New PS4 Controller With Xbox-Like Stick Layout and Touch Pad Announced by Hori

Hori previously released its FPS-dedicated PS4 controller with Xbox-like asymmetrical stick layout HoriPad 4 FPS, but that one didn’t have a touch pad, making it pretty much useless with quite a few games.

The Japanese manufacturer decided to make it up for that by announcing a new one, named Horipad FPS Plus.

[Relientk77]

I'll stick with the Dual Shock, I love the stick layout since PS1

[SniperControl]

Yep, same here, cant stand the stick layout on xbox controllers, my left thumb starts hurting after an hour or so when i play on the X1. Wish they made a xbox controller with parallel sticks.

@banana below

Not everybody has the same size hands, i do find my thumb hurting just where it joins my hand after a while, had the same problem with the 360 controller as well.

[bananaboats]

I don't understand how it hurts just by moving your thumb slightly higher. Lol any gamer should have ZERO issues with adjusting to any controller.

[SirBradders]

Same thing happened to me with my 360 controller.

[xTheMercenary_]

I went from using the ps4 controller to the xbox one controller. I used to play playstation only and decided you know why not buy an xbox, my left thumb did hurt but i got used to it very quickly. I use an xbox controller to play most of my games on pc now.

[miyamoto]

Exactly!
My middle finger started to hurt and red sore after a few hours of using when I first play RE5 on Xbox 360.
DS4 is the best controller ever made hands down.

Xbox controller layout is a direct copy of the Sega Dreamcast controller.

[maniacmayhem]

"Not everybody has the same size hands,"

You would seriously have to have baby sized hands if your thumb starts to hurt.

[itBourne]

Make the analog sticks symmetrical, and move the damn X button!!! Lol I do not like change tho, so will always prefer the PS4 controller.

Regardless though, it isnt hard to get used to, try playing something like sc2 (properly), then come tell me how hard a controller is to get used to a control setup.

[KidBroSweets2]

The first 3 years of last gen I had just a 360 and LOVED the controller. Picked up a PS3 eventually but the controller is what kept me from using it often until I gradually converted to using just the PS3 (free online gaming back in high school is the reason). Looking back I think the Xbox controller was better last gen but I REALLY like the dualshock4 for my PS4 and being used to that controller is keeping me from picking up an Xbone because comfort is a big thing for me. But to each their own and I don't fault anyone for their own opinion towards it

[XisThatKid]

Yea I'm good on that. My DS4 loves me. I like symmetry

[Highlife]

Don't understand the xbox thumb stick layout my left hand isn't shorter than my right

[itBourne]

lol, apparently making a PC comment trumps even supporting Playstation on N4G. Wow I am surprised

[G20WLY]

I agree Sniper, but some people have grown up solely on Xbox and that configuration. This will be perfect for them.

I often heard at the start of the gen, comments along the lines, "I really want a PS4, but don't think I could adjust to symmetrical stick layout, so it's Xbox again for me". This is exactly what will help any that still feel that way to get involved on PS4.

I can use both controllers, but I play better (and can play for longer without feeling uncomfortable) with the DualShock 4's layout - not everyone's like that though, so the news will be welcomed by some. :)

[Ratty]

I don't understand how it could hurt. One complain I've heard from the first three dualshocks was that people claimed their thumbs were hitting each other and that their hands would get sore real fast. How the hell were they holding it? XD

Anyway I know some controllers may be tougher on some people more than others. I also don't like the 360 style's asymetry. I can live with it but I don't like it.

[XanderZane]

I wonder what the reason was for having this controller made. Did Japanese gamers request this or something? What you describe is the total opposite for me. I'm fine with the DS4 for fighting games and 2D side scrolling games, but when it comes to sports, FPS, or 1st/3rd person action adventure games, I can't use the DS4 very well. My thumbs start to hurt and it's just cumbersome. So this controller would be great for me with my PS4 with certain games. I can play almost allmy games with the XBox 360/XB1 control, etc some fighting games because of the D-Pad.

