Even though we're all surrounded by the hype over the PlayStation 5 and the all-new DualSense controller, I think it's still worth taking a look at this knockoff back paddle/ back button attachment I found over Lazada a few months ago, especially since the official DualShock 4 back buttons never came to the Philippines.
Usually, back paddles are found in premium controllers, like the Scuf Vantage, and their main purpose is to have a competitive advantage particularly in shooters. Not having to take your right thumb off the right stick lets you continuously aim, while leaving the reloading, jumping, sliding and whatever else to the fingers you don't usually use when you play with a controller. However, for less competitive-minded people, the back buttons can also be used to make gaming a little more comfortable, whether it's based on preference or a disability. Does the Aolion make for a good alternative to the official DualShock 4 back buttons? Let's find out.
For less than Php 1,500 ($31.00), you get the main attachment, four metal paddles (2 more than the official), and a very long braided micro-USB cable.
The paddles attach to the main body magnetically, which makes assembly very easy. Attaching the body to the DualShock 4 is also pretty easy - you just have to slot the micro-USB connector into the slot and make sure that the teeth of the front flap are biting into the front speakers of the controller.
Once set in place, the peripheral itself is very solid and won't fall off very easily. The paddles, being magnetically attached to the body, are a little more prone to getting knocked off. Just make sure you're pushing into them and not pulling them.
As for build quality, the paddles are amazing. They're made of metal and feel very sturdy, while the main body feels very plastic-y. The included micro-USB cable is braided and is of pretty high quality, and very long. That's not really a bonus, you're going to need that cable.
Assigning buttons is pretty straightforward. It's probably not as user-friendly as the official back button attachment, but you can make do with the Aolion. First, you have to press all four paddles until the LEDs flash slowly. That takes about 3 seconds. A slow strobe means the attachment is in assignment mode. Once in assignment mode, simply press the button along with the paddle you want to assign it to for about a second. You'll know you've made a successful assignment when the LEDs flash rapidly. Once you're done making your assignments, press and hold all four paddles again for 3 seconds. Once the flashing stops, you should be good to go.
Actually using the device is intuitive enough. The paddles have a great contour and your fingers can rest perfectly on them, and pressing the paddles requires just enough force that you won't accidentally squeeze them very often.
It does take some getting used to, similar to any back button/paddle on any controller. If you've been so used to never using anything behind a controller, then you're essentially retraining your muscle memory. Don't expect it, or any back paddle, to feel like second nature right away.
Despite all the great things about the Aolion, there are a number of negatives that might be real deal-breakers.
The Aolion doesn't work on anything older than a version 2 DualShock 4. A tell-tale sign of a DS4 V2, if you're unsure, is the light bar on the top of the touch panel. Here's a good video that explains it. If you have anything older than that, you're out of luck. Additionally, it only works wired on the PlayStation 4. You can't use it wirelessly. Oh, and it also doesn't work on PC or anywhere else.
And if you're using a wired pair of headphones, then your troubles are far from over. Using the 3.5mm jack of the Aolion makes the audio crackly and noisy, with a very noticeable degradation of quality. And if your wired headphones has a mic, you won't be able to use it. Oof.
To be honest, just the restriction of just being usable wired is enough for me to not recommend it, but the audio quality and lack of a microphone? Yeah, I don't think so. It might make more sense to just get one of these.
6Overall7Design6Function5Value