Tired of controlling Netflix on your PlayStation 4 with an unwieldy game controller? Probably not, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a remote around, like this official one. It has buttons that make the PS4 and other devices do things.
Crafted for Sony by the fine folks at PDP, the PlayStation 4 Universal Media Remote is the sort of accessory that’s pretty easy to evaluate. It connects to the console via Bluetooth, and once connected allows the user to navigate PS4 menus, control entertainment apps — that sort of thing.
It’s nice to hold, with a lovely textured back for easy gripping. The underside of the remote features a graceful curve, making it feel slightly better in the hand than a long flat rectangle.
Start up a game and the PlayStation 4 Universal Media remote shuts down all of the PS4 controls except for the Home button, which is great in case it gets stuck in the couch and you wind up sitting on it. I’ve lost the remote three or four times now, which just proves it is an actual remote control.
Oh here, I took a video.
Being a universal remote, the device also controls things like the relatively old Westinghouse I have mounted far too high on my office wall. The automatic scan function didn’t work for the television, but three quick code inputs later I was powering it on and off like a champ. Having lost the original remote for this television years ago, I was finally able to navigate the menus and switch the screen to Game Mode, so that’s a thing.
Look kids, it’s Yoda! You like Yoda.
Cable boxes, audio amplifiers — this thing does it all, by which I mean everything you would expect it to. For $US30 ($41) (cheaper than that at most places I checked) you could buy many things that do not control a PlayStation 4 and other devices remotely, but they wouldn’t…control a PlayStation 4 and other devices remotely.
There are a few issues still being ironed out with the remote. The volume control pass-through isn’t really a thing, so you’ll have to switch device buttons before turning your TV or amp sound up and down. Otherwise it does the things. Unfortunately it’s currently only available in the US, UK and Canada, so you’ll have to import one if you want one for now.
The PlayStation 4 Universal Media Remote by PDP. It’s pretty nice.
Comments
10 responses to “The PlayStation 4 Universal Media Remote Gets The Job Done”
Please tell me they are not going to screw up the feature of using your TV remote to control the XMB?? I can just see it now – haha you thought you were safe with a Bravia remote, well now we made one for the PS4 you’re going to have to buy it!
GRRRR
Nah, the bravia remote works via the HDMI-Link feature as far as I know, so it would continue to work. Hell, my projector remote lets me navigate the XMB.
haha – I just know I had to allow it in the settings so i presumed there was some sort of decoding going on inside the PS4
I find it handy but completely useless at the same time! After all these years of gaming I could control anything with a dual shock!
I was so excited for this remote to finally be out. I imported mine on Amazon from the US. I wish I waited to read the Amazon reviews. Mine lasted a week, with constant drop outs, now it doesn’t work at all.
Before anyone delves into this, please read the reviews on Amazon. It feels way more cheap than the offical PS3 remote.
I’ve got one. Volume control no issue for me.
Issues I have: doesn’t support apps I use:
Hulu, twitch, Foxtel play (some buttons not recognised) crackle,
I’ve got, and like, the PS3 media remote so will probably grab this one for my PS4.
Only issue is that clicking sound… way too loud.
Now all we need is PlayTV for the ps4…….*crickets.
I wish they would make playtv compatible. It’s the only thing from last gen that i want on ps4.
So have they explained why they couldn’t just make the existing PS remotes work with the new console? Surely it’s just a simple software issue to fix, right?
Cash grab. No further explanation needed.
Want an official remote like the PS3 one.
this is now available at the games store in http://catalogue.gamesmen.com.au/easter-2016-catalogue/product/876127