Superior Controller: PlayStation 4 or Xbox One?

"Both Sony and Microsoft have invested a lot of time in not only carefully designing the console architecture for maximum power and efficiency but also working on improving their controllers. Today we want to look at each controller and the specific changes made to enhance the overall gaming experience for both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One." -BootHammer

[Xsilver]

One Word preference.

[shoddy]

AA batteries
nuff said

[darthv72]

They both use batteries. One is user replaceable with a rechargeable option. The other is rechargeable with....i guess that's it.

[Hatsune-Miku]

wavebird except for x and y buttons.
preferences are up to the player but i do like the touchpad, share , grip and new rumble tech on ps4.

[darthv72]

@hatsune, yeah the wavebird is really nice but shoddy wouldn't like it. it takes....batteries.

[BallsEye]

Rechrgable AA are way better than play and charge kit. All you have to do is swap the batteries and set the used up ones for charging and you can keep on enjoying wireless gaming without the risk of someone tripping on a P&C kit cable and pulling your console down. Also...you don't have to sit 1.5 meter away from the system. Did I mention it is way cheaper??

[UltimateMaster]

Have a PS3, I can charge it with my USB cable.
I also have a 10 feet long cable that I bough for 2 for 2$, a real steal.

Battery on my PS3 controller never had to be replaced, when AA batteries die out a hell of a lot faster, 2 years and you're f*cked.

Xbox One controller takes less than 4 hours to fully charge, the PS3 takes less than 15 minutes with USB Cable. Not to mention the PS4 USB 3.0 will have a much faster charge than USB 2.0, expect less than 4 minutes.

And the length of AA batteries in Game play hours is a fraction of that of built in battery.

They are made built-in because you Really don't need to take them out, ever.

We already know the PS3/Wii U "Pro Controller, not the Gamepad" last well over the 80 hour mark before a recharge. Microsoft has not stated yet how long the batteries will actually last, but if it's anything like the 360, not that long.

[UltimateMaster]

And it's not just a matter of batteries, but overall technology and comfort:

PS4:
-Touch Pad
-9 Motion Sensors "An upgrade from 6"
-Light Bar that interacts with the Augmented Reality Camera
-Built-in Battery
-Comfort grip material in the back
-Enhanced Analog Stick to remove Dead zones
-Revised Triggers for better experience for shooters
-Dual Shock Rumble "Ever wondered why it was called a Dual Shock controller?"

Wii U:
-Touch Screen Interface
-An Augmented Reality Camera in the Back of it
-Very small life Built-in Battery <=== Only 2 hours, THIS one can be problematic, but the charger is included for the controller.
-6 Motion Sensors
-A Frontal Camera
-A Universal Remote Sensor

Xbox One:
-Impulse Triggers "Rumble under the analogs"
-Enhanced Analog Stick to remove Dead zones
X=No batteries built-in
=No more box in the bottom of the controller like on the 360, like that couldn't have been done earlier...
-I think it also has a universial remote like the Wii U. Not 100% sure.
No new innovations technology-wise beyond the rumble

The design on how it looks is purely a matter of personal taste.

Technologically speaking, the Wii U would be the best, but since the battery only last 2 hours, the overall best is the PS4 DS4.

Unless you're cool in keeping the charger near you all the time, then i's the Wii U.

Again: Technologically speaking.

Kinect was not counted in, other-wise, we'd need to add the PS4 camera as well and we're only focused on the controllers.

[AlexanderNevermind]

I have PS3 controllers break from (years of)overuse but I also have never had a battery die on the controller. Those things are tanks. I also use a Razor Sabertooth for PC gaming so I am very comfortable with the 360 controller as well. As the op said its all personal choice.

I have to say I was better at MP shooters with the PS3 controller so Sony would be my lead choice.

[pedrof93]

Ps4 battery ?

Fucked ?

When ?

