Xbox One vs PS4: Which next generation console has the best controller?

As the new consoles from Microsoft and Sony go head to head on the high street, gamers are getting their hands on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers for the first time.

Both companies have spent tens of thousands of dollars in researching and designing the shape, features and feel of their pads.

But which pad comes out on top?

[Goku781]

Xbox One controller is a very very good controller, but still not better than the PS4. Every time my controller yells Armageddon, I'm reminded how much better it is.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

I gotta agree with you, the PS4 just has a better 'grip' to it and it really has more features, I enjoy both consoles but I gotta say the DS4 is better.

[ShinMaster]

"Which next generation console has the best controller?"

Neutral answer: The one that comes with your preferred console, I guess.
Personal answer: The one that comes with the better console, the DS4.

[PLASTICA-MAN]

When I watch this video comparing the two controllers:
http://n4g.com/news/1397913...

I really see how the big the bias is: 3/4 of the video is dedicated to the Xbone controller, they even talked about the change of the start sleect buttons, even opened to battery slot, the only thing left is to open the controller from the inside and dissect it. That's it they showed the new xbone controlelr which only brought chnges (whether better or worse), while the Dual Shock 4 is just pure innovations and additions not just simple changes. Why didn't they talk about the change of start/slect butons into options and share buttons? Why didn't they show the addition of headset jack like the one in Xbone? Why didn't they mention the difefrence and addition of, built-in speaker, motion sensor connected to the camera, lightbar, displaying player colour, health, status, the multi-touch and clicakble trackpad, the ergonomic look and feel etc? comparing the new DS4 features to the same old (yet slightly changed) features of the xbone controller will add 4/3 of the video. Also there is no comparison, the DS4 has so many new specila features that will ecplise the Xbone controlelr if they mention it in the video, so it is betetr not to show them and make it seem as if the DS4 is just the same as DS3. Here comes the poof of unprofessional journalism.

On topic: Anyone can say it will come to personal taste, someone may for example like a 2D game more than out of this place photo-realistic graphics on another game because he likes the artstyle better in that 2D game., but in terms of technical features, work, efforts, there is no comparison between the two.

The same case between DualShock 4 and The Xbone controller, DS4 has many next-gen features (next-gen is not only about better graphics but also about newer ideas in controllers) and has the edge in almost every technical aspect, NOONE can deny that, but Xbone only players will like their controlelr better and vice versa of course. Other lucky ones who are not fanboys and got both consoles are the only ones who can judge rightfully, they can like both equally, or they can prefer one over the other based on either technical facts and features or personal taste. I hope I described how comparison should be.

[ZodTheRipper]

My hands are too small for all Xbox controllers so I always preferred the Dualshock. The DS4 is just perfect so it's a clear win in my book.

[FamilyGuy]

Love it

ARMAGEDDON!

The speaker is a lot louder than I expected and clear too.

[Xsilver]

wooooord it caught me off guard when i started playing Resogun i love it.

[hollabox]

Yeah I don't own one yet but the couple of times I've played with XB one controller it felt more natural and sturdy. My DS4 controller has a short battery life, and I keep on hitting the touch pad on accident when I want to pause the game by hitting options. So damn frustrating to accidentally call timeouts in Madden, something nobody mentioned regarding the DS4.

[BallsEye]

Pointless article. Should be, which console you own/want. On ng4 answer is too obvious.

[L0wbanR]

Fact is, has been and always will be, whichever controller feels the best in your hand is the 'best' controller.

Comparing controllers - fine, anyone saying which controller is better - not fine.

[Grave]

Yep it's completely subjective. I have had both consoles and use an X360 controller on my PC. I, for whatever reason, have always favored Sony's controllers, but have no problem using the XBOX controller.

[Sirlancealot]

The feel is subjective but the features are not. The share, touch pad, light bar, speaker stereo that add to the gaming experience. As well as the xbone's rumble triggers. Other than that it's the most idiotic thing to count the feel or placement of things as better for the controllers.

[AlexanderNevermind]

I'm pro-DS4 but I'm also comfortable with the Xbox controller which I have used for a couple yrs on pc. I'm better at shooters with the DS. To each his own. Can't go wrong with either.

[L0wbanR]

We are alike, Grave.

I switched back and forth between the PS3 and 360 - 360 being most recent until I traded it in to await the PS4.

The DS3 controller was a bit too light and small in comparison to the 360 controller for me. So current gen you could say I preferred the 360 controller weight+shape as it felt better in my hand.

But this time it seems like Sony have really have refined the DS4 to be more like the 360 controller feel in-hand, which I absolutely love. Although I haven't held it yet, seeing it compared to the DS3 plus all the positive reviews, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

*Also, is there anyone else out there that prefers the DS3/4 layout for FPS games? Feel like I'm in a super minority.

