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[Men_in_Boxes]

Simple question. It feels the market generally preferred the XBox One controller to the DualShock 4 last gen. Curious to see if the DualSense is the new market leader (and if so, by how much).

Note: I've omitted the Elite Series controllers by Microsoft because they seem to fill a pretty specific niche in terms of price and features that standard controllers don't compete with. I've included the Nintendo Wavebird because it was at least priced relatively competitively.

Edit: Curious to hear if people with larger hands prefer the DualShock or DualSense over XBox controllers. Or vice versa.

 

[Barnabot]

Does the Wii U Pro controller count? Because if doesn't then I'll go with Xbox one/ Series X controller instead.

 

[Phase]

Xbox 360 controller.

 

[p_xavier]

Does the Wii U Pro controller count? Because if doesn't then I'll go with Xbox one/ Series X controller instead.

That is my favorite controller ever. The Wii U Pro controller is perfect.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Does the Wii U Pro controller count? Because if doesn't then I'll go with Xbox one/ Series X controller instead.

Crap, I should have added that one. The right thumbstick position makes it an interesting choice. I'll see if I can add it to the poll...

 

[HE1NZ]

DS4 is very bad. Can't tell about "DualSense". Xbox One controller is a preferred controller for PC use.

 

[OsirisBlack]

I'm using my dual sense for everything right now it's probably my favorite controller ever, I love the Nintendo switch pro but that's not standard it would be second but the xbsx controller takes second place being a standard issue controller.

 

[Edgelord79]

I too would vote for the 360 controller.

 

[dcmk7]

For pure nostalgia reasons my vote would be for the N64 controller.

 

[stn]

My favorites are the SNES, and XBox 360 controllers.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

For pure nostalgia reasons my vote would be for the N64 controller.

Personally, I prefer the DualShock 4 to the Series X base controller (have yet to try the DualSense) as I feel like the sticks on the XBox controllers feel too nubby and cheap.

The DualShock 4 sticks feel much "bigger" with a wider range of motion.

 

[Nymphae]

I like Sony's layout, always have. I would have said DS4 until I got my PS5.

Dual Sense all the way. The paddles just fit your hand comfortably now, picking up a DS4 now feels super awkward, mostly in the paddle underside, it's just not a pleasant form factor for most hands I think.

Which is odd because I just never noticed it before, it didn't feel bad until I had tried something that filled the palm a bit better.

 

[Low Moral Fibre]

Depends on hand size but the Xbox One & Series controller is the most comfortable for me and I use it on PC as well.

Dual Sense is pretty much there though for comfort (asymmetrical sticks make no difference to me & I can use either) and if developers can figure out how to use the triggers and haptics so they are not just an annoyance I would definitely just buy all my multi-platforms on PS5. The new features are used amazingly well in Astros so the potential is there but in every other PS5 game I have tried I've ended up disabling the triggers.

 

[Before We Fade]

Xbox controllers are king.

 

[Jigsaah]

Xbox Series X is almost perfect. Subtle differences but didn't fix what wasn't broke. Still think DS4 has the best Dpad in the industry. Playing fighting games on Xbox Series X controller is still not a thing in my opinion

 

[FrankWza]

The DualShock 4 with back button was pretty damn awesome but the analog sticks are lacking. Dualsense fixed the sticks and shape but doesn't have back button yet. Where are our back buttons for dualsense Sony?

 

[TintoConCasera]

Probably biased, but

It fits your hands perfectly, best ergonomics ever.

 

[FrankWza]

I too would vote for the 360 controller.

The 360 wired controller was best of that gen because it had the flat back

 

[Allnamestakenlol]

I got a XSX controller recently and it's fine. Not a huge improvement over the x360 controller, imo, and even a negative or two (Seems smaller? Also, really don't like the clicky d-pad.) in comparison. PS dual shock controllers are also fine, but even after 20+ years I still don't much care for the symmetrical stick layout. So, yea, I'd say the x360 is still my fave non-enthusiast controller.

 

[SpiceRacz]

 

[Saber]

I'm impressed there are people actually praising 360 Xbox controller. It was the shittiest controller I ever bought and only bring me headaches of how much trouple it causes me.