[ShinMaster]

Having the LEFT stick offset is mostly hype. It's not even the most important one of the 2 sticks! Just basic movement.

The RIGHT STICK is more important as it is used for aiming and requires more precision.
And both the Xbox and PlayStation controllers have the right stick on the same spot. No difference there.

Now, if the Xbox controller's RIGHT stick was offset, then you might have a point. So technically you could argue that the Wii U's Pro controller is the best one.

[BenRage3]

I prefer playstation as a brand. Sony consoles imho provide more games that I prefer to play over the Xbox, however, I can objectively say that the Xbox controller is significantly more comfortable to hold. And I prefer the thumbsticks especially for first person shooters.

When I use a controller for PC games I always use the 360 controller over the dual shock. @Snipercontrol, I'm not being an ahole or anything, but do you have small hands? Because I do not have very large hands and I get the opposite effect. I injured my hand playing fallout 3 on the ps3 (not that it ever stopped me from playing ;)

While I've never had a more comfortable experience with a 360 controller.

[-Foxtrot]

If it ain't broke...

[Halo2ODST2]

The ps controller has always been the reason i choose xbox over, it seems i might get a ps 3 or ps4

[Ratty]

For me the reason I stick with PS is the exclusives. Then the controller. Still, a 360-like PS controller is nothing new. On PS4 perhaps but I've seen them on PS3.

[ShinMaster]

@ Halo2ODST2

Always? Does that also include the PS1 and maybe the first 2 or 3 years of the PS2?
It's a silly reason to miss out.

Not to mention that the right stick is the more important one as it is used for aiming and requires more precision. The Xbox controller has the stick on the same spot as the PlayStation controller. Having the left stick offset is just hype. Movement is simple enough.

[Magicite]

Right stick is lower because u use it much less often, u mainly use buttons above it and they are parallel to left stick which is used all the time.

D-pad and right stick r being used less, so they are positioned lower.

[DualWielding]

the problem with Xbox's layout is that the D-pad positioning is very inconvenient for fighting games, the assymetrical setup is also inconvenient for twin stick shooters

[Kemo_Spear]

The reason for the stick & D-pad layout: Sony has a paten on it. That forced MS to swap the D-pad with the left analog stick when they were designing the OG Xbox.

[Svinya]

DualWielding - tell that to all the people that love that setup on Geometry Wars...Including me. Kind of funny that I find it comfortable and not inconvenient at all, huh..

[zeuanimals]

The biggest game on Xbox consoles is Halo and the biggest genre on their systems are generally FPSs/TPSs. Most of the time, your right thumb is gonna be on the stick because you have to use it to look around. You might have to click the buttons every so often to do certain actions, but the right stick is the most used part on the right side.

Your argument makes no sense.

As for either setup being uncomfortable, if you truly feel that way and you're not just trying to bash either controller for not being right for you, you should see a doctor about your thumbs. You probably have carpal tunnel or arthritis issues because the human thumbs are supposed to be able to move in a bunch of directions without discomfort. Seriously, you can touch each of your fingers with your thumbs, you can make a fist with your thumb tucked under your fingers, and you can make a thumbs up as well as any other variations of movements in between. If any of that is uncomfortable, again, see a doctor.

[Gunstar75]

Thank you for saying what I was going to say!!!
The analogue sticks were an addition to the original Playstation controller which is why they are where they are.

If you grew up playing one or the other then that is naturally what you are used to. I've used both for years and prefer the xbox layout.... But horses for courses and all that. This shouldn't become another fanwar!!!

[Elit3Nick]

The reason for the stick positioning is for FPS games, having the right stick closer to you makes it easier to move it sideways to look left and right, while the left stick being higher up allows you to roll you thumb back and forth to move forwards and backwards.

Like DualWielding said this setup makes it inconvenient for fighters, as well as racers and platformers, since they make heavy use of moving the left stick left and right.

[Ratty]

I think I use the right stick at least as much as the buttons. Depends on the game I guess.

