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Opinion: Why the PS4 controller is better than the Xbox One controller

Saint of Killers said:
I used to think that up until recently but then my left analogue stick went to shit and I had to start playing multiplat games on the ps3. Add to that the shite d-pad and I feel, with some justification, it is no longer worthy of being seen as one of the best pads ever.
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The D pads on the 360 and GCN controllers respectively are the only things keeping them tethered to this mortal plane, fix those, they will leave this earth. For they are far to great for mortal hands.
 
jayu26 said:
"Enhanced" sixaxis, yes. It also has "enhanced rumble", whatever that means....
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Enhanced rumble = dual analogue motors. DS3 had 1 digital ( on or off) and 1 analogue. Having both analogue gives more effects. Like in the playroom demo, you can really feel that the robots are rolling from one side to another.
 
Another recent article on the controllers:

http://o.canada.com/2013/08/30/press-start-ps4s-dualshock-4-vs-xbox-one-controller/

At Fan Expo Canada in Toronto, I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the PlayStation 4′s Dualshock 4 and the Xbox 360′s new smaller, sleeker controller. To my surprise, I actually prefer the PS4′s Dualshock 4 over the new Xbox One controller.

Interestingly, it almost feels like it was designed specifically to appeal to gamers looking to make the jump from the land of Xbox to using the PlayStation 4 as their primary console. I also have the feeling the Dualshock 4 has been designed with first-person shooters in mind, a genre that at least for the next couple years, will probably continue to dominate the mainstream gaming scene.

The Dualshock 4 feels considerably larger than the Xbox One’s controller. I don’t have gigantic hands, but when playing Ryse on the Xbox One, my fingers felt cramped and it didn’t seem like there was enough distance between the Xbox One controller’s joysticks.

In contrast, the Dualshock 4 looks and feels much larger than the Dualshock 3 and even the Xbox One’s controller, making its parallel placed joysticks much easier to use. Some people might find this strange, but when using the Dualshock 3 with the PlayStation 4, especially while playing first-person shooters, my thumbs often slide against one another.

Then there’s the form factor of the joysticks on both controllers. When it came to the PlayStation 3′s Dualshock 3, the rounded tips always caused my thumbs to slide around uncontrollably, especially after particularly long gaming sessions (getting sweaty hands sucks). With the Dualshock 4, this is no longer an issue because of its joystick’s slight indent, a feature that was already a big part of the Xbox 360′s controller. Sony has now done a much better job with this concept.

The Xbox One’s controller also has a revamped joystick indent that’s much better than what was featured on the Xbox 360 (the 360′s joysticks tend to wear down too quickly), but I preferred the Dualshock 4′s because the indent isn’t as deep. This gave me more control and grip when moving its joysticks around.

I was excited to try out the Xbox One controller’s new vibrating triggers, but I found them very disappointing. Perhaps it was just the game I played, Ryse, but I didn’t feel much feedback in either trigger. Also, pulling the trigger down, didn’t feel as satisfying because its range of motion feels slightly less than the Xbox 360 controller’s. In contrast, pulling the Dualshock 4′s trigger felt high satisfying and is a great improvement over the Dualshock 3′s horrible triggers.

Perhaps most importantly, I found the Dualshock 4 overall much more comfortable than the Xbox One’s controller. Even after just about 20 minutes of use, my hands felt cramped when using the Xbox One’s controller. It almost reminded me of how my hands feel after playing the ridiculously small 3DS. In contrast, the PlayStation 4′s controller was comfortable and didn’t feel awkward at all.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to try the PlayStation 4′s touch panel button as it didn’t seem to be enabled on the two games I played, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Knack. The Dualshock 4 also feels more solid than the Xbox One’s controller. I can’t quit put my finger on why but it could have something to do with its weight. Sometimes, controllers that have a little extra heft to them feel like they’re better made.
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Ushae said:
Symmetry, Asymmetry.

It's all about preferences, both these controllers look great in my opinion. Current gen 360 was the best hands down.
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That seems to be the least of the issues. Seems like Xbones controller ergonomics will take some getting used to. I think the DS3 feels fine in my hands though. I think people will manage.
 
The 360 controller is the best controller ever made for me,and the PS4 controller is playing catch up, weather its better then the 360 or X1 I will only know when I use them.
 