As for the controller I would vote for either PS4 controller or GC controller. I still have a soft spot for GC controller, it was a pleasure to play on it.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

I like Sony's layout, always have. I would have said DS4 until I got my PS5.

Dual Sense all the way. The paddles just fit your hand comfortably now, picking up a DS4 now feels super awkward, mostly in the paddle underside, it's just not a pleasant form factor for most hands I think.

Maybe I'm too old but I can't understand when people say the DualShock 4 is "uncomfortable or awkward to hold". I just picture this when I hear it...

Compared to controllers from the 80s and 90s, every controller today feels like heaven in terms of ergonomics for me. I have slight preferences but I can't understand when people use such harsh words to describe modern controllers who have so much R and D put into them today.

 

[Slings and Arrows]

Op how old are you? Why does your poll only go back a few gens?

My pick would be a toss up between Duke and DC controller. The VMU, while largely pointless, was a cool little device

Non-standard controller is hands down the Xbox Elite controller. It's the best controller i've ever seen or used.

 

[Spukc]

Snes gamepad.
100% nintendium.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Op how old are you? Why does your poll only go back a few gens?

My pick would be a toss up between Duke and DC controller. The VMU, while largely pointless, was a cool little device

Non-standard controller is hands down the Xbox Elite controller. It's the best controller i've ever seen or used.

I think I'm trying to find the general winner.

I could have listed a bunch of older controllers but I don't think they have a real shot at winning this poll. Certainly they have appeal to specific people though.

 

[Jeeves]

It's the SNES controller. Obviously lacks a couple of features standard in today's controllers (just a couple though), but it's the best at what it does. Finest d-pad ever made.

My other favorites are the GCN and Xbox 360. Both very comfortable. GCN controller in particular I love for still having octagonal gates for its control sticks, and being able to tell which button your thumb is on just by touch. And don't even get me started on those lovely L and R buttons with their satisfying analog/digital hybrid action. Just a shame about the d-pad, really.

 

[Slings and Arrows]

I think I'm trying to find the general winner.

I could have listed a bunch of older controllers but I don't think they have a real shot at winning this poll. Certainly they have appeal to specific people though.

What about the Atari controller? A stick and one red button. What more do you need?

 

[MDSLKTR]

Dualsense feels premium for a standard controller. Massive props for adding smoothing rings around the sticks like on the elite. It's only missing a back button attachement to be perfect.

 

[TintoConCasera]

It's the SNES controller. Obviously lacks a couple of features standard in today's controllers (just a couple though), but it's the best at what it does. Finest d-pad ever made.

My other favorites are the GCN and Xbox 360. Both very comfortable. GCN controller in particular I love for still having octagonal gates for its control sticks, and being able to tell which button your thumb is on just by touch. And don't even get me started on those lovely L and R buttons with their satisfying analog/digital hybrid action. Just a shame about the d-pad, really.

Agree 100%. The snes dpad was amazing.

What happened with Nintendo and dpads? They went from the best on the market, to small or shitty ones to just... Not having.

 

[sunnysideup]

Japanese saturn controller

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

It's the SNES controller. Obviously lacks a couple of features standard in today's controllers (just a couple though), but it's the best at what it does. Finest d-pad ever made.

Imagine if Nintendo, Sony, or MS launched a modern console with a SNES controller.

 

[Reizo Ryuu]

xs controller > x360 controller >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> xb1 controller > dreamcast controller > dualshock 3 > everything else

 

[Malakhov]

Xbox controller, waiting for 8bitdo dongle to be compatible with the series x one to upgrade PC controller. Using switch pro controller meanwhile

 

[SEGA_2012]

SEGA Saturn.

 

[Nymphae]

Maybe I'm too old but I can't understand when people say the DualShock 4 is "uncomfortable or awkward to hold". I just picture this when I hear it...

Compared to controllers from the 80s and 90s, every controller today feels like heaven in terms of ergonomics for me. I have slight preferences but I can't understand when people use such harsh words to describe modern controllers who have so much R and D put into them today.