[spicelicka]

layout i don't have an issue with, overall PS4 controller is great but I still haven't understood why the thumbsticks are convex instead of concave? and why they keep the edges so smooth, my fingers are always slipping off when playing FPS games. It's much improved from the awful PS3 thumbsticks but it just feels tiring after a while.

The groves on the edge of the thumbsticks on xbox controllers are perfect, I can literally control the thing from the edge of my thumb and not slip a millimeter.

[kraenk12]

Just put some XB1 sticks on it, I don't like those sharp edges personally.

On topic..this doesn't have a light bar, motion controls or wireless?! Just crap!

[TWB]

I honestly liked PS3s thumbsticks a bit more even though they became somewhat slippery on the long run (when the rubber became very smooth and such after long use) but they were also like a few millimeters longer which at least made me feel like they were a bit more precise due to larger range of movement.

If you dont want to replace the sticks on the DS4, you should try those replacable thumb grips. The pack that I got has XB360 grips and PS3-like grips with very texturized surface (which I enjoy greatly, they are a good trade off)

[BenRage3]

@spicelicka agreed!

[Sokol]

No thank you. I love the layout of the PlayStation controller.

The options are always welcome. :)

[lvl_headed_gmr]

The Dualshock 4 is much better than the Dualshock 3 hands down, but the Dualshocks will always be 2nd to MS OG Duke, s controller, 360, and now Xbox One.

Apparently even Sony thinks the same thing...don't see MS copying the Dualshock layout....

MS just has a more ergonomically correct controller over Sony's

Facts are facts

[badz149]

What fact? Your opinion? Nope. Not fact, still opinion and everybody has one.

Fact would be something like "the PS4 is the best selling current gen console" which is totally undisputed.

And this is not Sony copying MS. They don't even have to because the dualshock configuration has kinda been their trademark for more than 20 years. This is Hori, a 3rd party accessory maker.

[G20WLY]

What an ignorant comment. Sony didn't make this.

Why can't you just be happy that some love the DS4 and now those that don't love it have an option too?

[nitus10]

That controller also has a cable which to some may be preferred, however I think the majority of players would prefer wireless controllers. Of course the price seems reasonable.

As for the offset thumb sticks I do prefer the symmetrical ones myself although like I have just said that is a matter of preference.

Now for a bit of trivia: Take a top down look at the SNES controller and compare that to a top down look of the the PlayStation controllers.

The first time I looked at the SNES controller I though to myself that is going to hurt since I was very familiar with the NES controller (ouch). I was pleasantly surprised.

[someOnecalled]

More me 2 from sony they are acting like MS last gen. Next its gonna be a cart racer with all their franchise characters

[BoriboyShoGUN]

hideous!! And they ruined the D-pad!!!

[Sevir]

I think the DS4 feels great and works insanely well for FPS! Thanks but no thanks.

[lastking95]

Looks like the DS4 and XO controller did the fusion dance.

[l33t_haxx0r]

My thumbs are in the same location on each hand

[KwietStorm_BLM]

I'm assuming your thumbs on both hands can move?

C'mon people. Let's get over this already. It's been years. There's nothing wrong with the setup on either controller.

[l33t_haxx0r]

Never tried xbone pad tbh, But I hate the 360 controller mainly due to size and the sticks felt like they where in the wrong location. Maybe it is down to me being a massive playstation user, I am tempted to get a xbone pad for windows even tho I love the DS4, mainly for button icons on windows ^^

[Fez]

I know what you mean, there really isn't much difference nowadays... both comfy and functional.

Logically though, the most ergonomic position for the left thumb should be the same for the right.

Maybe the lower position is better for accuracy (aiming) and the upper for comfort (movement)? Anyone know the reason for the asymmetrical design?

[AndrewLB]

The PS4 controller is made for people with small hands IMO. I have both a DS3 and 360 controller which I use with my PC and the 360 controller is far more comfortable for me.

[UnHoly_One]

The whole "my thumbs are the same so the sticks should be in the same place" argument is quite literally one of the most ignorant things I've ever heard.

