Xbox One Elite Controller Versus PS4 Dualshock Controller

The new Xbox One Elite Controller was just released with a good set of features and customization options. The PS4 controller has been regarded as a good controller for the PS4 console. Let’s see how the Xbox One Elite Controller compares to the PS4 Dualshock 4 controller.

[Foehammer]

"With all of these factors weighed in I would have to say that the Xbox One Elite Controller is the better controller. Even with the higher price point and no battery pack I still think that overall it’s the better choice."

Without a doubt.

If this controller seems too expensive, then you are not the target consumer.

It sold out on day one

For serious gamers only.

[Insomnia_84]

"If this controller seems too expensive, then you are not the target consumer."

I could buy six of those every week without a problem and I'm a serious gamer. That doesn't change the fact that this is an overpriced controller.

[Fatdrinkofwater]

Hmm see money and being a serious gamer isnt the issue. Hardcore gamers that generally buy scuffs or customized controllers online are the target consumer.

And all these kinds of controllers usually cost A LOT more than what ms is asking for the elite controller and you get imo a better build quality and its official xbox branded so that doesnt hurt either.

Its worth the money to a lot of people and sold out day 1 so what you and others complaining about it say doesnt really matter lol.

[Death]

@Insomina,

I'll be more impressed if you can pay all your bills and still have money left to buy 6 controllers every week. Money like most things is relative.

You can be a serious gamer and still not justify a $100+ controller. There is no shame in that, you simply are not the target audience. Scuf has been making high end controllers for quite some time. Elite/Scuf aren't for everyone and not having one does not make you any less of a gamer.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Please make one of your own and let us know how much it costs you, including overhead and shipping.

[DeToX420]

Overpriced is subjective. It is like the cheapest in it's category. You can't compare it to a regular controller.

[Ragthorn]

@Insomnia_84

Even though convincing you may be futile, I just want to point out that Foehammer has a definite point. "If this controller seems too expensive, then you are not the target consumer." He/She could not have gotten it anymore right. This controller is called "Elite" for a reason. Comparing this to the Dualshock 4 controller is also not fair considering that this is obviously a higher tier controller and is not geared towards the non-competitive gaming scene (although it could be used for such). Comparing this to SCUF controllers though makes sense, and you will see the huge value this controller holds objectively speaking (price:value ratio wise). It is the same thing with my keyboard actually, I have a Max Nighthawk X9 Mechanical Keyboard (that I am currently typing from) and I am absolutely glad that I have one. Why you may ask? It was something I saved up for and have been wanting for a some time. It is around $150 USD (see below for link to product for proof) and I do not regret buying it even though I could have gotten a regular old membrane keyboard to substitute for it. This is because I use the keyboard a lot, and I wanted a quality keyboard that I could do my work on and competitively game on as well. Another example are fighting game controllers, you can see those in the +100$ to around 300$ range (please verify if I am wrong, but those are the prices I have seen before when browsing) and no one complains about that. You can play fighting games with a regular controller, but people also have the choice to play with a fight stick as well. One final example (because I can go on all day about examples for this argument) are cars. Do you need a Ferrari or Lamborghini? No, a Honda Civic can get you to where you need just fine, but people with money want to get cooler-looking cars because they have the money to. Thus concludes my argument. I just wanted to put down my perspective and reasoning for why this controller has every right to exist. It's actually really good that this controller is out there because giving the consumer more choice is just better in any way.

TL;DR Version: This is a premium product with a premium price tag. This controller is geared towards the competitive and enthusiastic gamers who can spare some extra money to buy this controller. Having more choices for the consumer is always better (as long as its advertised properly, in which case the "Elite" controller has been), and that the controller is easily one of the better choices (price:value ratio) among the custom controllers available (SCUF, etc). Comparing to the Dualshock 4 controller is futile since it is a regular gamepad shipped with the console, so it would make more sense to compare it with the Xbox One standard controller.

