Battlefield 4 Lead Designer Explains Superiority of DualShock 4 Over PS3 and 360 Controllers

Almost everyone that tried the new DualShock 4 controller loved it, and it seems to be the same for Battlefield 4 Lead Core Gameplay designer Alan Kertz, as he explained (rather vehemently) in a series of Tweets.

[badboy776]

"LET'S GET READY TO RUMMM-BBBBLLLE!"

Xbox One Controller=360 Controller

[Abriael]

It does have some small improvements on it, the triggers are better.

[tigertom53]

they also have change the sticks size and feel as well as reduced the dead zone on the x1 controller. they have tighten up the buttons and made the more responsive. they have also reduced the responsive actions on every point just like the new ps4 controller...

[pixelsword]

That's one think I do like about the Dual shock controls; no perceptible dead zones for the sticks.

[zeee]

Well, there are positives and negatives to both the 360 and DS3 controllers.

On DS3, I don't like how it sits on the triggers. I end up throwing grenades by accident if I am putting down my controller.

As for the size of the DS3. I have average size hands. I can understand how someone with BIG hands might have problems with it but it's just perfect for me so I can't ever complain about the size.

As for the 360 controllers, it's mostly good for shooters but on the other hand, I do just fine with my DS3 as well. The biggest problem that 360's got is the D-Pad. Try playing fighting games like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat and you'll know what I mean. It just doesn't work.

So all in all, both current-gen controllers come with their strengths and weakness as well.

Hopefully, with the upcoming editions of these controllers, they will evolve into something better and if the news are anything to go by, I guess everyone will be happy.

Xbox One controllers looks good and so does PS4 with some innovations such as the clickable touchpad. Even though it sits on the triggers but I read on different sites that it works great and doesn't cause an accidental move during a video game or fast forward/backward while watching Amazon Prime/Netflix etc.

It comes down to personal taste and if you are willing to kick any habit. Humans have incredible capability to adapt especially, if they are open to the idea.

I am SUPER excited for the upcoming gen. Hopefully, everyone's gonna be happy and enjoy these designs for years to come. Cheers :)

[BattleTorn]

Since you mentioned rumble. The Xbox One has rumble-triggers, the 360 does not.

[Speider]

Yes, the X1 and the X360 controllers are identical...

Except for a depressed ergonomical D-pad ,
magnetic resonance triggers for heightened sensitivity of input,
tightened dead zones for the newly textured analogue sticks,
four rumble motors for heightened sensoric input (two of which are in the triggers),
better definition of face button depression...
...and the technology to get recognized by the kinect without a big, blue light.

So yeah, there are a couple of differences.

[badboy776]

I was referring to what the Press stated about the controller. Who basically say that the controller is identical.

[falviousuk]

There are numerous changes to the new xbox oad, however as the 360 pad was allready an excellent psf to use im thankful that its not changed a lot.

The ps3 paf on the other hand was hopeless gor myself and one of the reasons I never kept my ps3

[famoussasjohn]

The 360 controller was fantastic, the reliablity of it wasn't that great, I've gone through a handful of controllers over the last few years. About 500+ hours in BF3 I guess can do that lol. I hope the new one is built to last. My Ps3 controller is a tank and is the original one that came with the console.

[LoveSpuds]

Wow, you really like those MS press releases huh?!

[shinrock]

Now you know fact don't go over well on this site.hence so many disagrees.

[3-4-5]

Yea but 360 controller is the most comfortable ever and much better than DS3.....The DS4 is the first PS controller that actually looks intelligent to use and actually has good analog sticks.

The DS3 sticks are too loose, they don't return to "home", they are rounded which was a horrible idea, slippery sometimes.

Having l1,r1,l2,r2 be so cramped together was just not a smart move.

The reason I haven't been a PS gamer the past 15-20 years is specifically because of that awful controller.

The DS4 looks to have fixed nearly everything and I'm actually excited to possible buy my First Playstation because of it.

Not sure how people can't see this.