[hiphopisdead]

not a good comparison. most items apply to both... comparison should be more like:

Aside from personal preference of how they feel when you're actually holding/using them, from paper specs and hands on articles:

Shared (not exclusive) features:
-Comfort grip
-Enhanced D-Pad, Triggers, Buttons, Analog Stick
-Rumble
-etc... both claim to have improved everything...

Differences
PS4 Built-in Battery vs. AA Batteries
PS4 Light Bar (interacts with optional camera)
PS4 Motion Sensors
PS4 Touch Pad
PS4 Share Shortcut Button
XB ONE Trigger Feedback

Conclusion is... before we have a chance to try both... on paper... the PS4 controller looks a lot more impressive.

[darthv72]

both have made some real improvements to be more comfortable and precise.

Neither one is reinventing the wheel but both are just making the ride better in the overall sense.

My hands are ready!

[Eonjay]

Impossible to tell unless you have actually held both... features with the PS4 takes the cake with touchpad. Although I've heard that rumble triggers are also nice.

[Paytaa]

I personally think both controllers look amazing. They both improve on their predecessors and are probably the 2 most adaptive controllers in the industry.

[UncleGermrod]

Seems odd everyone is talking about the new rumble tech in the ps4....the xbox one controller has the new rumble tech in the triggers. I always preferred the xbox controller and replaceable battery option, but the dualshock 4 is looking real nice i have to say

[bviperz]

If you EVER owned a 360, then you know one the first things that goes is the the controller. I have gone through numerous controllers and it doesn't matter, sooner than later the damn controller will die, and you will continuously press that damn middle button to reconnect the damn thing until eventually it will not connect anymore. So you have to buy another one. And another one. I still have the original controller from my 'fatty' PS3, even though the left controller rubber has worn off. That's the difference to me.

[mhunterjr]

I still have two launch 360 controllers... I don't know anyone who shares your experience.

[titletownrelo]

most innovative = PS4
best? = preference

[PunisherRevenge]

We won't know until we actually use them both so this article is a waste of time.

[xHeavYx]

Typical "which controller is better? They are both equally impressive" article.
Bottomline, if you like Xbox, you like that controller, if you like the PS4, then you like the PS controller

[B-radical]

First time I have agreed with you! aha

[boeso]

Its simpler than that: if you buy the Ps4 you get a DS4, if you buy an X1 you get an xbox controller. Solved.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

I agree, except I've been seeing a lot of people who didn't game on PS3 because they don't like the Dualshock 3, say that they love every inch of the 4. I've never had an issue using the DS3, but I have my criticisms, so I'm really anxious to get my PS4.

[Volkama]

@KwietStorm, That almost describes me. I didn't go so far as avoiding gaming on the PS3, but I really didn't like the controller. I spent the whole of that generation kinda wishing Sony had stuck with the boomerang (something that looked so silly was surely ergonomic and comfortable?!)

The playstation finally having a controller I like is one of the things I'm most looking forward to for next gen.

[MineHaxx]

Finally,The first uh-trollish message of xHeavYx!

[xHeavYx]

Sorry if stating facts offend you ;)

[MineHaxx]

Finally,The first un-trollish message of xHeavYx!

[slampunk]

@heavy

That is the best comment i've ever seen you post ....couldn't detect fanboy anywhere!!!.... good job!

[bonafide732]

matter of choice i would think. we'll see in a couple of months what mine is

[LoveOfTheGame]

It's easily the new Xbox One Dualshock 7, the last controller you will ever need.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Until the 8 comes out.

[PFFT]

Yep its all about preference. Both look great both will have improvements from their previous versions.

[solidjun5]

"Superior Controller: PlayStation 4 or Xbox One?"

Whatever you feel more comfortable with. It's all preference.

[byeGollum]

Theres no such thing as a superior controller, at least, not in this realm.

[Mystogan]

Not in this Gen*

This time both are very good controllers. But 360 controller was better lastgen.

[MasterCornholio]

I'll say......

You know what I have to use both first before I make my decision.

Nexus 7 2013

[GrandpaSnake]

the superior controller is the one more people use... and that will be the ds4

[Mystogan]

You must be a scientist or something.