If the controller was nothing but the two sticks, it might make sense, but there are other parts of the controller used to varying degrees depending on the game type.

What about racing games or a game with a fixed camera where the right stick is hardly used?

God of War only uses the right stick to roll, while constantly using all the face buttons to jump and attack. I suppose that means it would be better played with an Xbox controller?

Give it a rest. Like whichever one you want to like better, but don't use the "symmetrical thumbs" argument, it's unbelievably stupid.

[Fez]

It's true that not all games primarily use the two sticks... but it's hard to argue against the vast majority of the biggest, most popular releases being FPS or TP action games requiring movement in a 3D space with a controllable camera. And therefore the controller should cater to this first to please the most people possible.

Do you know why the Xbox controller wasn't designed like the Wii U Pro Controller considering the Xbox has always been heavily associated with FPS and TPS? I find it interesting that MS would chose to place the left thumbstick up there but not do the same for the right. I can't think of a reason but there must be one. Maybe it's aesthetics? Or differentiation?

[UnHoly_One]

I don't agree at all that the "vast majority" of games are shooters that require using the right stick more than the buttons.

And I think that is exactly why the controller is designed the way it is. Over all genres of games, they figured out that your thumbs would spend the most time on the left stick and face buttons.

Especially if you look back to 2001 when the original Xbox launched. Shooters were CERTAINLY not a majority of games back then. Halo was a huge success which pushed console shooters forward, but prior to that there weren't many shooters on consoles at all.

I remember when Sony first added sticks to the PS controller. At first, the D-Pad was still primary input, but not long after, almost every game used the stick instead.

Then the PS2 launched and I remember wondering why they didn't move the stick up top. It just made sense that since it had basically replaced the function of the D-Pad that it should be up there where it was.

Maybe I'm just weird, I don't know, but to me I thought that stick should be up top before the Xbox even existed.

[Fez]

Maybe you're right with the original xbox and that generation of consoles. A lot of games still had some kind of fixed camera or auto-aim system and FPS weren't as popular on console back then.

But nowadays, this has completely changed. I also don't agree that the vast majority of games are shooters that require the right stick more - but like I said, the vast majority of the *biggest, highest selling games* are FPS or TPS or action game in a 3D world.

Maybe the asymmetrical design is now a calling card of Xbox which is why it stays the same. Like Sony and the symmetrical design in the lower position.

Anyway, I don't have a problem with either way, I think the upper position is more comfortable, but the lower positions provides better accuracy for me.

[N0TaB0T]

I don't mind this. Also the dimensions suit the capacitative touch pad.

[Rimeskeem]

Honestly, the Dualshock 4 is the most comfortable controller to my hands right now so no thank you.

[xTheMercenary_]

lol, getting disagrees for saying the DS4 is more comfortable in your hands. That's N4G for you, people have never heard of opinions i suppose.

[Rimeskeem]

It's fine, that's why it's a disagree, you can disagree with someone's opinion

[UnHoly_One]

I disagreed because I thing the DS4 is the most uncomfortable controller I've ever used.

[xTheMercenary_]

The way i see it, is people assume that you're wrong. But its what you think so people shouldn't disagree with what you think. But when you put it your way, i guess you're right.

[Halo2ODST2]

The x360 controller is the most comfortable controller for me, people have different preferences. Unforunately i have to use the x1 controller for this gen.

[showtimefolks]

I actually like my dual shock 4. I think it's better than Xbox one controller, I liked the 360 controller but the controller for Xbox one is really big.

But when it comes to controllers every gamer has their own preference, so to each their own

If some Ps4 gamers like the Xbox one controller than this controller should make them happy. So be happy gamers

[BillytheBarbarian]

360 and Xbox one controllers are the same size.

I have them both on my lap right now. Playing gears 3 while installing halo collection. That hdmi port was a good idea. I just click the home button to see how much longer to download. Click again and back to 360. Not that I can't just change inputs but this is nice feature.