[LoveSpuds]

Purely subjective chief, plenty of others prefer the DualShock, myself included.

Just because you say the Xbox controller is better doesn't make it so.

As for missing out on all the amazing experiences from Sony over the last 20 years, all I can say is I feel sorry for you because you have missed some the greatest games ever made over one of the most important periods in gaming history.

[T2]

Dumb comment. There are tons of customized controllers out there for ps3... you are lying, never wanted a ps3 and are trolling. Or are just too dumb to look for another controller.

Also you are full of b.s. because you can get used to any controller, I don't really like the 360 one because its heavy and bulky, and too fat,and runs out of batteries, but I still use it all the time and I still don't cry about it.

[YNWA96]

Stop being a stupid fanboy, badboy. Anything over DS3 has to be an improvement. Always felt like I was holding nothing... Seeing as I am getting PS4, looking forward to new DS. As for Xbox 360 controller, it was already a great controller, and hope they have not messed with it too much.

[RM-TatoTiburon]

looks like we loves the DS4 because the DS3 was a shitty controller, according to him

[NateCole]

The fact it stilll does not use internal battries is stupid.

[mark134uk]

ms will have these tweets removed later,as they have a bumming contract with ea

[STREET x KING]

not really, he mostly just says how shitty the ps3 controller is and how good the new one is.

[SatanSki]

Exactly. I already added this shitty page to my website blocker. They wont try to make fool of me again.

[Abriael]

Good call, better screenshot them :P

[Sitdown]

Clearly you did not read the article errr, I mean post about some tweets.... The 360 controller was never mentioned.

[mark134uk]

i did read the article,its a lead designer who works for EA = EA are in bed with microsoft?

hes saying how good the sony controller is

ms normally likes to control the ppl they are in bed with and will probably be affended that there bigging up the sony controller

[porkChop]

Did you read it yourself?

Q: "Is it that much better than the 360 controller? I don't like the Dual Shock."

A: "It's better shape, size, features, texture, triggers, sticks. Everything."

[Sitdown]

Oh I get it now..him saying that the ps4 controller is better than the ps3 controller in your mind is a breach of contract....because clearly individuals from 3rd party developers give up their rights to freedom of speech.

[sAVAge_bEaST]

@sitdown,

q:-Is it that much better than the 360 controller? I don't like the Dual Shock.
a:-It's better shape, size, features, texture, triggers, sticks. Everything.

@mark134uk
Dice has been favorable to ps since bf3,. EA is in bed, not Dice,. even though EA is the umbrella corp.

[Sitdown]

My apologies fellas, I was getting the mobile version of the site on my tablet, so I was missing the part that you all were referencing. Anyhow, if this is the case......looks like I might just be purchasing this for the ps4....hope they make good use if the touch pad.

[humbleopinion]

Why would they do that? If anyone it's Sony and the fanboys who'd have to put up with a lead designer saying now what is clear to everyone in the industry all along:
"I love how the Sony fan boys are defending and old shitty controller"

The PS4 is a marvelous improvement over that old dodgy controller - they fixed pretty much everything broken except for perhaps the shoddy location of the left analog stick - something which became a staple of Sony's tacked on controller design (from the first PS1, where they had to throw in the analogs somehow).

Obviously, you'd expect a shiny new piece of tech to also surpass an aging controller from 2005 like the X360 controller. That's why he also said that compared to the 360 controller "It's better shape, size, features, texture, triggers, sticks. Everything".
After all, it would have been a piss poor design choice if it couldn't have surpassed it!

But the PS4 controller is not competing with the PS3 controller nor the 360 controller. It's competing with the Xbox one, which is yet another marvelous tech improvement.
Microsoft after all started from a much better base product last gen, and improved on all aspects including the amazing addition of pressure inducing triggers, improved ergonomics, the elimination of deadzones in analog sticks and fixing that horrific DPad.

