Next-Gen Controllers: PS4 vs. Xbox One

Vincent Deshaies from GameFocus has gotten his hands on both the PS4 and Xbox One controllers. He shares his thoughts and breaks down everything by category to find out which next-gen controller is the best.

[user7402931]

ive had the luxury of holding a ps4 dualshock 4 and that thing melts around your fingers like a glove. i dont think there could possibly be a better controller. i also recall how amazing the springs bounced upn l2 r2.

[theWB27]

Shocker you'd think that. Truly a shoc....

[MasterCornholio]

Your just jealous.

;)

Motorola RAZR i

[user7402931]

DUAL SHOCK get it right.

[theWB27]

: )...really i am. Too long a wait.

[stage88]

Great review!

Looks like the DualShock 4 will be the 'go to' controller next generation.

[gaelic_laoch]

I bet you have not washed your hands since!

[Gozer]

Nothing worse than a controller with someones ball sweat all over it. Wash your hands please.

[user7402931]

i swear to god man i wanted to play a game with it but ill have to wait to fully experience it. no joke i cannot see what they could possibly do any better.

[badchestpains]

Did the bumpers or triggers feel more appropriate for shooting? After playing BBF3 on my ps3 so much it feels wrong using the triggers on my 360. Hoping the bumpers are still as good.

Both controllers look good though. Think the dualshock is a bit more exciting with speaker + touchpad imo, though the ones rumble triggers sound nice too.

[user7402931]

i use both of my index fingers for fps games, but transitining fron L1 and L 2 was remarkably seemless. the triggers are tight and almost bouncy in a way, but firm at the same time. it feels really great.

[kingPoS]

I feel the same way.
I'm hooked on L1 & R1 too.

[zeksta]

Thank you Mr. Schwarzenegger!

But seriously, I've had the chance to get my hands upon the Dualshock 4 and I can say it's truly an amazing piece of technology to grip, it feels sturdy and so much more well designed in comparison to the DS3, it's honestly almost perfect in every aspect to me.

[black0o]

i grow up with DS, it feel natural to me

so DS4 FTW!

[BallsEye]

I used sony controllers since the day psone was released. Loved the controller but once I've tried 360 controller I never wanted to go back. Really, it's just that good IMO. Can't wait to get my hands on XO one, it just looks so...quality!

[black0o]

try takken or KOF with x360 gamepad it sucks .. DS is more universal the x360 in my opinion

[Gozer]

I used sony controller as well and the 360 controller is miles better. The thumbsticks of sonys controllers couldnt be any less ergonomic. My thumb would go numb after long play sessions with a sony controller. I think the author of this article is looking for some kind of approvement, that why he posted his story on this site. That and ad money.

The 360 controller is tried and true and should be a joy on the X1 with all the added features. Cant wait to feel rumble in those triggers.

[KonsoruMasuta]

360 controllers are alright. They are just horrible for fighting games.

[shoddy]

AA batteries nuff said

[Vinc360]

You may be in for a surprise once you try this one! It doesn't feel all that familiar :)

[jessupj]

I tried cod zombies once using the xbox controller.

I couldn't get used to it. I found the offset joy sticks extremely annoying.

Very much looking forward to the improved symmetrical D4.

[Vinc360]

If you guys have ANY question you'd like me to answer (I wrote the article), please ask away! I'll be in the comments. Obviously I can't really answer directly on here because of the bubbles limit, but I'll be in the comments under the article itself. Thanks! :)

[user7402931]

how much would a second dualshock 4 cost?

[Vinc360]

59.99 is the MSRP, please ask your questions on the actual gamefocus website as I can't answer them all here.

[p0tat0stix]

Thank you for writing such an objective and unbiased article, and especially since it's such a matter of personal opinion!

I really appreciate such a clear-headed and well written article. I'm excited for both, as I may end up purchasing both :)

[OneAboveAll]

I like that the X1 controller can be charged using any micro usb wire.

My phones wire will work great.

[us_army]

^^ After you purchase a seperate battery pack

[Fergusonxplainsall]

Us_army speaks the truth and disagrees come in..

Charge and play cost $24.99 for XB1.

Stop making up false positives to cater to a money hungry game console.

[OneAboveAll]

Why am I getting disagrees? It is a fact you cab charge the controller via any micro usb cord.

[tigertom53]

He didn't include Connectivity Xbox One new WIFI Direct 20X the bandwidth of the previous controller. It going to be really nice when it comes to Gamer Headphones no need to attach any hardware on the back of the console or have batteries in the head set, all you have to do is plug it into the controller, plus they are 40 dollars cheaper...

[Petro]

New DualShock has 3.5 mm headphone jack built right in, use any audiophile headphones you want. :) My V-Moda M-100 is ready.