Edit: I see AlexanderNevermind is with me.

[telekineticmantis]

Well then you'll like the Xbox one controller better, it doesn't feel as comfortable as the 360, because the material used is a little more slippery, and it's bigger, which if you have medium size hands like me, makes you pull the triggers with the tips of your fingers(which is no big deal), also I know this sounds stupid, but the battery pack always made me feel like my middle finger was locked in and set, and that was always comfortable to me, it's a little less heavy, I'll let yo decide whether thats good or bad.

While just like last gen the Xbox controller is more cofortable, the PS controller is more versatile. Now the PS4 controller is great for Shooters, Fighters, Sports etc. It's even more versatile with the new trackpad, I'd imaine they'd patch in some trackpad support for Warthunder, making that the aim and shoot function(thru clicking) the Warthunder controls tend to tie up your fingers, this could make it more easy. This ill also allow easier transitions for some PC players who ame on their Laptop, and want to play some PC ports. Also for a person with medium size hands, I can get my finger over the triggers all the way to the middle of my fingers, making it feel more like I'm really pulling the trigger, the problem I have with the DS4, is there is still nowhere to put my middle finger(LMAO). It's not that the Xboxone controller cant be used for shooters, it's just a little less comfortable.

Both analogs are too small, I feel when you have to tilt for long periods of time, your right thumb is too big to sit comfortably, the only difference is Xbox lets your thumb sink in, and the PS adds that extra friction.

[hennessey86]

you prefer is the best one, its a personal choice.

[DA_SHREDDER]

the share button, along with the universal cell phone audio out, touch pad,and speaker are all welcome additions. The saying goes, dont fix what isn't broken

[monkey nuts]

The Wii U controller didn't even get a mention? Damn son. Nintendo needs to get relevant.

*starts a slow clap*

[ic3fir3]

xbox one better sticks, more aim in shooters, ps4 controller its good, but xbox one controller better for shooters

[angelsx]

Ic3fir3 go home

[Hicken]

More aim?

[Biggest]

That means something. . . To that guy.

[ABeastNamedTariq]

I was just about to ask that. Lol.

[InTheLab]

Sounds like a Doge meme.

wOW

Such aim

Very shoot

Wow

[Dante81]

He must mean more auto "aim"

[Ezz2013]

Which has the best controller is personal choice and a matter of different opinions.

[NegativeCreepWA]

As someone that has always hated the DS controllers, I love the DS4. I haven't used the XB1 controller yet so I cant make a comparison, but if you hated the DS3, the you may like the DS4.

I give Sony props for fixing two of the three things that I disliked about the PS3.

[Sirlancealot]

See this is completely stupid to me. I have started gaming with the DS controller on the PS at age 9. And I have bought only SONY successive systems. At 25 now I have had experience with the DS4, and yeah it feels different but I found myself just adjusting to it. It isn't better. People act like the dual shocks were 10lb bricks that now were made lighter...come on there really is no difference.

[Scatpants]

I hated the PS3 controller also. It was the main reason I bought multiplats on 360. I am really liking the PS4 controller though. There are a lot of differences. The shape of the handles used to suck, they're good now. My thumbs used to slide off of the round thumbsticks all the time, that's fixed. The trigger used to be the wrong shape and not feel like triggers, now they're good.

[yesmynameissumo]

Whichever one fits your hands and play style. Period.

[pacosanchez88]

i prefer the ps4, the triggers put up a little more resistance than xb1, i hate the bumpers on the xbox1, they click and they feel cheap. dpad on the ps4 still feels nicer. and the battery cover on the xb1 feels cheap and like it will break. and thats not even including the bonus features of the ps4, touch pad, light bar, speaker, and motion sensors, and the ability to plug in any standard music headphones into the ps4 jack.

[monkey nuts]

"ability to plug in any standard music headphones into the ps4 jack" Will it output 5.1 and up if your earphones are compliant or is it restricted?

[ScamperCamper]

Didn't the producer or exec of BF4 say that the DS4 is the best controller for shooters? I take his word for it. I'm sure he spent lots of time on both systems. He says it? I believe it.

[zerogotit]

You dont even know his name

[ScamperCamper]

True, but the point is he was one of the top guys working on BF4. That's the only point that matters. Somebody who isn't a fanboy but called it out clearly. That said, I can agree that largely it's personal preference. The PS4 controller is better because it offers more now to the touchpad and the improved L and R buttons.

[sandman224]

Ds4 hands down it feels like quality. I own both consoles and I'm not impressed with Xbox ones controller. But I must admit kinect is pretty cool.