[Joe913]

This has to be the most pathetic argument I ever saw in my life why can't ppl like what they like and say why they may like it without someone bashing them for it why would you bash anyone because the controller they choose or system for that matter I’m a diehard Sony fanboy but do not feel the need to call all the ppl with Xboxes names or ppl who want the xbox one names why can't ppl just respect what another person opinion without getting bent out of shape like I said I am a Sony fanboy I have not had any major problems with my dual shock 3 controller that doesn’t mean I’m defending anything just have a different opinion and experience than you that’s it I’m sick of the needless bashing on both sides I see some out of line Sony fans saying a bunch of nonsense too some of you make gamers look dumb I hope yall are teenagers and younger it would at least explain why.

[humbleopinion]

Punctuation marks. Learn how to use them.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet....

[MizTv]

I can't wait to get my hands on it

[Kurt Russell]

A very apt sentence :)

[WolfOfDarkness]

PS4 controller is going to be revolutionary .

[chrismichaels04]

It's good to hear how impressed people are with the new design of the Sony Dualshock 4. Can't wait to try it myself.

[IBleedXbox]

yea but not the Xbox one controller

[aNDROiD17_]

the dualshock 4 looks like its going to feel amazing

[SockeyBoy]

...like a nice firm side boob.

[RandomDude655]

So it feels like sand?

movie ref

[AlexanderNevermind]

Mmmmmmmmmmm.....firm side boob.

[Sarobi]

I understand he's all for it.. but sheesh he seems a little over the top about it.

" The PS3 DS3 had shit triggers. After PS4 people will say "why the fuck did we use R1 and L1?" "

[GribbleGrunger]

Well, I've got to be honest, the Dualshock3 did have bad triggers. I really could never understand why they were shaped in a way that made it easy for your fingers to slip off. 'Shit' is going too far though.

[Abriael]

Yeah, they were terrible, I really, really hated them, even more for racing games than for shooters, as they forced you to keep them pressed for a long time.

[kneon]

I've never had a problem with my fingers slipping off.

Stop eating Doritos while gaming :)

[GribbleGrunger]

Yeah, keeping them pressed for a long time was troubling. I found myself constantly adjusting my hands and fingers because of slippage. My friend bought those clip on extensions (can't remember the name of them) but those were far too big and bulky and lead to accidental usage.

@kneon: My son has no problem either. It doesn't hurt to make sure that EVERYONE is happy though!

[FITgamer]

@kneon I thought Doritos were an Xbox exclusive?

[moparful99]

I'm a large guy with large hands and the DS3 has been nothing but amazing for me.. I rarely if ever have my fingers slip off the triggers and the I much prefer the placement and feel of the joysticks over the 360 pad.. Can't wait to get my hands on the DS4 and see how it feels..

[LoveSpuds]

I agree, the triggers aren't the best but they to say the controller is shit is ridiculously OTT.

As for playing racers, PS3 users can always opt for a quality racing wheel unlike the 360 users and that ropey (in comparison to the G27) MS wheel.

[Bathyj]

I really hope they arent forcing fire and aim to the no2 triggers. I hate that. Prefer the no1 triggers.

[Ju]

Same here. Seems to be a trend, though. Not liking this one bit!

...And I had the PS4 controller in my hands and I know its better in every way. But still.

[Xof]

I honestly don't like the Dualshock 4. The "bulge" the sensor bar creates at the bottom seems very similar to the battery bulge I've got in the same position on my wireless logitech PC gamepad, and I don't like it--it's uncomfortable because it restricts finger movement and forces you to hold the pad in a very specific way.

[WorldGamer]

Looks can be deceiving, plus, many have said otherwise. I don't think you can make any of the statements you just did, without actually holding the controller.

Unless you were at E3.....

[N8]

Sounds specific I'm guessing you held it. How do the triggers feel?

[porkChop]

I understand what you mean, but it seems like the bulge doesn't go down across the whole back of the controller though. It seems to fade away.

http://i.imgur.com/MrnjnXa....

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/...

