Support NeoGAF

[CrispyBoar]

I want to know which would be the best option to use as a PC gaming controller, the Dualshock 4 or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

The main advantages of the NS Pro is that it has longer battery life (about 40 hours worth!), & it has better build quality (ironically, the Dualshock 3 wasn't cheaply made like the DS4 is & the DS3 has had better battery life than the DS4 does). And not only that, but you're going to have to immediately replace the battery inside of the DS4 with something like this if you want to play games longer wirelessly. Those are the flaws of the Dualshock 4, but it's still a pretty good controller, IMO.

On the other hand, there are some people saying that the NS Pro Controller has problems, too, such as the D-Pad & the Analog sticks (especially when it will be a problem for racing games). It's another great controller to be using, even though it's $10 more expensive than the DS4 is.

Your thoughts?

 

[samred]

Xbox One pad.

 

[Calm Mind]

Wii U Pro controllers 80 hour battery life shits on any other controller from a great height. The lack of analog triggers is it's only flaw.

 

[AzureSkies]

Xbox One pad.

my man

 

[RadioJoNES64]

Analog triggers.

 

[BaconHat]

Another thing to keep in mind is that the switch pro controller does not support xinput.

 

[Lil'DigiOp]

Hmmm are there bigger battery DS4 mods?

I think I might check that out

 

[TriangularDuck]

Xbone > Switch > PS4 for general usage IMO. I use my Bone Elite when analog triggers matter, Switch Pro when they don't. I generally prefer the Switch Pro, but if you can only use one, making sure you have analog in case you need it is the better choice.

 

[Wesley-Sigma]

I quite like the DS4 for my PC.

Have not tried the Pro Controller yet -- but I would like to.

 

[liezryou]

Xbox 360 controller is still king.

 

[Maintenance]

No Analog Triggers, default last place.

On topic, I'd rather have the DS4 (I already use one). I hate the asymmetrical Xbox sticks , but at least that one has analog triggers. So to me it would be DS4 > XB > Pro controller.

EDIT: I should also say that I have a Steam Controller but it didn't work very well with some games, so I went back to the DS4.

 

[Giftofgab24]

Neither. Xbox one Elite followed by those new Xbox One pads followed by the standard Xbox one pad. Then maybe the Wii U pad followed by the switch pad followed by the PS4 pad. I spend the most time on my PS4, but I prefer the Xbox one controller by a large margin.

 

[Hesh]

Are you going to be playing wired or wireless? Also, which controllers have you already used on console? It's hard to tell someone what to do when personal preference and comfort factor so heavily into the decision.

 

[Arulan]

I'd strongly argue the Steam controller is by far the best controller option. If the game uses a D-pad as the primary means of input, such as a 2D platformer, then you may want to use something else, but for most use-cases I believe it's the best option. For modern games especially, where camera control, aiming, or cursor movement is concerned, the pads are far superior to an analog stick. Also, if battery life is a major point for you, it lasts 80 hours on (2) AA batteries.

 

[Spukc]

Ds4 plain and simple for its touchpad mouse simulation. And really good steam support

After that my xbox elite controller.
Best feeling quality controller
After that my 8bitdo sfc30
And then the switch pro pad

Oh and i would rather control a ball coated with razorsharp glued on glass shards.

Than use the steam controller

 

[Dezzy]

Analog triggers.

People always talk about this, but are they even used outside of games that use them as gas/throttle for driving?

Also, as someone who has used all controllers, I was surprised to find that the Nintendo Switch is the most comfortable to use controller, with the best dpad and buttons. It also has a great texture.

 

[Chizzanger]

If you've already got both, I like the dualshock more; something about the dpad on the pro controller feels weird to me.

However, if you are considering a switch pro controller then you probably don't care about symmetric vs. asymmetric sticks and I would recommend an xbox one controller over both for ease of use.

 

[samred]

I'd strongly argue the Steam controller

You mean the one I give to player four?

No, I think the Steam pad has legit uses, and I'm very fond of the Switch Pro, but your first PC pad should be Xbone. Most compatible, has a legit d-pad, great sticks, great feel. The S revision is even better.