[Pillsbury1]

That is a matter of opinion and preference.

[Rikuson1]

What I've been hearing from people, who've actually used them. "If you hate the 360 controller you'll hate the X1 controller more." "If you loved the 360 controller you'll like the 360 controller more than the X1 controller." "If you like the Dualshock 3 you'll love the Dualshock 4 more" and lastly "if you hated the Dualshock 3 controller or PlayStation controllers in general, you'll hate the Dualshock 4 the least."
At the end of the Day once again nothing is factual here it's all opinionated and preference driven.

[Deadpoolio]

Actually they have kind of stated that it's the opposite with the DS....People who hated the DS3 love the DS4....Just like I know people who love the 360 but like the way the DS4 feels compared to the One80 controller......Either way it's all subjective to personal preference

[KwietStorm_BLM]

That's what I've been reading the most.

[WeAreLegion]

We should just be thankful that both systems have incredible controllers next generation. :)

[XboxFun]

I prefer the Xbox controller, but as Heavy and others have said:

it's all a matter of opinion.

[My_Name_BTW_Is_Dante]

Xbox One because it's not a controller with a bunch of gimmicks slapped all over it. No need for a casual share button, big light on the front, or a touchpad. It's just a hardcore controller.

I prefer the PS3 controller over both of them though.

[Deadpoolio]

Yeah rumble in the triggers that's not at all a gimmick slapped into a controller......Not one bit cause I know so many people who often thought how much better their current controller would be IF it just had rumble inside the triggers

[Sitdown]

What makes the rumble in the triggers a gimmick?

Never mind, looked it up.
-an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

[Mystogan]

Rumble triggers are definitely not a gimmick.

[MysticStrummer]

The XBox controller is designed around one big gimmick... the asymmetrical analog sticks.

We won't really know whether the things you listed are useless gimmicks until we see what developers do with them, but having used the XBox, PS2, 360, and PS3 controllers, those asymmetrical sticks are a definite gimmick in my view. Pure marketing BS.

Either way, as others have said the final answer is individual preference.

[4logpc]

How is asymmetrical a gimmick??

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Asymmetrical sticks is a gimmick..?

[MysticStrummer]

Yes. They are. Anyone who believes that configuration gives any sort of ergonomic advantage is very gullible and susceptible to marketing BS.

[ShinMaster]

"casual share button"?

You do know the Xbox One also has a feature like this, except it's more intuitive on PS4 because of the Share button.

[kizzle32]

What a bad title for this article...I expected them to really have some feedback that one is indeed "better" per-say, all they did were just compare features and say "either or, it's a preference"

[the worst]

not judging until i get my hands on both controllers

[pyramidshead]

Definitely down to preference. It only took one generation on an Xbox console for people to start preferring their controller. Depends what you gamed most on.

However considering Sony took a lot of stuff to heart about the DS3 being uncomfortable in its entire design and did thorough redesigns and tests for the PS4 one I think the DS4 may be the underdog controller of this gen.

[BootHammer]

Well said. It all obviously comes down to personal preference and we will definitely see at launch which gamepad gets the best reception. I'm more comfortable with the 360 controller layout currently and like the new improvements made to the Xbox One Controller, but as you stated, Sony has put a lot of effort into getting developer feedback in creating the DS4 and that's exciting.

[Golden_Mud]

All of them have there own thing :

DualShock 4 advantages :
* Touch Pad
* Built-in Motion

Xbox One's Controller advantages :
* Better design from my experience and many others
* Built-in Motor Bumper

[RandomGamer]

OMG who cares , all of us who aren't blind fanboys/girls know they will both be good controllers.

[BootHammer]

I guess you didn't read the article b/c I stress the fact both are great controllers. I own all systems (from retro to the latest) and this article wasn't written to trash either controller. The point was to show how many improvements and new features each gamepad has and how both sides win due to this fact.