EDIT: Spelling and grammar.

My keyboard:
http://www.maxkeyboard.com/...

[ChuckTheIceMan]

I don't now who the target audience actually is for this. They use marketing to make you think if you buy this you're an "elite gamer". I'm not an "elite gamer", but this controller was a must have from the day it was announced.

[FlexLuger]

@ChuckTheIceMan

"I don't now who the target audience actually is for this."

I would say pro/E-sports gamers, and gamers who just want something, that is superior to an already great controller ( The standard XB1 pad is my personal fave controller, but the elite is much better).

I am not a E-sports guy, but I am an enthusisatic gamer, who happens to have a controller fetish. I have a custom x360 SCUf pad that I have used onm y X360 and PC for years. As well as a bunch of limited edition X360 and XB1 controllers. The elite is simply a must have for me. And I do like adjustable stick heights and adjustable triggers.

[Jayszen]

I am sure Sony could have a go and come out with an enhanced Dualshock but clearly has not felt the need to! I wouldn't mind seeing what could be done considering how much one can do with the vanilla Dualshock 4.

[Gedmin]

I actually returned my controller. It's a good controller, but I play a lot better with the standard. The extra triggers make it seem like you can't even grip the controller, even if you only use one or two of them. On top of it, the sensitivity of the thumb sticks is laughable and not as accurate as the standard controller. Any one of the four preset isn't any different than changing the sensitivity in-game. When aiming down sites even at the lowest of the low settings combined in the app, and controller, it's very difficult to aim accurately. But either way, this controller wasn't for me. I feel like I can own FPS so much better with the original xbox one controller, because I can really hold onto the whole thing completely.

[TripleCs]

So now we're comparing a $150 controller to a $60 controller? That's not really a fair comparison.

[Eterna1Ice]

The fact that one side hasn't made something similar to another's won't stop dudes, who want to take people's attention on another console war.

[TripleCs]

You're right, it unfortunately won't stop people from arguing about it even though people know it's not a fair comparison and not a reasonable thing to argue about. I mean look at all the disagree's I'm getting. People really want to argue about this and it doesn't make sense.

Now I could understand it if this site was comparing the traditional Xbox One controller to the traditional PS4 controller. That would make a lot more sense since both controllers are standard and are at the same price range. But to make an article comparing a traditional controller to a specialist controller with a near $100 difference in pricing reeks of borderline desperation for clicks.

[medman]

Exactly. If they want to do a comparison, compare the elite to a scuf ps4 or scuf xbox one controller. Geez. Some people.

[Death]

A more fair comparison would be the Xbox Elite vs Scuf Xbox controller. If people want to compare the Scuf PS4 to the Elite that is another choice that seems more apples to apples than this.

[Relientk77]

Exactly

[Sweep14]

We're comparing a $150 controller with a 0$ controller in fact...

[Rock31]

This controller need a battery pack, but it is the best controller on the market. It feels great in your hands , the fact that you can customize all the buttons is a great .

[slappy508]

Jee, how much more clickbaity can you get? What good is comparing controllers from different consoles, it's the users from Xbox that would want to know if it's worth 150$ vs the default xbox1 controllers.

[ninsigma]

Stupid thing got delayed by gamestop and gotta wait till tomorrow :(

Elite better than DS4 because it's been made to be a pro controller.

[bleedsoe9mm]

the ps4 desperately needs a hardware revision for the ds4 , i was hoping they might come out with one for xmas . i'm very happy with the launch xb1 controller so i didn't see the need to go for the elite .

[ninsigma]

The DS4 is perfect. Battery life would be the only quarrel. Well that and the grips but mine lasted 2 years. Got the anniversary ones now. It's much better than the xbox one normal controller. Feels less cheap and is more responsive. Elite is obviously better than both due to premium build.

[bleedsoe9mm]

the ds4 is much farther from perfect than the xb1 original imo , things i desperately want for a revised ds4 , better battery life , a switch to turn off light , and better less slippery rubber on the analog sticks .

