Thinking about buying a DualShock 4 Controller

I use one with steam and it works fine with controller supported games. You have to enable it in settings.

I use an old Playstation 2 controller with a USB adapter. Most games don't recognize it by default, but it works if you tell the game it's an Xbox 360 controller with the free program x360ce. Or sometimes I will just bind the keyboard controls to the controller with xpadder, joy2key probably works the same.

I did have a problem with a twin stick shooter where one of the analog sticks wouldn't work, but I think that was probably because it's an old Playstation 2 controller (or my USB adapter), I don't think you would have that problem on a newer controller.

I'm playing South Park: The Stick Of Truth right now and all buttons and analog sticks are working fine after using x360ce.

I've been using Scp Toolkit for games like Watchdogs, I usually just plug the controller with usb but also have a bluetooth dongle for ~$5 so I can use it wireless, not sure how long of a charge it holds. I've once held it for 7 hours with breaks but I think the longer you use a controller, the more comfortable you'll be with holding it. When I first started out, I always fiddled with it every hour.

LogiTech F310 is what I've been using for years. Plug and play, no third party program required for anything. Best part? ~$20

-Is it as easily recognized by games as an X360 controller? I basically ask if all games that support X360 controller support DS4 too?
I find it easy with "Inputmapper" as it does the whole job for me you can even custom led lights, just install the setup with fix "InputMapper HidGuardian" for win10 and exclusive issues and you ready to go with built-in bluetooth, sony bluetooth dongle or even USB

-If a game doesn't recognize it, can I use any external program that simulates keyboard presses like Joy2Key does?
I've never faced this issue with well-known titles but you might face such issue as my friend told me that his controller wasn't recognized by some games

-How long does it last with one charge or can I just plug it into my PC with a USB cable?
Mine lasts for almost whole the day I think and you can plug USB of course, but not sure if that might affect the battery of DS4

-How comfortable is it for longer sessions?
For me, I mix between keyboard, mouse and DS4 altogether whenever I get tired of one as am not used much to DS4 until now, but it's comfortable as I can change my pose and settings freely as I like even upside down.

note that input mapper has some problems I faced when you connect multiple controllers, latency issues and few more but when I use my USB or sony bluetooth dongle everything works just fine.
Inputmapper

Steam allows for several configurations and it would work without needing anything.

And for the cases where the controller is not supported properly you can always use DS4Windows

I normally use a wireless XBox 360 controller on PC but I've been wondering the same thing for a while because I'd like to play Pixel Cup Soccer 17 (and recently Party Hard) with my buddies so I just gave it a try.
After Windows 10 automatic configuration the controller instantly worked and didn't need any further configuration or remapping for Party Hard. At first I thought it didn't work because the LEDs were off but it worked nonetheless.
I even tried it together with the 2nd controller and everything seemed fine. It's been a while since one of my buddies brought their console over. Time to bring local coop back :D

• Is it as easily recognized by games as an X360 controller? I basically ask if all games that support X360 controller supports DS4 too?
  Apparently it's natively supported under Windows 10. Can't say anything game specific yet but Party Hard worked without remapping

• How long does it last with one charge or can I just plug it to my PC with a USB cable?
  I remember when it was new it had a rather decent battery life but after years of use I would estimate my battery only lasts about 4 hours. I'm still using the original controller that came with my PS4 2-3 years ago.
  Yes, you can plug it into your PC with an USB cable. Actually if you're using an original PS4 controller I think you'll have to because the controller is wireless and (unless there is a dedicated version for PC) doesn't come with a wireless dongle.
  You could probably use a generic wireless dongle but that's a bit above my paygrade.

• How comfortable is it for longer sessions?
  I guess that depends on your hands and personal preferences. I think the PS4 controller is rather ergonomic, I've never heard anybody complain about the shape unlike for example the old huge 360 gamepads but the triggers are not as grippy as on the (new) 360 pad. After switching I had the problem of my fingers occasionally slipping of the triggers but I got used to it eventually.

When I used a DS4 the controller was recognized without a problem in games.
But if it does not work there are several programs which should help.
Can't really say how long a charge lasts but you can plug it in your PC. (I think it's micro usb)
In my opinion it was the best controller I ever used. It's comfortable and I like the button mapping.

I use a DS4 controller all the time on PC. Steam has built in DS4 support, but I found it to be unreliable. Instead, I recommend getting DS4Windows to use it (Enable "Hide DS4 Controller" in settings, and set Gyro in the profile to "Use for Controls"). Using that, I've had no issues with any game that supports xinput.

There's a similar app called "InputMapper", but it has built in adds and a more confusing UI.

One other important note; I'd avoid buying used DS4 controllers since the original ones didn't support playing via USB, while the ones sold now support both bluetooth and USB.

it depends on the games. there are several games who support it and it works like a charm.
there are several programs who enable ds4 controllers
it use the controller with the cable it got delivered with a ps4. as far as i know it is a usb to micro usb cable . like the ones you use for android phones for charging. i have no bluetooth on my pc , so i cant use it without cable.
the controller is really comfortable and it feels intuitive. no problems.

http://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-controller-for-pc-gaming/
The best controller for PC - PlayStation DualShock 4! lol
I use PS3 controler over BT and works like a charm! ^_^

I had a DS4 myself, but I had in order for it to be registered for a lot of my games I had to download a certain software that would emulate a 360 gamepad and then it worked... but a thing I noticed with the emulation that there was like input lag and stuff.

I now recently gotten an XBOX One S (traded my old PS4 Original for it, since wanted to go with XBOX since most of my real life friends are on that console) and now I can just plug my X1 wireless controller via USP and it recognized it right away, well after I think installing a driver or something and had no issues with the input lag and stuff.

So now when I play like GTAV or others that require a controller I will just use my X1 controller, but a problem I have though is when I use my X1 controller wired to my PC, I have to then replug it in to my X1 so it will register back to it.

I think one of these days I might just try and fine a cheap 360 wired controller to use as my game pad for those games that require them, and then that will allow me to I guess multitask with xbox one (since use that for my TV as well) while playing games or on pc.