Juancho9 said:
ErsBggw.gif

What I could find, no actual numbers though :/
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Thanks anyway. Yea it does look like there is more space but I was just curious as to how much.
 
Guymelef said:
Light bar works for tracking with PSEye, like PS Move ball, so it's a feature.
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Didn't Microsoft say the IR in the XB1 controller will be used to track as well? Kinect knowing when you switch controllers with a friend is an example they gave. In all honesty everything else is purely subjective as to weather they will/will-not add anything of substance to the actual game play.
 
Well we will just have to wait to see which is better, but I myself hate asymmetrical stick layout. I constantly, on the 360 controller, have to reposition my thumbs which drives me insane. I have no problem with Sonys DS3 (sans triggers) and most likely will not have any problems with the DS4.
 
RayMaker said:
The 360 controller is the best controller ever made for me,and the PS4 controller is playing catch up, weather its better then the 360 or X1 I will only know when I use them.
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I don't think any controller with a D-Pad as terrible as the Xbox's can be considered the best controller of all time.

I think it's one of the most ergonomic and comfortable controllers ever made, but when you consider the poor battery quality that you have to pay extra for, the proprietary and expensive charging cable and again, that poor D-Pad, it's hard to overlook those issues and claim it's the best controller ever made.

In my humble opinion, I think the Sega Genesis or Sega Saturn are the best controllers ever made. Excellent D-Pad that is kind to your thumbs, large buttons positioned closely together that can be used comfortably for hours on end.

If you are only considering controllers with analogue sticks I don't think there's a clear winner. All current or past analogue-stick controllers have their good and bad points, but if I was going to a desert island and could only bring one controller with me I think that right now the Dual Shock 3 would be, or a PSVita.
 
Great to hear about the DS4. They are probably both great controllers, and if you prefer one over the other, you are probably splitting hairs.

Good to see the dualshock not being seen as a negative anymore. Love it. Kinda represents the new turn for Playstation me thinks. Getting rid of the old guard.
 
Thumbs hitting together suck on the Playstation controller. If that's fixed it could be better. But their analog placement sucks compared to the Xbox controller imo.
 
I posted my thoughts in another thread
ilikesanta said:
I got my hands on both today at PAX, my thoughts;

DS4: I played War Frame (meh) and Drive Club (fun). First thing I noticed is that it felt small compared to 360, other then that I could see myself game with it for hundreds of hours. The only gripe I have is with the touch pad. I didn't realize that it clicks down like a button, very cool, but it felt really flimsy, like it will eventually pop off flimsy. Also the touch pad curves over the back, but isn't flush with it, so I kept finding my fingers picking at the pad like a scab, wanting to pull it off. Anyone else notice this?

XBO: I played Ryes (looked pretty but I'm not big on brawlers). First thing I noticed that the grips seemed to have flatter edges, I didn't notice them anymore when I got playing. Bumpers seemed fine, but it did appear like they but go as far down when being pressed compared to the 360. Much more shallow. Didn't notice rumble triggers, but was using face buttons more so I can't really judge them. Other then that, it felt like using a 360 controller to me.

They both felt like good controllers, but if I had to pick one, I would go with XBO, because of size and that touch pad feels like it's going to break off one day.
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I got my hands on both controllers some more and I didn't notice the things I first notice on the controllers, (DS4 small grip size, XBO hard edges) Because I had used them before I just grabbed them and played and they both felt great. I still have concern over the touch pad. I fiddled with it again at another demo station but it's touch pad didn't feel as loose, but that game doesn't use it at all, whereas the first demo used it regularly. This cements my fear that after normal where and tear the touch pad will just pop off (or at the very least just get really loose).

Also I don't understand people complaints about the XBO triggers, I honestly didn't notice anything about them (that's a good thing). I've used the 360 pad more then any other controller (going all the way back to the Atari) and if there there was something off I would think I would have noticed. Anyway I'm sure whatever console you play you'll be happy with the controller.
 
Not going to believe any web news when it comes to controller preferences. I'll lay my hands on the ds4 once the ps4 gets released and then I'll decide if it really is better then the 360 controller and if I can get my hands on the xbox one controller - I then will compare it to this thing.