[bassambient]

xbox one by far DS4 is a copy of xbox one controller

[eternalice]

How on earth is it a copy? They are completey different and the DS4 has many more features that Microsoft has never even considered. AMAZING how far fanboys go these days.

[Hyper_Tension140]

Not only that their both $60.....why?

[Ricegum]

And you've just contradicted yourself. How can the Xbox One have the better controller "by far" when you say the DS4 is a copy?

[eternalice]

Easy decision and thats the DS4, I never had a problem with DS3 but after using the DS4 its a MAJOR improvement. I really dont think its a matter of opinion between the DS4 and the Xbox One controller the DS4 has more features an integrated battery and the share button for easy game recording and uploading. Hands down DS4 wrecks the Xbone controller.

[Golden_Mud]

Microsoft you should've not taken out the Smell-O-Vision feature neither the touch pad

[from the beach]

Haven't used the new Dualshock yet but the Xbox One controller is godlike.

[DoesUs]

Some things with these these consoles is very subjective, this is one of them.

[fullmetal297]

Xbox One is preferred controller of choice for me. The xbox controller has haptic feedback inside the triggers that simulate many things like the vibration of the an actual trigger when a gun is shot and when a magazine is empty.

And just like the xbox 360 contorller, it will also be fully plug and play with PC games. That is best benefit for me because I don't to spend my time configuring button layouts and profile.

[PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt]

as of right now you can't plug it into a PC and play with the x1 controller? thats wat i heard … and with the DS4 you can right now lol so what are you saying fanboy

[fullmetal297]

What am I saying is that in the future, like the 360 controller, I can plug my xbox one controller in and play with no issues.

If you haven't played on PC, the thumbnail graphics will change to the typical X,B,A,Y buttons as you'd see on the xbox 360. I can play as if I were playing on xbox 360 for ALL games.

I can't do that with a dualshock 4 controller. Wanna know how I know? Because I own a PS4 and tired it with all my games. I'm not a a fanboy and own a PS4 and Wii U along with my PC.

[PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt]

oh in the future….. i thought the Future started when Xbox one launched tho?

[fullmetal297]

@UnRivaLeD

No, Microsoft is making the One controller exclusive to the their next-gen console for now. I'm pretty sure Microsoft eventually give PC support in a form of a windows update when the One has already established its niche in the market.

[Boody-Bandit]

They're both excellent but I'm leaning towards the DS4. Last gen I preferred the X360 controller but Sony knocked it out of the park with the DS4. The touchpad works great. Love the share button and especially am digging the built in speaker. Its so cool when you pick up an audio log in Killzone and have it play from the controller. The 1st time it did I was like WTF! Now I go out of my way to look for them just so I can hear it.

[IRAQI_PS4]

i like the DS4 controller ..

it's looks like a real next gen controller ...

and overall it's have more Feature than xbox 360

controller(i mean the "x1" because they are same ) ..

[Belking]

xb1 easily. Rumble triggers for the win.

[PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt]

how do those rumble triggers feel on COD? oh wait how about BF4? ohhh wait they don't….

[CEOSteveBallmer]

well if you are used to the 360 controller then you'll say xbone controller is the best. if your a PS3 player then your more comfortable with the dualshock 4. just like me, im used to DS3 and when i played NBA 2k with my cousin on 360, man im finding it difficult for the 360 controller.

[maximus1985]

my gripes with each

ds4: analog sticks feel shorter and my thumbs slide off when pushing up all the way but triggers are way better

x1: left analog still feels a bit too high up when playing killer instincs but fine on shooters. Also the the rb and lb are akward to press in. but the analogs are have way more of a solid feel than ds4.

so really i wouldnt say either one is better than the other for me. Both i think could see improvements.

[Moncole]

What ever controller you like more.

[KingDadXVI]

Meh, he really wasn't knowledgeable about the Xbox controller. He did not know that you use a mini USB cable so that you can play wired. He did not mention that you can get the play and charge kit, he did not mention that the wireless is Wireless Direct reducing latency by 20% which is important for online FPS's and also has 20X the bandwidth which helps with wireless interference from other devices which is also important when playing online FPS's. He really did not mention much about the rumble triggers either. You don't even need the guide button anymore. To top it all off he did not even know what the two buttons under the guide button were for. He seemed like a nice guy but if you are going to do a review on a product you should actually know something about it.

Other than the few technical things controllers are personal choice. I prefer the Xbox controller because I have big hands and find the positioning of the analog sticks better for FPS. Others will prefer the DS4. To each their own and revel in the games.

[InTheLab]

So they addressed the size of the controller and the space between the sticks.

They also added

a multitouch pad that's clickable

Universal head phone jack which eliminates the need for proprietary head sets...meaning, I use my Dre Beats

They added a speaker like the Wii mote.

and lastly the share button.