Looks like it'll be perfectly fine. The only bulge problem I've ever had was the stupid battery pack position on the wireless 360 controller which was extremely uncomfortable.

[Xof]

Still enough to annoy me, though.

I like to support the controller with my fore or middle finger placed in the center of the bottom side, near the end (right under the mini-USB plug).

Granted, the bulge isn't quite as big as the Logitech controller, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Not like controller design is a deal-breaker. If it were, I'd never have bought an N64. Or a Wii. Or a Wii U.

[Gamesgbkiller]

I wonder how spoting in BF4 works on PS4 for DS4 ?

[Hufandpuf]

never thought about that...

[NegativeCreepWA]

good question, same with the xbox one.

[Hufandpuf]

MS renamed the back button into the Option button. Same functionality, different name.

[Skate-AK]

That's a good point. Maybe tap/click the track pad?

[fourOeightshark]

Well the touchpad is clickable like the analog sticks. In The Last of Us MP we spot people by clicking R3, they could also do something like that.

[Hufandpuf]

since sony made better triggers, R1 might be the spot button.

[My_Outer_Heaven]

A great use for the touch pad would be to flick upwards to drop ammo or medpacks!

[momonaboy]

I like using L1 & R1 to aim and shoot because I like to use my index fingers for those and my middle finger for R2 & L2.

Now I have to take my finger off the trigger to use the L1 & R1 buttons.

[Ju]

I will start writing email bombs to every dev who forces this on us.

[ZBlacktt]

Are we surprised? It looks next Gen in every way.... touch pad, grip backing, added features, totally rebuilt.

Meanwhile the other guys looks pretty much the same as before.

[Abriael]

I'm not, but it's nice to see a "Professional" opinion :D

[ZBlacktt]

I agree and it seems like most all the "Professionals" like what they see in the whole console system.

[slampunk]

The DS3 was rubbish IMO......The new DS4 looks amazing in comparison.....

[M_Prime]

This is considered an ARTICLE??

its merely a few Tweets that were strung together and it doesn't say the PS4 controller is better then XBOX360 controller. The point I seemed to find is that the triggers on the DS3 sucked and on the PS4 controller that is remedied. Xbox always had awesome triggers and that's why I always found it odd when my friend used R1 and L1 in shooters on his PS3 but from what I read I can see that those triggers weren't up to the job like Xbox controllers.

[Kujii]

Took me awhile to get used to using triggers when I picked up my 360. I was used to using R1 and L1 from the PS3. It was eaiser for fire control as you could tap R1 faster when burst firing in BF3.

[M_Prime]

more games should just let you configure the controller as you see fit, that would solve many issues

[moparful99]

I've always fared better using the DS3 in shooters as opposed to the 360's pad.. If "those triggers weren't up to the job like Xbox controllers" then why do I do better with the DS3? The triggers on the 360 pad were stiff to me and I much prefer the joysticks (layout and feel) on the DS3..

[M_Prime]

I actually have a huge issue with the stick layout on the DS3, but I like the xbox controller more. I had a PS1 and PS2 and didn't like the sticks back then so... I guess different strokes for different folks.

but I know the Xbox360 triggers are way better then DS3 triggers

[Popoffboy187718]

Nobody care about pc . If I build something and invest money into it I would have a special bond with it to. Imagine me and my friends lets play 2k14 on my rig lol not look. Console to of follow nobody care about what's in the back nerds!!lol

[ExCest]

I couldn't understand a word after "with it to". After that, you began to lack any form of grammar or coherent idea.

I think you were insulting PC gamers?

[waltyftm]

Love the look, but my fave( touch and feel) is the original PS3 sixaxis, greatest response I have had in a pad.

[Mr Tretton]

ugh, that thing was so cheaply built, and there was no difference in the dpad. the left toggle broke on me after half a year. crackling plastic too.

[waltyftm]

Love it :)

[timl241]

Well I would hope a newly designed controller is better than an 8 year old 360 or PS3 controller. Great article, champ.