Dude I've been a playstation gamer since the first one, as I said I found the DS4 perfectly fine and my favourite controller up until just this year. But I can't help but notice the underside of the paddles doesn't actually hug my hands as well as the dual sense paddles. I just put them both in my hand and it's very subtle but super noticeable after playing PS5 a lot - I can notice it mainly where my middle finger rests on the back of the controller. Both great but I prefer the dual sense shape now.

 

[octiny]

Any Xbox Controller after the Duke.

Like butter in the hands. It just works.

 

[Spukc]

whoever here dares to say dualshock 3 or 4 is a good controller is full of shit.
i have exactly 3 broken dual shock 3's and 5 broken dual shock 4's

when they work i guess they are ok. But fuck me that quality XD

out of the 12 SNES pads i have they still all work.

 

[Trogdor1123]

I like the ps5 one, the haptic stuff can get a bit old though

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Dude I've been a playstation gamer since the first one, as I said I found the DS4 perfectly fine and my favourite controller up until just this year. But I can't help but notice the underside of the paddles doesn't actually hug my hands as well as the dual sense paddles. I just put them both in my hand and it's very subtle but super noticeable after playing PS5 a lot - I can notice it mainly where my middle finger rests on the back of the controller. Both great but I prefer the dual sense shape now.

Yeah, I gotcha. I guess I just reacted to certain words. My mindset is "x is less optimal than y" but humans are the spice of life and I thank you for your take.

 

[Jeeves]

Imagine if Nintendo, Sony, or MS launched a modern console with a SNES controller.

I mean, I stated pretty explicitly that it's the best for 2D games. Not sure why you'd try to imagine playing 3D games with it. Point is, it perfected 2D gaming to a greater degree than any controller has been able to perfect 3D gaming. And that's worth commending.

 

[DrJohnGalt]

Xbox for sure. Beefier than the PS controllers. Plus the staggered thumbsticks are a lot more comfortable. Also hate the way PS has start/select buttons flush with the controller face.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Imagine if Nintendo, Sony, or MS launched a modern console with a SNES controller.

Well they released the Snes Mini with it, and that sold pretty nicely.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

I mean, I stated pretty explicitly that it's the best for 2D games. Not sure why you'd try to imagine playing 3D games with it. Point is, it perfected 2D gaming to a greater degree than any controller has been able to perfect 3D gaming. And that's worth commending.

I'm an idiot half the time. My bad broski.

 

[Jeeves]

Well they released the Snes Mini with it, and that sold pretty nicely.

Dude I was so happy that they nailed the replica SNES controllers for that.

And then I was confused that even though they still remember how to make a good d-pad, the Switch Pro d-pad is still plagued with issues. Still confused. Otherwise it could go toe to toe with the 360 controller.

 

[turtlepowa]

After they fixed the only weakness, the D-Pad, XSX controller for sure.
[h3][/h3]

 

[Rockondevil]

Easily Xbox. Has been for a long time now. Switch Pro is second for me, though the triggers I'd prefer to be swapped out.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Dude I was so happy that they nailed the replica SNES controllers for that.

And then I was confused that even though they still remember how to make a good d-pad, the Switch Pro d-pad is still plagued with issues. Still confused. Otherwise it could go toe to toe with the 360 controller.

They made it just the same. Nintendo can really nail things when they put enough care on things. Hell, maybe it was the nostalgia overdose at that moment, but I could swear that they even smell the same as the old ones.

And yeah, Nintendo dpads kinda suck now. I haven't tried the pro controller but imo since the GC/DS era they aren't as good as before.

 

[PropellerEar]

DS4, can't tell about DualSense since I haven't managed land a PS5 yet.

 

[kuncol02]

I got a XSX controller recently and it's fine. Not a huge improvement over the x360 controller, imo, and even a negative or two (Seems smaller? Also, really don't like the clicky d-pad.) in comparison. PS dual shock controllers are also fine, but even after 20+ years I still don't much care for the symmetrical stick layout. So, yea, I'd say the x360 is still my fave non-enthusiast controller.

It's exactly same size (sticks are smaller in diameter) and if you prefer that totally useless x360 d-pad then you are crazy. X360 pad is slightly more heavily profiled from underside,

 

[Tickle My Tendies]

I voted DualSense. After using it, going to other controllers is a noticeable difference.

I still use my white Xbox One S controller for my PC though, great gamepad.