[ninsigma]

Obviously perfect is an exaggeration on my part xD
Batter life could definitely be better but I have two with one always on charge so it's not a problem for me. Light doesn't bother me, don't even notice it in the dark, especially since they let us dim it but my setup will be different to yours so the way you play may make it more noticeable. Are you using day 1 controllers?? Because I agree there the rubber is slippier on those but Like I said I have the anniversary ones now and the grips are much like the xb1 controller now. Ds4 is way more comforatble to me and does feel more premium to hold. And I do find it much more responsive to button pushes and thumbstick movements. Can't wait to try out the elite controller because that thing should be amazing!

[bleedsoe9mm]

yes i'm still using my day1 ds4 , the sticks annoy me but not enough to get another controller until they adresss the battery life issue .

[ninsigma]

Yeah grips on that weren't great. I was happy enough with it though until one of the thumbsticks ripped so I decided to replace both controllers. As far as I can tell though the batter life is the same.

[Christopher]

Get some XBO thumbsticks, pop those in your DS4, so much better.

Can't solve the issue if you like batteries over rechargeable battery, unfortunately. I'm fine with them, but understand people have a preference.

[Crashbandicoot87]

Your right I could buy 3 games for that price. It is over price. But since I bought it already it doesn't matter to me anymore. But I love PS4 controller as much as the elite controller

[Christopher]

Being overpriced is subjective. If a person has the desire for that sort of thing, the price could be right up their alley. It might be overpriced for you because you don't need such a thing, but for others is may likely be the perfect price point.

I love what MS did with the controller. The customization is great, using magnetics to lock in, giving so much customization. If XBO was my primary console, I'd more than likely own one right now (or at least be complaining about how it's sold out).

[ChuckTheIceMan]

Here's how I see it:

Xbox One Elite Controller is the New England Patriots of controller and the DS4 is my little cousins high school football team. Not even close to a comparison. I wish I could use my elite controller on my ps4 :(

For those who think the DS4 is better you've obviously never used the elite. It is freaking amazing. Of course there will be xbox bashers no matter what the product because for some reason people think they need to stick up for Sony but really >

https://pbs.twimg.com/media...

[Christopher]

Awww... c'mon, at least the DS4 is a low ranking college team. It's far from a bad controller, it's just there are professional controllers and then there are controllers that you do a good job but just aren't the best.

[ChuckTheIceMan]

It's not "Bad" in my opinion it's not great. A user replaceable battery and the ability to turn off that god damned light would make it good to great for me. The battery life is horrid.

[DivineAssault]

IDK.. 4 little paddles arent better than the experience i get with the speaker, touchpad and share button.. The build of the elite feels really sturdy in comparison but simplicity wins over $150 and batteries.

[JeffGUNZ]

I don't get the batteries argument. It's completely subjective. I HATE built in rechargeable batteries. I hate how Apple does it with their iphones and I hate it in controllers. I like more options. I like using disposable batteries as I feel I always get a longer usage then rechargeable. I also can just use the play and charge if I wanted a rechargeable battery. I guess I don't understand when people put "+ batteries" I mean, come on. If someone is buying $150 controller, I don't think 4.99 for a 10 pack of double AA's are really going to be too expensive lol. Who knows, a lot of people already own rechargeable AA's.

[DivineAssault]

Its 2015 bro.. Electronics shouldnt use batteries anymore, the PS3 had rechargeable controllers.. Even the wii u has rechargeable controllers.. The elite is a poor (or expensive) excuse for M$ to get people to buy the play and charge kit!