Every one has their opinion or favorites, that's what makes discussions interesting. This is by no means a fan boy piece, it was just to see who has used which controller so far and which one left the best impression at this point. It's all in good fun guys ;)

[Perjoss]

Keyboard & Mouse

[BootHammer]

LOL, for the best precision in a FPS I would totally agree. But for just about anything else I prefer a controller.

[ShinMaster]

Mouse is best for point and click action. FPS, RTS, MMOs etc.

Keyboard is abysmal for everything else. WASD for character movement is very outdated. Keys overall, aren't as intuitive as a controller.

[Perjoss]

It was just a little joke really, because I knew people would be in here arguing about which is better, I dunno are they? I didn't bother reading any comments. Anyway depending on my mood I sometimes play FPS on my PC with a controller, there I said it.

Yeah I agree that the keyboards WASD movement method is seriously outdated and that the analog ability you get to walk forward and slowly accelerate to full speed combined with the less jittery aiming on the controller to be a more cinematic experience. People cannot simply flick their head around 180 degrees to look behind, not as fast as you can with a mouse anyway.

[tigertom53]

Xbox One for vibration motors in the triggers provide precise fingertip feedback one of the best next-gen features and high speed data transfer enables clearer chat audio then PS4 which still using same technology. overall the design is very sold and feels world better then last generation..

[4logpc]

These comparisons are pointless imo.

its not like you have a choice of controller with your system.

if I could pick a system then a controller, it would be a different story.

[BootHammer]

Many have both reserved so then it does make sense. You then have two systems and just might prefer one controller yet like the other system better or vice versa. I know I have systems I really like but disagree with the controller layout or feel.

[Supermax]

For fps games x1 for anything else ps4

[ContraCode]

Have you had time with either controller? Just curious why you don't think the DS4 will be good for FPS's, especially with how much work Sony has put into getting the controller over to the devs for feedback.

[ShinMaster]

DS4 was designed with FPS in mind.

[isarai]

well that's up to the individual

[robotgargoyle]

Prefer 360 pad over DS3, but DS4 "looks" more comfortable than the xb1 pad. Hands-on will be determining factor however. Gimmicks/ features are somewhat meaningless compared to button responsiveness, analog stick/ d-pad accuracy.
DS4 has sixaxis, which imho, has never been used meaningfully. Touchpad has potential. Bluetooth is great- no batteries to buy.

Call me skeptical, but i don't see xb1's "rumble triggers" as a "game changer". There really hasn't been any real evolution in "rumble" features, but while allegedly increasing immersion, I know a few people who disable it to save battery or improve accuracy. I don't mind buying batteries once in awhile because I seldom play local coop. I still love playing with fam in the same room, but it has been roughly relegated to holidays and occasional gatherings.

[BattleTorn]

Let's see.

With Playstation I have to buy two so that I can have one charged at all times.

And with Xbox I need to buy rechargable AAs.

(don't get my started on P&C kits, ugh)

[AlexanderNevermind]

PS controller keeps its charge forever. Also to be honest you can play while you charge so you do not have to buy a 2nd one.

I have a question, can someone estimate how much one spends on batteries for a 360 controller over the life of a system. Seems kind of staggering if you play as much as I do.

[BattleTorn]

Using a wireless controller while it's plugged in is simply not an option.

I would mention the fact that I would never sit 6ft from my console, but someone would surely mention I could get a usb extension cord.

So I'll leave it as a blanket statement: when my wireless controller dies, I want to continue using my wireless controller - by any means - and on PS that means buying a second.
(And if Xbox didn't support AAs - it would mean buying two p&c kits)

[ShinMaster]

It'll take hours before your controller dies.

I've never played with my DS3 controller plugged in. It charges before and after I play. And if it does die while you're playing, then maybe you've been playing for too long and should take a break.

[Hicken]

Um, no you don't. I think there's been just once in the five years I've had a PS3 that the controller died in use, and that was after something like ten days of playing without charging it.