No reason not to eventually get them all for mixing/matching in multiplayer.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Go DS4, with Steam API you can use it's touch pad, and gyro to do many things. It almost match Steam Controller's features. Great PC controller.

And steam API is amazing if you haven't messed with it. So much control customization. Look it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjJ_8yuo4w

Edit: <3 Steam Controller, but I understand people may want something they don't have to adjust to. So many options, accuracy, and comfort for extended use make it perfect for me (when I don't need or want to use a keyboard and mouse).

 

[rekameohs]

DS4's trackpad is pretty nice for acting as a mouse.

 

[Primethius]

DS4 + Steam is my favorite setup by a long shot. Insanely customizable and the touchpad just elevates it so much.

 

[fester]

People always talk about this, but are they even used outside of games that use them as gas/throttle for driving?

I would also be interested in knowing the answer to this because I use my Wii U Pro controller with Steam Link/GOG and have never run into a game where I missed having analog triggers. Really seems like more of a "checkbox" feature than anything else.

 

[me0wish]

As someone who uses all controllers, I'd say go with what you feel comfortable with, but keep in mind that its a bit of a hassle to get the PRO working on xinput games.

I hope Valve adds SPRO support to Steam, that would really be awesome as its my favorite current gen regular controller.

I would also be interested in knowing the answer to this because I use my Wii U Pro controller with Steam Link/GOG and have never run into a game where I missed having analog triggers. Really seems like more of a "checkbox" feature than anything else.

Honestly, I'd rather have buttons, but that would make F-Zero NS unplayable.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

I would also be interested in knowing the answer to this because I use my Wii U Pro controller with Steam Link/GOG and have never run into a game where I missed having analog triggers. Really seems like more of a "checkbox" feature than anything else.

Steam Controller has a button after the analog triggers. Apparently a gamecube or other nintendo product had that too. So with steam controller you can set nitro after the analog gas to activate the boost while racing. For gun games you can have left trigger for scope, and it's click for fine aiming gyro controls.

 

[TLZ]

Xbox 360 pad.

 

[Sexually Aggressive Uncle]

Just use the Xbox One controller. It feels great and it works without having to fiddle with anything. Plug and play.

And seriously fuck the Steam controller.

 

[Dr. Black Jack]

Xbox One pad.

This or Steam Controller.

 

[Crayon]

Ds4 for that steam support.

 

[Exentryk]

Try the Razer Raiju! It's all the good about DS4 (but better quality - less stick deadzones, etc.), plus 4 extra buttons and multiple profiles. As someone that has only used DS controllers since PS1, I'm really happy with the Raiju.
Haven't used the Switch pro controller.

 

[Drain You]

And steam API is amazing if you haven't messed with it. So much control customization. Look it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjJ_8yuo4w

Edit: <3 Steam Controller, but I understand people may want something they don't have to adjust to. So many options, accuracy, and comfort for extended use make it perfect for me (when I don't need or want to use a keyboard and mouse).

Wow, thanks for this. I had heard about all this but never really looked into it much. Gonna grab my Steam controller from home tomorrow.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Wow that controller looks nice.

 

[Zasa]

Definitely either a 360 or Xbox One pad, imo. If you don't like those, than I'd go for the Pro controller.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

No xinput support=no thanks

 

[Rizific]

Why isn't the x1 pad an option? Because that would be my choice, easily.

 

[phanphare]

depends on what kinds of games you play but the NS Pro is certainly a better controller overall than the DS4. DS4 is kind of a piece of junk in my experience. I'd probably look at the NS Pro compared with the Xbox One controllers or the Steam controller.

 

[catmincer]

Echo the XB1 comments. It's the logical choice.

 

[alr1ght]

DS4 + Steam is heaven. Useful for all types of games, 2D and 3D.

Add your non-steam games (including emulators) and you can use it just as well.

 

[Cannon Goose]

Go DS4, with Steam API you can use it's touch pad, and gyro to do many things. It almost match Steam Controller's features. Great PC controller.

And steam API is amazing if you haven't messed with it. So much control customization. Look it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjJ_8yuo4w

Edit: <3 Steam Controller, but I understand people may want something they don't have to adjust to. So many options, accuracy, and comfort for extended use make it perfect for me (when I don't need or want to use a keyboard and mouse).