[JeffGUNZ]

But you're missing out on the fact of overall battery life. Any product I have ever had, after a year or so the rechargeable battery would hold less and less. look at cellphone. For instance, you get an iphone (an example in an internal rechargeable battery) and the battery strength is great. After a year it drops much quicker. I love having throw away batteries as the charges is always the same time. I know pretty much how long the charge will last. Also, it just gives the gamers options. A play and charge is cheap man, so that's a weak excuse. I know a lot of people who would be ticked off if MS went to rechargeable batteries. That was seriously the one thing I hated about the PS3 controller, battery would run low and I'd have to sit three feet infront of the tv to charge it. How is that better?

[DivineAssault]

There are 10+ft long usb cables if thats the problem but i dont use them. I use a charging station and have 2 controllers. If one dies, i put it on the charger and grab the other.. However, i never have enough time to actually run the whole charge out of a controller and i play quite often.. I can recall on a handful of occasions that i actually needed to use my second controller because mine died out on me..

[TheCommentator]

@Divine

-All controllers still use batteries.
-Cables were replaced by wireless which makes them more antiquated than either built-ins or AA's.
-Your solution to the problem of using charge cables, buying an extra controller and a charge station, cost you an extra $80.
-I spent $10 on 4AA's and a charger and do everything you describe with my single XB1 controller. See my other post(1.1.9) for all the other reasons your argument is flawed.

[DivineAssault]

I did that too.. Last gen with the wii and 360 until i got a lithium rechargeable battery for both.. My point is you shouldnt have to spend MORE money on a $150 controller whether it be once with the play n charge or continuously with AA batteries.. Its not an argument either, its an opinion.. Thats why I dont like it.. You can go for broke with all that extra stuff if you want..

[TheCommentator]

@Divine

You make no sense.

Why do you keep talking like rechargeable AA's are both disposable and expensive? IMO, you shouldn't have to buy a charge cable for a $60 controller with a built in battery, and wasn't it you who went for broke with a second controller and charge station so you could play for more than a few hours without a wired controller?

Man, where's He-Man when you need him (probably having a picnic with Man At Arms)?

[ChuckTheIceMan]

AA's in my xbox one controller last 6 or 7 times longer than the ds4. I have to keep one ds4 plugged in at all times. With the xb1 I just pop in some new rechargeable batteries and I'm good for a week.

[Christopher]

4 little paddles, customizable thumbsticks, customizable d-pad, completely customization between two different button configurations, and a very nice body form.

I get you prefer DS4, but let's not downplay what the Elite is.

[cyber_daemonx]

Stupid article. Considering its 3x more expensive makes it pointless really. Either compare it with the standard xbone controller to see how much better it is or compare the DS4 with the standard xbone controller as they are similarly priced.

Anyhow it may be a great controller but $150 great, hmmm. Also no rechargeable battery wtf? Thats just cheaping out imo.

[NeoGamer232]

Definitely agree that these devices are not at all comparable.

As for the rechargeable battery... I actually prefer playing with regular batteries. Rechargables consume cost through your electricity bills and I did the research and it is less costly to use non-rechargeable batteries. So, I don't think that is cheaping out. They are giving consumers options.

But, I do think $150 is a steep price for a controller. Even if it is gold plated!

[Luthiens1]

Damn it, had to buy a new one controller today. Left stick was was playing up on my launch day controller. In the UK the elite is not launched till the 3Rd. I even asked the game employee to break me one out early with no success. £50 but im not struggling with halo 5 over the weekend. Pathetic we could not have the controller on halo launch also.
BTW I love my dualshocks also but the elite does really apeal to me.

[assdan]

It's a slightly better controller for triple the price. It's not that it's not a good controller, it's just overpriced.

[PreAtaric]

The Beats by Dre of game controllers.

[jokerisalive]

The controller is WAY overpriced imo. For that amount of money it better make me coffee and breakfast every morning.

[ninsigma]

That's the price for pro controllers. In fact its cost is less than worse pro controllers. Premium build = premium price tag I'm afraid.

[WellyUK]

Pro controller brought by people who aren't pro's...

[ninsigma]

Well that's their prerogative if they want to buy it. This is nothing more than ms selling its own pro version of its own controller. If casual players want to buy it as well all the better. That doesn't mean they should lower the price though.