[sAVAge_bEaST]

straight from the horses mouth eh??

that is why (bf4+ps4=gr8ness)

[buynit]

Ok.. But how bout the one controler?

[Furi17]

Just give us fully remapable buttons as in PC you lazy devs! grrrrrr!!!!

[Supermax]

Gonna be nice in a helo and look around with kinect with head motion.

[Android]

When i first saw the BF3 gameplay footage i ran to the store and bought a secondhand GTX 580. I was blown away. I completed Halo 4 with my buddies, which not surprisingly offered me a fresh and fun co-op experience. The other day i completed The last of Us, again, I was blown away by the experience.

If your a gamer you wouldn't give a crap about PC or console. Just game on whatever is best, don't be limited by ignorance. If you cant afford it, don't complain about console this and PC that, just complain about being broke instead.

[sourav93]

Funny how this guy says that the N64 controller is better than the PS3 controller. Looking through his tweets, even though he may be praising the DS4, he's really taking a crap all over the DS3. Good to know that lead designer of a game I might get is trashing my console's controller.

[S2Killinit]

The Dualshock3 was a good controller. Its outdated now, but it was such a good controller that it lasted two generations, i think that speaks to the design. Having said that, I can't wait to wrap my hands around the DualShock 4 because it looks awesome and I can't wait.

[cee773]

*3 generations :)

[S2Killinit]

oops (: you are right. Wow come to think of it, that is an amazing feat.

[cell989]

they better allow me to allocate the button functions to mi liking, I don't want to aim with a trigger, L1 is my choice for quick aiming

[mojitality]

hi bro
you can use motionjoy software and play with any controller plus your favorite configuration of bottons.

[cell989]

bubble for you sir

[Mr2Good3]

I still wonder how the hell did Microsoft not include this.

[Furi17]

Why the hell is the PC master race in a new about console pad comparision?

[Ju]

So, if I see that right, more devs want to force us to use R2/L2. To each his own. But I want them on R1/L1 - I want no "distance" lag on a trigger. WTH would I want analog triggers? At least make this an option. There's a reason I don't game on the 360. Don't force this on me! (KZ:SF wants to do the same! I want at least an option).

[PFFT]

Cause they can double click their mouse while playing with the Dualshock 4.

[Bonerboy]

I most definitely like certain games with KB & Mouse, and others just play better with a controller. Man, so "uppity" about whats supposedly "better". IMO it depends on the game.

What is super annoying and has always been a sore spot for me in regards to console controllers is the very limited to nonexistent option to remap buttons to ones personal preferences. That is where they fall way behind.

[Jamaicangmr]

Then why not just allow us to us whatever configuration we want?

[UNGR]

Change the title or remove the article. The title is a blatant lie.

[trouble_bubble]

Meh, I like me my L1/R1. Aiming with a trigger just feel weird

[quenomamen]

Tisk tisk... Looks like I know one developer who wont be getting MS bonus check this year. Thats all right im sure Activision will find a good use for the money. Sure as hell wont be on dedicated servers or anything stupid like that though.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Spin it all you want but the position of the analog sticks sucks for shooters, the triggers are still mushy, and you can see the reflection of the light on the damn controller on your TV screen.

The only advantage it has is that its comfortable to hold.

You know, the more I read stories like this the more I realize that soneone at the top is worried about something, so they're getting the spin machine running early.

[H3ADWOUND81]

Duelshock 4 looks great, can't wait to get my hands on it. Best design of controller, nothing else even comes close.

[no_more_trolling]

its all a matter of personal preference
dont be a blind a$$

i personally prefer the xbox controller due to the layout of the joysticks

[L4NCEYJSC]

I'm really annoyed by this heading!

Admit I have not read the article but if EA lead designers are praising the PS4 so much whether its power, controller etc. Then why have they signed up with Microsoft for time exclusivity.

I know why it's money. So even though the PS4 is the better console they have sided with Microsoft.

Cant wait for the PS4 (pre ordered) but EA are pissing me off now.