If the ps4 controller won't be as good as the xbox one's, not a big thing - i happily survived this gen with only a horrible ds3 controller.
 
GameSeeker said:
I'm left-handed. Symmetrical always wins.

The 360 and Xbone controllers were clearly designed by right-handed people. :P
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Nothing to do with right handed or left handed.

If a game uses...

A.) Both analogue sticks and shoulder buttons/triggers as it's main controls, symmetrical is ideal.

B.) Only the left analogue stick and face buttons as it's main controls, asymmetrical is ideal.

A tends to be more common in modern games, so by default I'd say symmetrical is the better choice.
 
nib95 said:
Nothing to do with right handed or left handed.

If a game uses...

A.) Both analogue sticks and shoulder buttons/triggers as it's main controls, symmetrical is ideal.

B.) Only the left analogue stick and face buttons as it's main controls, asymmetrical is ideal.

A tends to be more common in modern games, so by default I'd say symmetrical is the better choice.
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The way I look at it:

- Symetrical or Asymetrical analogues play the same to me, I don't think one is superior to the other.

- D-pad heavy games (nowadays a lot of indie titles play best with a good d-pad) SUCK when the d-pad is in the secondary position. Even if the d-pad on the 360 controller was good, with its current placement it is not comfortable to play any d-pad heavy games.

If all you play is shooters then it doesn't matter, but I personally feel that the Dualshock layout is the most versatile for a wide variety of genres. The DS3 design was terrible, the ergonomics especially. They finally fixed that with the DS4.
 
I've said it before and I've said it again, unless you get your hands on the grips you can't know what is and isn't comfortable. the grips dictate how accessible the two different locations are and which is and isn't primary.

asymmetrical isn't horrible. the ergonomics of the dual shock 1 - 3 are horrible. the ergonomics of the dual shock 4 by all accounts are well thought out. no one using the Wii U controller or the pro controller is complaining about their symmetry.
 
It's hilarious how attached some people are to the xbox controller that they won't even try the dual shock 4.

It's not asymmetrical, so it must be bad.
 
The stick arrangement argument sounds pretty stupid to me because Xbone pad's right stick is in the exact location as the DS4. So if you hate that position on the DS4 you must hate it too on the Xbone pad.
 
Both controllers will be fine. I prefer symmetrical sticks, but I was able to get used to the 360 pad as well after a couple of hours, so honestly I don't really care.
 
ypo said:
The stick arrangement argument sounds pretty stupid to me because Xbone pad's right stick is in the exact location as the DS4. So if you hate that position on the DS4 you must hate it too on the Xbone pad.
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Uhhh.... There is another stick on these controllers.
 
When I got my hands on the PS4 controller and played Resogun it felt completely natural. Didn't even think about it. However, after about three minutes my thumb was sliding across the sticks and catching on the raised edges that were attempting to keep them on there.

In reserving full judgement until my PS4 arrives in my home in November.
 
Bgamer90 said:
Uhhh.... There is another stick on these controllers.
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No shit? But if someone has trouble dealing with the left stick in DS4's position then he should have problem with right stick as well. That means none of the controllers is ideal for that person.
 
nib95 said:
Nothing to do with right handed or left handed.

If a game uses...

A.) Both analogue sticks and shoulder buttons/triggers as it's main controls, symmetrical is ideal.

B.) Only the left analogue stick and face buttons as it's main controls, asymmetrical is ideal.

A tends to be more common in modern games, so by default I'd say symmetrical is the better choice.
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Isn't that just a roundabout way of saying you prefer FPS and racing games with symmetrical sticks?

I disagree. I found that once the primary control of games i play went from the d-pad to analogue stick, it felt better to have the left analogue stick where the d-pad used to be. It just feels more natural. I realize that certain games still work better with the d-pad, but most of the games I play use the stick and the primary control. If I were a heavier d-pad user, I'd probably feel differently.

I've never really found any difference between using the shoulder buttons or face buttons in relation to the left stick, but I do find my left thumb sits naturally where the both MS and Sega but the analogue stick on their controllers, not where Sony put the stick on their controllers.

The PS4 controller does looks like a huge step forward in ergonomic design over the DS3 though, and it finally looks like there will be a decent analog stick on a Sony controller. Still don't like the left stick placement though.