You say you want to continue using your controller by any means necessary. Well, that would mean plugging the damn thing up if it needs charging in the middle of play. Which would be different from- if it's like the 360- having to re-sync the controller after replacing the batteries.

And let's not forget that the PS4 controller charges while the system is off, an improvement over the PS3. So it'll recharge while you're not using it.

I won't reference the ten foot USB cable I have since it didn't come with my PS3, though I certainly could if you were to try and include the charge and play kit, as you'd come out far cheaper just buying a long USB cable. And according to reports, USB 3.0 will charge faster, so that's less time on the cable.

I keep hearing about how hard you'd have to replace the whole controller if a DS3 stops holding a charge, but that pretty much never happens, and it's cheap and easy to replace the internal battery if it DOES fail. Likewise, this argument about AA batteries being better is silly; if that were the case, why wouldn't cell phones and tablets and laptops use them?

Most of all, I'm curious: how many times would you have to swap out the batteries in the 360 or XB1 controller on a single charge of a DS3 or DS4?

[BattleTorn]

You misunderstood, I meant "by any means" *wirelessly.*

Which is why I own two DS3s.

"this argument about AA batteries being better is silly; if that were the case, why wouldn't cell phones and tablets and laptops use them?"

To be fair, most of those product do have *removable/replacable* batteries. (with exception of iPhones for example)

"Most of all, I'm curious: how many times would you have to swap out the batteries in the 360 or XB1 controller on a single charge of a DS3 or DS4?"

I would say it's 1-1, but definitely in favor of the DS3 battery over AA. What's more impressive than the battery life duration of the DS3, is the weight! The entire thing weighs about the same at the 360-rechargable-pack alone. lol.

My Astro-40s use 3 rechargable AAAs - and those need replacing almost every few hours.

Needless to say, I have lots of rechargable energizers, and regulars, to prevent being without. (And I also buy AA/AAAs at work at cost)

[jmc8888]

Lame article.

Good they list the improvements of both, nothing wrong with that.

But the whole point of the article was to declare (from the author's perspective) the better controller.

Instead they punt with a...we'll know in November crap.

Perhaps then they should have waited until November to publish the article then.

[xKugo]

It's called preference people...
Google it

[Relientk77]

Dual Shock 4

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Xbox One

They both have their flaws but the ps4 has inferior analog sticks, an annoying light bar and squishy triggers.

Ironically ps4 controller is very comfortable to hold despite its major flaws.

[ContraCode]

It's a tough call. Both have vastly improved. The DS4 looks to definitely be in good shape for FPS's and the devs are very positive about it. November can't get here soon enough. It will be interesting to see come launch which controller is more popular.

[BootHammer]

Very true, it is an extremely tough call with so many improvements on each controller. I don't believe I've ever seen so many enhancements made "controller wise" from one gen to the next. Very exciting!

[spoonard]

You CANNOT spin the Xbox controller requiring batteries in a positive way.

[Wranglersofttop]

I got big hands so the dualshock kind of cramps my hands. (Dualshock 3 obviously.) I do prefer the Xbox controller. BUT I'm getting Ps4. You can buy xbox themed controllers for playstation. ;)

[Max-Zorin]

It all comes down to preference. Unfortunately it's against N4G jurisdictions to acknowledge that.

[SynestheticRoar]

Only inbred with two left hands would pick the X1. No fan boy shit real talk. I'm a gamer I play all systems, plus I own a killer PC rig.

[H0RSE]

I was never fan of PS controllers, even before there was an xbox controller to compare it to. Now that there is, I hands down prefer the xbox controller, mainly due to the location of the LS above the d-pad, rather than below like on PS. The overall feel of the xbox controller, even the original "Duke," is also much more comfortable than the PS controller. The controller design is actually one of the big reasons why I will never even buy a PS.

I was also never a fan of how PS uses shapes instead of letters/numbers on their buttons. Virtually every single controller before PS, used either letters or numbers for the buttons, so I never really got why they thought triangle, circle, and square made sense...

That being said, I prefer m/kb over both.