I always liked the idea that Microsoft had COD and Sony had Battlefield but nooooooooooo Microsoft waves some cash and EA start salivating.

Thanks EA at lease we know were your priorities lie.

Before anyone starts I'm not a fanboy as I will be getting both consoles but articles like this make me wonder what console should I get BF4 for.

[H3ADWOUND81]

Bf4 4 ps4.. Graphics will look amazing, 50% more raw power = bloody good looking game, it'll be interesting to see just how much better ps4 looks at side of xbone.. Did I mention 50% more? Yeah 50% more.....

[no_more_trolling]

flops teragflops
flops

flopsss
faapp

fap

[H3ADWOUND81]

@hdshatter It can only mean one thing when someone starts quoting teraflops, pc gamer alert... The sad fact is yes ok some pc's out there will be alot better graphics than ps4 but at what price, unfortunately pc gamers are 2nd class citizens when it comes to games.. Look at the GTA V fiasco for instance, having to start a petition just to get rockstar to consider sending it to pc!
I'll stick to console thanx...

Just out of interest, will you be getting either next gen console & why not?

[Tylerd95]

How would you guys feel about helping me with a #PS4ButtonRemapping twitter campaign? In light of battlefield 4 and Killzone now using the triggers to aim/shoot, not everyone is happy about this. That's why i'm proposing an OS-level button remapping for PS4.

As for myself, I need this feature because I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Because of that, I have to hold the controller in an unconventional way, making it really hard to use the triggers effectively. And quite frankly, every game should have full button remapping anyway.

Here's a list of people to tweet at:

Shuhei Yoshida (president of worldwide studios) @yosp (easily the highest level person on twitter and quite accessible)

John Koller (head of hardware marketing) @jpkoller

Guy Longworth (senior vice president PlayStation Brand Marketing) @luckylongworth

Scott Rohde (PlayStation Software Product Development Head for

Sony Worldwide Studios America) @rohdescott

Adam Boyes (Publisher and developer relations at Sony) @amboyes

Shahid Kamal Ahmad (third party relations, europe) @shahidkamal

Nick Accordino (SCEA ISD A. Producer) @nikoro

Phil Rosenberg (SCEA - reports directly to Tretton, thanks GoFreak) @philrosenberg

Whether or not you care about this function, please do help tweet or spread this. It would help me tremendously if implemented, and I know a lot of people are unhappy about the change.

[CaptinzLee]

Ctfuu he fell in love with the Ps4 controller

[GraveLord]

That DICE dev needs to control himself a little. His tweets are a little....aggressive. Calm down! They're just controllers!

[lawgone]

The guy doesn't sound too bright. He managed to insult both Microsoft and Sony in his tweets.

[vigilante_man]

They made the Vita controllers so sweet compared to the PSP so I can only imagine how the DS4 will feel. Regardless of your current choice a heck of a lot of developers are praising the feel and functions of the DS4.

Saw the pictures this week and I was surprised at how ugly the XB1 looks. Hope for gamers it plays like a dream.

As for the comments on this topic relating to not playing a console because of the controller is just crazy - for 360 or PS3. I buy for the games and experience. It took me a while to get used to the dual shock for the PS2 but once you get used to one you can easily adapt to another.

[tommygunzII]

PS4 controller looks great. Xbox controller looks confused, again.
Sitting in one spot for hours with a keyboard is no fun. You can't even lean forward. Keyboards create bumpy asses so I will use a gamepad every time given the chance.

I'm out, gonna go play some Dust514 baby!

[UnHoly_One]

Until Sony puts the left analog stick in the proper location, it will never be better than an Xbox controller. Not even close.

It looks like they addressed a bunch of issues with the DualShock 3, but they seriously need to relocate that left stick.

They are the only game company since the creation of the analog stick that insists on putting the left stick in the lower-inside position instead of the upper position.

[trouble_bubble]

360 controller analog = overrated. Never liked the bumpers either. Awkward to use em, L1/R1 are more comfortable