Personally, I'm taking a wait and see approach to see if any of the other "new" features of the controller prove useful either. The Wii had a speaker in the controller as well, and I can't think of a single game that used it to any great effect. The light bar seems destined to become the "Nintendo Bob" of the PS4 since Sony dropped bundling the camera. The only new interesting feature may be the touch pad, and so far, that seems like a glorified start / select button to me. I'll wait to see if a developer can make good use of it in a game.
 
Router said:
Yeah but the sticks are still in the wrong spot.
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We've been over this so many times, and they really aren't.

I haven't held either yet, but I'll definitely give the Xbox One controller the style points. Dualshock 4 is ugly as shit, although it does look ergonomic.
 
Village said:
The D pads on the 360 and GCN controllers respectively are the only things keeping them tethered to this mortal plane, fix those, they will leave this earth. For they are far to great for mortal hands.
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Nope they would still be mortal because both the 360 and GCN controllers have shitty analogs.
 
For those that have tried it, how is the DS4 d-pad? I feel the DS3 d-pad is fairly terrible even if not as bad as the 360. Meanwhile the vita d-pad is superb and I'm hoping it is more like that.
 
ypo said:
No shit? But if someone has trouble dealing with the left stick in DS4's position then he should have problem with right stick as well. That means none of the controllers is ideal for that person.
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???

Not really --- since the sticks are in two different sides.

It all comes down to preference.
 
The sticks' position on the DS4 is a non issue.

It was one of my biggest problem with the DS1-2-3. I hated the way the stickes were positionned, especially when playing shooters.

On the DS 4 however, the new shape of the controller and the improvement they made on the grips makes it super confortable to use, even with shooters. The sticks have not bothered me at all.

Wait until your play a fair amount of time with it before dismissing the DS4 simply because it uses that stick position. It's really a moot point now.
 
you know I always adored the 360 controller, but whether the PS4 controller is slightly better than the XBO controller or the other way around, I can't tell you how happy I am that the DualShock controller is as improved as everyone has said. The 360 controller was a huge advantage Microsoft had over Sony, and playing PS exclusive games could frequently be a downer when you knew the issues the controller had with the loose analog sticks and the R2/L2. The fact that the controller is apparently great now is really exciting.
 
Duxxy3 said:
It's not asymmetrical, so it must be bad.
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I wonder if the people who keep trumpeting the idea would change their tune after trying something like a Wii U Pro Controller's layout. Seems like that'd be more logical given the usual arguments.

I say this as someone who can go between symmetrical/asymmetrical layouts without issue.
 
It seems like a popular opinion from reviewers that the DS4 is better.
It may become the go-to controller for this generation.
 
godelsmetric said:
Yep, I've literally never understood what all the bellyache about stick positions is. Always kind of struck me as inventing reasons to justify entirely subjective preferences.
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It's a misread of the two designs. The 360 pad is more comfortable due to the size of the sticks relative to the size and shape of the handles, yet most incorrectly assume its due to the assymetrical layout.

Proper ergonomic design will finally allow the DS4 to match the 360 pad, regardless of the stick layout.
 
Amir0x said:
you know I always adored the 360 controller, but whether the PS4 controller is slightly better than the XBO controller or the other way around, I can't tell you how happy I am that the DualShock controller is as improved as everyone has said. The 360 controller was a huge advantage Microsoft had over Sony, and playing PS exclusive games could frequently be a downer when you knew the issues the controller had with the loose analog sticks and the R2/L2. The fact that the controller is apparently great now is really exciting.
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This. And if I was Sony I'd be screaming about this and cross-game chat from the mountain tops every chance I got.
 
I don't understand how anyone can praise Sony controllers when they basically glued joysticks to the bottom of a controller rather than redesign the controller around it.

I say this as someone who has 4x the amount of ps3 games compared to 360 games.
 
Saint of Killers said:
I used to think that up until recently but then my left analogue stick went to shit and I had to start playing multiplat games on the ps3. Add to that the shite d-pad and I feel, with some justification, it is no longer worthy of being seen as one of the best pads ever.
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I'll take a 360 controller that is busted/feels like shit after a year than a DS 3 that feels like shit out of the box.

That said I have high hopes for the DS4. Really wish they had a different version with the left stick on top.
 
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