Meanwhile, the new X1 controller is basically the 360 controller with more rumble and wifi direct, which is cool but unnecessary.

So it's obvious which is more innovative. If the X1 improved on the 360's dpad, it's a solid controller but few games will take advantage of the dual rumbler (that's a good name for the controller. You're welcome MS) and wifi direct is what it is. The DS4 is every bit as comfortable as the 360's controller and has addressed every complaint. It also added tons of innovation and still has the best layout and d pad making it better for all games.

I honestly don't see why this is even a discussion.

[CaptainPunch]

Overall I enjoy the PS4 controller, grips, triggers, etc. but I prefer the sticks on the Xbox One.

[Metallox]

I think the Wii U Pro Controller is much better than those ones, at least ergonomically.

[patsrule316]

I haven't used my Xbox One controller (giving it to the family as a Christmas present), but I really like the DS4. I don't have an issue using the sticks lined up or offset, so that is a wash.

I did get a lot of hate several months back saying I thought that if developers can be creative, the speaker in the controller could be a major feature, but I still stand by it. I already am digging it without any really creative uses yet, just hearing 'Save the Last Human' and 'Armageddon'. Just wait till they start doing inventive things with local multiplayer where individual controllers start hearing different things. I think that will be the big differentiator.

[Nick_515]

I'm hoping, since you can plug in any set of headphones into the controller, that we can play splitscreen and hear separate audio. If that is the case, Sony have potentially fixed splitscreen. The other problem was splitting the screen, but they have fixed that with supported TVs and hopefully they continue to support it in PS4 games. I would want that to be a standard thing on any 3DTV.

[JonnyBigBoss]

I have both right here on my desk. The Xbox One controller is a lot better. The DS4's joysticks aren't to my liking and I don't find the controller ergonomic.

[GoPanthers999]

Love my X1, still prefer the 360 controller. The X1 controller is too light and feels hollow.

[mochachino]

Another person prefers the PS4 controller.

I haven't tried the xone controller yet so I'll reserve my opinion but so far my PS4 controller is the best I've ever experienced.

PS4 also alows you to send all game audio through the controller headphone port.

[etownone]

I didn't know that....

All the game audio can be sent to the headphone jack?
Another plus for the ds4.

That's a pretty awesome feature if true.

[mochachino]

yeah, it very much is if your gaming late and your couch is too far for headphone cords (like me) or if you want to game while the wife/gf watches TV on on the laptop beside you.

It's really an awesome feature that nobody is talking about.

Hold down PS Button
Go "adjust devices"
make sure the headphones are plugged into the controller
switch setting to output "All Audio", not just chat.

You can output audio to anything plugged into the controller, so even the included headset would work (although there's no point) or any speakers which can connect via a headphone port.

[etownone]

This gen Sony stepped up.... No clear winner like last gen.

I tested them both, both are very good and very comfortable.

[OsirisBlack]

I prefer the PS4 controller over the XB1 controller but that speaker scared the crap out of me the first time I played resogun. "SAVE THE HUMANS" ahhhhhh ....

[Funky Town_TX]

FPS and sports are my favorite types of games. Last gen I like the 360 controller the most. I hope the DS4 is better than the DS3, because IMO the DS3 is trash. The analog sticks are loose and slippery. I often find my self adjusting my thumbs when playing. The Ds3 was a very frustrating controller. I can't wait to try the Ds4.

[iPad]

TmarTn is so annoying.

[Scatpants]

I have both and I a m leaning towards the Xbox controller as my favorite. I like the shape of the handles, the vibrating triggers and the texture on the thumbsticks. I still really like the PS4 controller which is an achievement because I used to hate the PS3 controller. The speaker and touchpad are cool, but I don't think it is as good of a feature as the rumble triggers. They feel awesome on Forza and I'm looking forward to more games using them.

[Crillvirus81]

Wi u pad the best one Hands down where else can you keep every button available that we use now and also get off screen play built in mic etc

[etownone]

Xbox could have included into the controller.

That seems as much next gen as the rumble triggers.

[KingDadXVI]

I have not handled the DS4 but the DS3 was too small for my hands and prefer the offset analog sticks on the Xbox controller. The D pad on the 360 controller was the only thing that really bothered me as it sucked pretty hard. I could care less about the touch pad on the new DS4 but the built in speaker like the WiiU controller was a good idea for some and they should incorporate it into the new Xbox Controller. I have a great surround system so I really don't need the built in speaker but I can see how some would really like it. Both controllers sound like an improvement with the biggest improvement coming to the DS4 but that is to be expected simply from the fact that they started from a pretty low point on the DS3.