[tigertom53]

Sorry guys but you can not send game audio through your ps3 or ps4 controller like you can with the xbox one. current generation console only send and receive microphone information.. xbox one can send 7.1 audio to the controller and to the headset because of the new WiFi direct bandwidth and no need for Bluetooth or any other device that plug into the back of the current generation consoles...

[tigertom53]

Microsoft told Game Informer that the new Xbox controller features a “high speed data port” which will allow for new peripherals to be used -- including stereo headsets -- through the controller. Let’s hope Turtle Beach is looking at that functionality.
http://www.gameinformer.com...

Polk Audio 4shot Gaming HeadPhones uses this feature.
http://www.polkaudio.com/pr...

[edgeofsins]

@Tigertom53.

PS4 uses Blutooth. It can send audio through the controller.

You don't need to plug a blutooth device into any current generation console. That is what blutooth is about...

Edit: Not to mention the PS4 controller has a speaker inside of it..

[tigertom53]

You must not have a Gamer headphones for the current generation of consoles. Go to any wireless gamer Headphone website they all require a transceiver module in the back of the console to send the audio to the headset. I talked with Polk Audio the said that all the game audio with the Xbox One can be sent through the controller require no additional hook up in the back of the console or additional receiver equipment in the headset...

[us_army]

My biggest gripe when I held the X1 controller was the resistance and kick back of the triggers. It felt way too light, and it needed a better bounceback. Did you experience this too?

But yeah the Dualshock is remarkable

[Vinc360]

It was a little jarring at first, but I got used to it and appreciated how much more precise the triggers feel.

[KILLNSFUN]

One thing that they forgot... ps4 controller is for the PS4, xbone controller is for the xbone. Winner: PS4 controller. Yep, that was just for trolling's sake.

[GhostPanther]

The DualShock 4 looks like a HUGE improvement, but i will have to go with the Xbox One controller

[OneAboveAll]

The left stick being in a natural position for the thumb is a plus for Xbox controllers. Very comfortable.

[W1ldWolf]

so the right thumb stick is in an unnatural position then on the xbox controllers by this logic...?

[OneAboveAll]

Yes. It is in an un-natural position. The human thumb is angled up when at rest. Not outward.

[Rockstar]

@ OneAboveAll

That is absolutely not true,

When I hold my hands in a controller grip position my thumbs tend to rest where the sticks would be on a DS.

I would have to angle my left thumb up to get to the stick on an xbox controller.

[ShinMaster]

So then the Wii U's Pro controller would be the best one thanks to its simmetry. It's a shame it feels cheap though.
Oh well, DS4 hear I come!

[MRMagoo123]

"The left stick being in a natural position for the thumb is a plus for Xbox controllers. Very comfortable." thats complete BS put your hands in a controller holding position and you would see you thumbs go the way the thumbsticks are on the DS4.

[kingPoS]

I guess that's like being left or right handed.
Not many are ambidextrous with both.

IE: Which is your mouse hand. I switch alternatively between my right & left.
.
.
.
Symmetrical mice are godsend.

[OneAboveAll]

People saying their thumbs naturally rest on a ds thumbstick... lol

You're forcfully holding your thumb there. If you relax the muscle the thumb goes back to the upwardsfacing direction. Fanboys on patrol much? And for whoever asked yes, the Wii U pro controller is ergonomically better than the 360.

[4logpc]

I really hate it when people do comparisons, but give the "point" to both.

the point of a comparison is to get down to the nitty gritty details and break down the pieces, not be vague and just say everyone wins.

[Vinc360]

Sorry you feel that way, but that's what the descriptions are for! Honestly, both of them are very different. They have advantages and disadvantages. If you read the article, I did go into the details and outlined the strengths of each controller. I only gave the nod to both in certain categories, picking a winner in others.

[BOWZER35]

I thought the 360 controller was way more comfortable than the ps3, have to test these two out myself.

[Fergusonxplainsall]

The DS4 looks awesome next to the Xb1 controller.

[unworthy15]

I'm excited for the bumpers

[brianunfried]

I still have Carpal tunnel syndrome from using the Dreamcast controller over ten years ago. I'm sure both will work just fine.

[Ben12]

Y keep on bringing this controller battle up. Everyone knows Xbox controller is better.

[Petro]

Every comparison I seen this far with the new controllers have declared Sony's new controller the winner, even tho the victory came with small margin, still counts.

[BananaEatingSquid]

Cant wait to try these babies out for myself.

[josephayal]

I like the new shape of the PS4 controller

[Sci0n]

DualShock 4 Life!

[XboxFun]

The Xbox 360 controller was the best controller this gen. The d-pad was the only thing holding it back from true greatness.

With the Xbox One and the fix to the D-pad plus the other improvements there is no doubt that THAT controller will be the preferred controller for gamers.

Good job MS.

[fsfsxii]

Wii-mote was bettuh /s

[M-M]

There's this thing called personal preference...

[jessupj]

I found the offset joystick on the X controller to be a very defective and un-natural design.

