShock 4 is similar to all of the older DualShock controllers. It is a classic design that is comfortable and fits both large and small hands. The touchpad is a prominent addition that allows for new kinds of input.
If you feel like getting a premium third-party PS4 gamepad, then the Hex Gaming controllers are not a bad choice, even if you’ve never heard of the company. Hex Gaming makes controllers for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Here, we review the new Spike PS4 controller. This gamepad is an upgrade of the previous Spike controller that Hex Gaming offered. Now, with TMR or Tunnel Magnetoresistance joysticks. Read on for our review of the PS4 Hex Gaming New Spike controller.
Aesthetics
The new Spike (TMR) controller comes in different color patterns. On the Hex Gaming website, you can customize the controller that you are ordering. You can choose from various patterns. I chose the ‘Eye of the Omniscient’ color pattern. This version uses an Ancitent Egyptian inspired design. The finish is shiny, yet the controller is still super comfortable and almost melts into your hands when you are holding it. The face buttons, shoulder triggers, and d-pad aren’t marked, are plain black, and have a matte rather than shiny finish.
In terms of the analogue sticks, I’ll get into the mechanism through which they work in a bit. They are comfortable and feel like any other good analogue sticks (irrespective of functional mechanism). The controller comes with replaceable analogue stick heads that are easy to install, so you can choose the height and the finish that you like for your analogue sticks. Some are convex and some are concave. Overall, the controller looks and feels premium.
Performance
I tested the controller on both Android and PS4. The controller connected without difficulty to my Android tablet, and I played games including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Mario Kart 7, Goldeneye 007, and Mario Kart 64. I was able to whip around corners in Mario Kart easily, and the dual analogue sticks worked well in Goldeneye (although it took some adjustment to get the control setup working as the game isn’t a traditional dual analogue stick first-person shooter).
In terms of PS4, I used the controller to set up the console, and again, I mainly played Soul Caliber 6 and the controller performed well, I was able to pull off grabs, kicks, and slashes, and the analogue sticks allowed me to roll my out of trouble more than once. Overall, the controller performed slightly better than an official pad.
TMR Mechanism
With the scandal that was joy con drift on the original Nintendo Switch a few years ago we all now are aware of Hall Effect sticks and how they are less likely to drift over time. Tunnel Magnetoresistance joy sticks are different to hall effect joy sticks but similarly use magnet based technology and have less moving parts than in traditional joy sticks. These kinds of analog sticks provide superior precision, lower power consumption, and better durability than older joy sticks to almost eliminate stick drift. They use non-contact magnetic sensors to eliminate physical wear. Overall, TMR joy sticks can be regarded as an evolution of the Hall Effect stick. However, in all honesty while playing, I don’t notice a difference regardless of the type of joy stick I am using. The benefit would be noticed after years of on and off use (one would assume).
Conclusion
Overall, the PS4 Hex Gaming New Spike (TMR) gamepad is a premium pad that feels as good as it looks. You can choose the color pattern that most appeals to you when you order but no matter which you choose, the finish will look high quality. I’m super pleased with the variant that I’ve got, and the ability to switch out the joy stick heads just adds to the custom feel of the controller. The gamepad did well in all my testing and it is definitely one of my favourite controllers, for any console. The PS4 is a console that is stil relevant so I’m looking forward to play both classics that I’ve missed, and new games using this gamepad. Hex Gaming are a great company that are always available if you have a problem with your order. The New Spike (TMR) controller isn’t far off being the perfect PS4 controller. Happy gaming.
BongoBongo123 is an avid Zelda fan who also likes the odd game of Smash. His interests in gaming are broad but he loves a good Metroidvania or action RPGs.