Yeah, I've been using a DS4 along with DS4Windows for a while but Steam's integration has been really nice and convenient. I like being able to adjust all the buttons without having to pick up my mouse.

 

[Kudo]

I actually had DS4 go apeshit on me when I tried to play the newest Dark Souls 3 DLC, it had gyro mouse and right stick tried to emulate mouse, it worked fine before in Steam.
Anyway to reset settings for it?

I haven't tried Switch controller on PC yet because I'd assume it's not supported yet, but if it were it's what I'd get, more comfortable for me.

 

[CrispyBoar]

Are you going to be playing wired or wireless? Also, which controllers have you already used on console? It's hard to tell someone what to do when personal preference and comfort factor so heavily into the decision.

Mostly wireless.

Just use the Xbox One controller. It feels great and it works without having to fiddle with anything. Plug and play.

And seriously fuck the Steam controller.

Oh yeah, the Xbox One controller is also a good idea.

 

[Zemm]

DS4 is the last controller I'd want to use.

 

[capylikesgames]

Ds4 plain and simple for its touchpad mouse simulation. And really good steam support

Eugh, DS4's touchpad is awful for anything mouse-related. Can't be bothered with it after using a Steam Controller. It's trackpad is of an unmatched quality.

That is my recommendation btw, OP. The Steam Controller takes time and effort to learn, but it is unmatched by other controllers in the things it can do. Well worth it, but if you just want something plug and play, go for a DS4, because it has analog triggers.

 

[Cuningas de Häme]

I would use XBox (360/One) controller, a lot better quality than PS4 and it just works with Windows.

I really want to buy that Elite some day. Such a neat controller. Maybe if I win in a lottery...

 

[kennyamr]

If I had to choose, the DS4 would be the first controller I'd want to use.

My hands fit better, the analog sticks are better positioned for my brain, it has a decent built with a trackpad included, and integration with the PC is very good
lml

 

[ISee]

Can the pro controller be used natively? Without having to play around with third party tools?

 

[Aokage]

This is such a tough question to answer.

Pretty much everything modern has "native" Xbone/360 and DS4/DS3 support with UI elements and such. I certainly hope to see more games do the same for the Switch Pro, because its crazy battery life, overall feel and build quality makes it the best standard control pad to date IMO.

But... no analog triggers. This is a major problem for some, irrelevant to others based on their genre preferences. And of course, no mouse emulation via touchpad, which is a big benefit with DS4.

If the choice is strictly between Switch Pro and DS4, go with DS4 because of maturity. However my general recommendation would be to go with an Xbox family pad that suits your budget. The Xbone Elite is hard to beat.

Can the pro controller be used natively? Without having to play around with third party tools?

Yes. DirectInput.

 

[Soodanim]

The closest comparison I can do is DS4 vs Wii U Pro, and despite buying the Mayflash adapter because I do like the Pro, the battle was won a long time ago for anyone that uses DS4Windows. That was even before Steam gave us a very nice implementation of controller configurations. You can do that for generic controllers now too, but DS4 is just too comfy to lose for me.

 

[Real_Madrid]

The DS4 is almost the perfect PC controller. You can turn off the irritating lightbar and you can use the touchpad as a mouse for games where the menu isn't controller supported.

I never understood the battery life problems, I sometimes play for a whole day and never had the controller die on me. (But I have a 2-bay charging station for my DS4 controllers, so they charge every time I don't need them.)

It's of course preference, you can't really go wrong with every major console controller on pc imo. I used them all (xbox one, ds4 and wii u pro controller) and they work perfectly.
The DS4 is also better for people who have problems with the bluetooth connection, maybe I got a faulty bluetooth dongle, but using the DS4 pc dongle is way better and more stable.

 

[Kuosi]

xone pro > ds4 > switch pro
own em all

 

[ISee]

Yes. DirectInput.

Okay. Now I'm confused, aren't most games using xinput? So the answer should be 'no'?

I'm asking because the D-pad on my one controller died yesterday (while playing ds3). No idea why tbh. Probably bad luck paired with shit build quality.
And now I'm thinking about getting a new controller but I don't feel the need to use third party tools.