[showtimefolks]

Brother than I am wrlng, I am sorry. But personally the grip area of Xbox one was bigger than Xbox 360 for me.

This is just my personal opinion, I don't mean to offend anyone.

[iTechHeads]

Good to have alternatives. There's a serious drought of alternative controllers for the PS4. Is because of that touchpad and light bar?

[bananaboats]

This controller just looks weird.

[FallenAngel1984]

It doesn’t include the light bar, the motion sensor and the headphone jack. Not to mention its visually hideous. Its a terrible purchase.

[Immorals]

Colour me interested, always hated symmetrical stick layout!

[InTheZoneAC]

but symmetrical makes the most sense...

[Immorals]

I hold out my hands, my thumbs are vertical. They'd have to be horizontal for a fit with a dualshock controller.

As far as I know, there's no mainstream controllers with two high symmetrical sticks.

Gamecube controller was my favourite. Shame about the nipple like c stick!

[UnHoly_One]

Wii U pro controller has both sticks up top.

[zeuanimals]

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.co...

If this looks uncomfortable, then see a doctor. Ever held pencel or pen? Your thumb is pretty much gonna be in the same place as it would if you were holding a Dualshock. Ever held a basketball? Same thing. A girl's boobs or tush? Same thing. If you're a guy, have you ever held your penis to pee or do other penis related activities? Not very different. I really pity you if holding a Dualshock is uncomfortable because you just gave yourself a reason to not do any of these things I've listed as they were not "made" for your vertical thumbs that are supposed to be able to move in various directions comfortably. Though, you can go to the doctor because you probably have arthritis or carpal tunnel and can get some Oxycontin in which case I'm actually kind of jealous.

But anyway, if you've got discomfort I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my hands ate one.

[Immorals]

Sorry for my horribly mutated hands, but this is natural

http://m.imgur.com/Gtr3r2p,...

[zeuanimals]

Your hands look like mine and I have no issue with any controller other than the N64 because I don't have 3 hands. I don't really see the issue which means that if you really do have an issue, it's internal and external photos won't show us anything. See a doctor man. You can kill some time between now and E3 with prescription pain killers that you actually might need. Win win.

[nitus10]

Ah the N64 controller I don't know which it worse that or the NES controller, but at least you could put sleeves on the NES one.

To be fair some games actually did allow more comfortable use of the N64 controller although quite a few did not.

[Benchm4rk]

"As far as I know, there's no mainstream controllers with two high symmetrical sticks"

Check out the Wii U pro controller. Very comfortable to use and has two high symmetrical sticks

[InTheZoneAC]

who wants a mammoth controller that isn't wireless? I didn't buy an xbox so don't give me that bs.

[Shuckylad]

It's good to have a choice. I wish Microsoft did a playstaion stick layout pad and sony did a xbox stick layout pad.

[Benchm4rk]

The MLG pro controller from last gen let you customise stick positions. Only downfall was it wasnt wireless. Maybe they will do another controller for this gen.

[Erik7357]

This looks interesting. Work with PC too?

[Ikki_Phoenix]

crap just like the xbox one controler
i stick with the winning award controler of this gen..the DS4 ofc

[fanboysmackdown]

I like it, I prefer the X1 controller. Too bad it ain't wireless.

[GrmpyolGamer]

This is a good thing. I hate the DS stick layout. DS4 is heaps better than DS3 but I still find the xbox design more comfortable. Plus I hope the trigger r more like the xb1 controller as well. The triggers on the xb1 controller are fantastic

[DarkResistance]

Going to be honest. I own both PlayStation and Xbox. I always preferred the Dualshock symmetrical analog sticks over the symmetrical analogs on Xbox.

Just my preference. I guess maybe I'm just used to PlayStation's more since I used it more often.

But too each his/her own.

[porkChop]

I'll stick with my DualShock 4. The controller just feels great in the hands. It's built very well, and it's very comfy. I also prefer the symmetrical analog layout, though I'm ok with asymmetrical if I have to use it. I used a 360 controller for years on PC.