Pretty much every source I've read regarding the controllers have declared the D4 is superior, so it seems the D4 will be the preferred controller for gamers.

I'll reserve my judgment until I actually get them both in my hands though.

[kewlkat007]

Isn't this an old article or am I seeing things..

Regurgitated articles..

[punisher99]

In my opinion. The Playstation controllers have always been better. With the 360 controller, I cant stand how they have the left analog stick above the D-pad. It just feels awkward.

[cooksauce]

Doesn't the xone need batteries? Who the hell buys batteries anymore? oh ya, xbox fans

[MadLad]

The majority of N4G will say the Dual-Shock is the best controller.
The majority of gamers, as a whole, will say Microsoft, as of the last two generations, crafted the better controller. At least in terms of overall comfort and control (excluding the d-pad), being that the new Dual-Shock has its own thing going on.

[stage88]

"The majority of N4G will say the Dual-Shock is the best controller.
The majority of gamers, as a whole, will say Microsoft"

Care to provide a source for that utter BS?

[MRMagoo123]

The majority of the reviews world wide have given the win to the DS4 so there goes your stupid claim in seconds huh

[MadLad]

Features.
Not design.
Actually read my exact words.

@stage88

You have the internet.

[level 360]

Let's talk about the now.

This time around Sony's DS4 rules.

Pure quality, class and execution.

[beezlebozz]

I used a ps4 controller to play the e3 ac4 footage, was so so nice to use

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Has anyone confirmed the rumble in the triggers and how it feels for the XBOne? It seems like it was disabled in Ghosts and have not heard anything about it. I am curious how that adds to the feeling.

Both seem to be an evolution in the right direction.

The 360 Dpad was the only thing keeping it from being the best controller I've ever used.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

They both have some glaring flaws. One is more comfortable to hold, one has terrible analog sticks.

[GoodnessGreatness]

You're right. Dualshock 4 is more comfortable and the Xbox one controller has terrible analog sticks.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

The DS4 has terrible analog sticks, triggers, bumpers and the D-pad sucks. The entire industry has abandoned sony's dated symmetrical analog stick design. This is why there are dozens of 3rd party 360 style controllers for the PS3. This includes expensive "competition " controllers.

The DS4 light bar is useless and annoying. It is however far more comfortable to hold than the Xbox One controller. I also love the speaker and the track pad.

[EXVirtual]

DS4 is such a huge improvement. The triggers and analog sticks are revamped massively and it looks a bit bigger than the DS3.

[MRMagoo123]

It seems the PS4 is winning everything this gen coming, better hardware FACT, better controller (by the looks of every review i have seen its a majority opinion), better first party (as usual), better deal for online sub, better price, better company policy, and a whole bunch more i cant be arsed to list. PS4 the gamers choice.

[Belking]

In your dreams. Xbox--one has the better line-up, better controller, better features, better hardware, better online service, better cloud service, better for gamers. Xbox-one is the gamers choice.

@Brix90 below:

I know which games came away with the most E-3 awards too.

[Brix90]

I think most gamers at E3 disagreed just sayin!

[Jiggins99]

are you for real? that is the biggest bs i have heard in a while.
Better hardware? - are you high?
better controller? - i suppose you have used them both then?
better line up? - need i mention suckerpunch and naughty dog?
better features? - extremely debatable
better cloud service? - heard of gaikai?
better online service? - maybe this gen but next gen with ps+, i don't think so
better for gamers? - don't make me laugh. it's not even a games console! it's an "entertainment hub!"

[Brix90]

Your argument is weak how can you say better games or online service when you haven't even used the console. Your clearly a fanboy saying it has better hardware when the Ps4 has a better GPU. I can't say which is better because I'm not ignorant to make a statement on no personal experience such as yourself but E3 awards or not the games got praise not X1. An the Ps4 is looking to be gamers choice; price, preorder numbers, positive reception take your pick.

[jessupj]

The amazing thing is you're not trolling and have somehow made yourself think these things are actually true.

It's the equivalent of convincing myself the sky is orange.

No offense to anyone else that has looked at all the facts objectively and come to a rational decision that the X1 is the right console for you, but @Belking, enjoy your inferior multiplats

[GoodnessGreatness]

In YOUR dreams.

[SynestheticRoar]

PS4 is the winner. Tell your friends.

[niaboc]

Xbox controller will always be better. Thats what keeps me from going to ps4, the controller. I cant do symetrical sticks. So uncomfortable.

[kingPoS]

Go with what you're comfortable with. Whether you are left or right handed, prefer symmetrical over non symmetrical or non symmetrical over symmetrical. Whatever fit's you best... Go with it!

[sAVAge_bEaST]

DS4, PS4,.. it's all GR8.... . .

[bujasem_89]

well. that was disappointing :\.. ionno i expected more big games rather than indies.. we got a release date at least.