[MeliMel]

No no no...why are we comparing Xbox Elite Controller to S4? Shouldn't we wait for DS4 Pro or something. Which I know Sony has in the works. It makes sense since they are launching the PSN league.

Also I like that the batteries arent embedded. I bought a 4pk energizers for $4 after using CVS extra bucks..lol and I game all week, sometimes more on one charge.

When I had my PS4 I went to radio shack and replaced the battery with a 3000mah battery. And that made a huge difference.

Either way..this not a fair comparison.

[Christopher]

I doubt sony has a custom controller in the works. They tend to rely on third-parties for anything like that.

[TorpeAlex]

Talk about apples to oranges. The heck kind of an article is this? I've got a 'Microsoft vs Apple' iOS vs Windows 10 article to sell you.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

This is some kind of a joke article right? I think the author got his holidays mixed up. Its Halloween bot april fools...

[PreAtaric]

More than twice as expensive. Is it more than twice as good? Doubtful.

[ASSASSYN]

Lmao people can hate on this controller all you want. It sold out, it is not overpriced, it works flawlessly, and I freaking love mine. Wish I bought two.

It is the controller I always wanted for my xbox. I am glad Microsoft did something different. It's not a mandatory purchase. I fail to understand the butt hurt over this controller's price especially from people who clearly never used nor desire to try it.

[TorpeAlex]

If you seriously think that two of these controllers are worth an XBox One then you are seriously delusional.

[ASSASSYN]

Or I can seriously afford it. I own two xbox ones. My pockets are not empty.

[PistolsAtDawn]

This isn't even close to fair, OF COURSE the Elite controller is better...even the standard X1 controller is better. DS4 is easily the best PS controller made (except for the battery life and gimmicky stuff that eats up the battery)...it has a much better feel than other PS controllers had in the past. However, the X1 controller is just a better feeling controller, it has a better weight and ergonomic grip, not to mention battery life is like 4-6 times longer (rechargeable or AA's), and most importantly it has triggers that actually feel like triggers, not sponges.

[MannGamer]

Now if the PS4 $60 Dualshock were to be better than the $150 Elite Controller now that woulb be news.
Even a crazy fanboy would not have the audace to say that the DS4 is a better controller than the Elite. From what I read about the spec and reviews of that controller it is really something special. That would explain the $150 price.
For peope complaining about the price this controller has his specific targets. It will sell well. I remember reading it can also be used for PC too right? If true then the audience that this controller is targeting is really big.

[ASSASSYN]

It sold out. It definitely sold well. Microsoft should have made a helluva lot more to sell. Now they are scrambling to get them into stores.

[bluebenjamin]

Could have been a even bigger audience if it had wireless support for Windows 7-8.1. You Have to use Windows 10 for wireless play for now.

[shadow_satey]

Oh jeez, a $150 controller vs a standard $50 controller for the opposite console? Jeez, I wonder which one will be better? Sarcasm aside, nobody is going to flock to get an elite controler for $150 freaking dollars. That's too much for a controller. Why not compare it to the console it's competing for?

[Jsoc]

I don't know why u would compare the DS4 to the Elite, I have both.... I love my DS4. But the Elite is built very well , it's so much better than the Xbox one regular controller. U can customize the Elite in so many ways. I wish Sony would do there own version of a Elite DS4..... The person behide this article should compare it to a scuff controller ...... IMO it's worth the money ... And who ever says it's not maybe you should try it first , then give your opinion on it.... I like it so much that I'm looking in to getting a scuff DS4...

[FN4GM]

Seems like a pointless and unfair comparison but that's what this web site is all about anyway so mission accomplished.

[Killzoner99]

Elite garbage IMO. I tested this thing out and it sucks. I actually feels like a step backwards. And that price? OUCH.

[marloc_x]

You tested it? Shoot us a review of your preferred physical configuration and software settings!