[Pillsbury1]

I wish all consoles had Playstation joystick layout as it is my preferred positioning.

[WizzroSupreme]

No thanks, Hori. I'll stick with the one Sony sells.

[TheGamingArt]

Ew

[Heavenly King]

it looks really cool, If the sticks were the same as in the DS4, I would have bought one.

[NobleRed]

Don't need a light bar and my headset is connected to a usb sound card. Hopefully this controller comes with a better battery life than the DS4.

[Viryu]

Ewww, is that cable-only? Burn it with fire!

[InTheLab]

Pointless. The layout of the Ps4's sticks eliminates the need for this. The main complaints were how close the sticks of the Ds4 were and with the current spacing, it should satisfy those complaints.

[SilentNegotiator]

It's about time there be a third party controller. I like that it's wired (I hate dealing with batteries) and is BC with PS3.

I'd gladly make this my second controller if it came stateside.

[level 360]

Good to have other options.

[Azzanation]

No surprise here. Sony seem to be following a lot lately even though there system is heavily in the lead when it comes to sales. (not that it matters)

The 360 controller did win all the best Controller awards last gen and the XB1 controller is only better so guessing this isn't a bad idea since many PC gamers like myself use Xbox controllers for our PC games. My guess is Sony isn't selling a lot of DS4 controllers so doing this will try and bring in the PC audience.

[G20WLY]

Except it's not Sony that are making this...

Options are good, I'm sure you'll have hours of fun on your PS4 now there is an asymmetrical option. ;^p

[ScaryMonkey6]

Good effort but you clearly didn't read the article, or the title for that matter, this is a third party manufacturer it wasn't made by Sony, they aren't following anyone, but if you want to talk about following who was it that had BluRay first?

[Azzanation]

Who do you think license these products? That's right Sony.

Blu-Ray was created by a group of companies, Sony was only part of the creation as for comparing, I wouldn't want to be heading down that road. Just remember where the Hard drives, Trophies, PSN etc came from.

[XanderZane]

Samsung had it first. Samsung was the first company to release a blu-ray player. Sony wasn't even the first to release a HD player.

"The first BD-ROM players (Samsung BD-P1000) were shipped in mid-June 2006, though HD DVD players beat them to market by a few months"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

In any case. Both controller are good and both have their pros and cons. It's that simple.

[mxguy93]

Lets all agree that the wii u game pad us uncomfortable in the hands

[spoonard]

Fugly.

[WickedLester]

Well the first thing I'm seeing with this controller is that it's....corded??? Fucking seriously? Who on earth would want a non-cordless controller now? I'll stick with the DS4 thank you. I think it's extremely comfortable!

[ScaryMonkey6]

The DS4 is amazing, I'm good with that, thanks anyway.

[tulholdren]

Not for me since I don't like the others controller. Sony being doing it since day one for me. It will bring some of the PC crowd maybe.

[Spid3r6]

"imitation is the highest form of flattery" This was bound to happen as the Xbox One controller is far superior toe DS4

[WickedLester]

Uh, no it's not. I use both of them almost daily. The X1 controller not "far superior" to the DS4.

[IamTylerDurden1]

Ewww. Gross. That thing is hideous i'll stick to the DS4 as imo it's the best controller by far. I love the stick layout on the DS4 and have 0 problems with fps.

This is a 3rd party company, not Sony so leave the "Sony is copying" bs at the door. Isn't ms copying Sony by putting a 3.5mm jack in their latest controller?

The DS4 has always had a 3.5mm jack, it has an interior li battery so u don't have to buy AA's or plug n plays, it obviously has an awesome touchpad and speaker which the xbone controller doesn't, but the 1 feature that makes the DS4 superior and the xbone controller unplayable imo is the STICK LENGTH - xbone has LONG sticks that feel like you are playing on stilts while the DS4 has much shorter sticks that give you a better sense of control. Compare them and you'll see.

[CHAOSAHEAD]

The Dualshock 4 is freaking amazing! I just want domed thumb sticks.