270°

PS5 DualSense controller vs Xbox Series X controller: which gamepad will be best?

TechRadar: With the PS5 and Xbox Series X on the horizon, gamers will once again watch as Sony and Microsoft fight it out for their hard-earned cash. While games and graphical performance (and loading times) seem to be the main topics of the current conversation, we shouldn’t rule out the impact next-gen controllers are going to have in the future.

Read Full Story >>
techradar.com
no_more_heroes1803d ago

I normally prefer the inverted joystick placement on the Xbox controller because it feels more comfortable, but that PS5 controller looks great. It seems a bit wider than the DualShocks up to now and if it really is, then it might end up becoming my favorite.

darthv721802d ago

I like the DS5 being wider as well. It should fit much more natural in my hands. I also much prefer offset sticks. Those feel more natural as well.

I cant decide which is best so Im going to use both and then prob still not decide seeing as both will have games that play to the respected strengths and features.

outsider16241802d ago

I've played with both controllers. This is just my personal preference. I found it more easy and comfortable with the DS4. Even the Nacon that was designed like the 360 controllers was uncomfortable for me.

bouzebbal1802d ago

PS5 D-pad for fighting games, Xbox sticks are better.
need to try the PS5 triggers because xboxs are good!
i also prefer PS symmetrical analog sticks placement.

umair_s511802d ago

I prefer Symmetric sticks so PS5 is likely to be fav. Curious about the Xbox D pad

BeOpenMinded1802d ago (Edited 1802d ago )

Agreed everything seems better w DS but those offset thumbsticks feel more natural. Also get to use rechargeable batteries, ftw

Automatic791803d ago

I always preferred the Xbox One controller over PS4 controller. It really comes down to preference.

littletad1803d ago

I enjoyed both, I felt they really perfected both of their controllers. I'd give the edge to the Elite 2 though. I really do hope the DualShock 4 is BC with the ps5 though like the Xbox is.

UnHoly_One1802d ago

I switched from the Elite to the Elite Series 2 and I don't like the updated shape.

It's not a big change from the original Elite but something about it makes my hand hurt after a while.

SegaGamer1802d ago (Edited 1802d ago )

I think they are both rubbish for the price. I can get third party controllers at a cheaper price that are better than these two.

The Xbox One controller feels cheap and breaks down too easily. I have never seen so many complaints about a controller so expensive.

The PS4 controller has woeful battery life and just like the PS3 controller, includes a crappy gimmick that hardly anybody gives a damn about.

I bought an Easysmx controller from Amazon for £17 last year, that has out lasted my Xbox One controllers.
I bought another Easysmx controller that had a built in battery that lasts longer than the PS4 and that cost me £14.

Microsoft and Sony are ripping people off with their controllers.

Ristul1802d ago

Yeah, that touchpad must be one of the most underused controller gimmicks of all time.

Lon3wolf1802d ago

Your Xbox One controllers did not last a year?

SegaGamer1802d ago (Edited 1802d ago )

@Ristul

It's true, I don't know why you are getting so many disagree's. The touchpad is barely used, and even if it was, nobody wants it.

@Lon3wolf

The left bumper is unresponsive on one of them, and the D-Pad is double clicking. The other one has terrible stick drift. If Xbox One controllers are selling well, I wouldn't be surprised if it's because people are replacing their current one after it's warranty has expired.

UnHoly_One1802d ago

@Lon3wolf

I play a LOT, and I definitely can't get a full year out of a controller before something on it fails.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1802d ago
Platinum_k1802d ago

...and yet the PS5 controller is so very similar (even better) to the xbox controller now and you STILL pick the xbox. Its NOT about "preference" but Fanboyism. Get over it xbot.

rainslacker1802d ago

I have no problem with either. My carpel tunnel flares up using either, and I can use either without any issue. Discussion on which is better is usually over subjective matters, although there are obviously objective measurements which can be used to judge the build quality, or capabilities of different parts of the controller.

nitus101801d ago (Edited 1801d ago )

I have only played one game (PS3) that actually gave me RSI and that dubious distinction goes to "Tails of Xilla" which was kind of annoying since I actually liked that game. I have also tried to play "Tails of Berseria" on my PS4 and started to run into the same problem.

I don't have any issue playing the Souls/Borne games nor do I have a problem with Horizon Zero Dawn (hardest mode) and NioH. So for me, the problem was not the controller (i.e. Dual Shock).

rainslacker1801d ago

My issue is more that I have carpel tunnel regardless of using a controller or not. It's one of those things that flares up when I first start playing, but goes away after a while. I get the same thing with some keyboards as well. I wear a wrist brace on one or both hands when I first start playing, and then take it off after an hour or so. It can get pretty bad, and I've been discussing with my doctor about having surgery, since depending on the weather, I can wake up with my wrists and hands pretty swollen, and the sleeping braces didn't help.

Neither of these is an issue with the controllers themselves though. I can have the same issue doing anything where I have to hold something in my hands, like when I do work around the house, hammering nails can be painful. Even driving to work in the morning. More ergonomic devices help a lot, but both controllers are about as ergonomic as they can be in terms of holding them, with the Xbox controller maybe being a little more annoying since my thumb is in an unnatural position which increases the strain on my wrist. But this is minor, and not something I really think of as a design flaw.

Once my carpel tunnel swelling goes down, I'm usually good for the rest of the day. Sometimes my fingers still feel achy or swollen like they would feel when you can pop your knuckles.

However, I will say that most tales games are a real workout on my hands. Love the games, but their battle system is certainly input intensive.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1801d ago
Destiny10801803d ago

One is a Next Generation Controller and one is not

1803d ago Replies(6)
King_Noctis1803d ago

Both are next gen controller. So far, we don’t know what new features the new Xbox controller has yet, so don’t quickly jump to conclusions.

ApocalypseShadow1803d ago (Edited 1803d ago )

Microsoft has added nothing but the Share Button. Just like they added the headphone jack after Sony put one on theirs. They're not forward thinking. A next gen console and all they pushed was a gif of the share button saying, "me too" after a generation of being late.

It's why Sony didn't want to show anything yet to give Microsoft a heads up on what they were doing. If Microsoft really had something, they would have already told us. Because you know. ***Transparency.*** You know. That word you guys use all the time. Dual Sense just had extra features. You guys call them "OPTIONS." You know. That other word you guys use.

All they did was touch up the controller feel and spew how powerful their console was. So, they can speak up about the console, speak up that they are using an SSD, speak up about using 3D sound, but nothing about their controller? Come on Noctis. Who you trying to play?

But, I bet they'll either try and rework the controller before release in secret. Or, eventually add similar things over the course of making dozens of new controllers to sell. The latter seems likely as they always seem to not take a risk until Sony makes it standard.

King_Noctis1803d ago (Edited 1803d ago )

“ If Microsoft really had something, they would have already told us. Because you know. ***Transparency.*** You know. That word you guys use all the time.”

So where is the physical PS5 console? Didn’t MS showed the entire body of Xbox SX console? So where is the “transparency“ from Sony? (Also, according to you, for whatever reason people like me suddenly LOVE the word “transparency”).

ApocalypseShadow1802d ago (Edited 1802d ago )

Sony don't need to show it until they're ready. They're not using transparency like Microsoft and their fans use.

Sony's word would be more like "stealth." Only reveal yourself when you're ready to attack. Like a ninja. Wired articles, Insomniac purchase, SSD advancement than raw power, controller surprise features.

Not transparency. That would give Microsoft an advantage. Can't have that now that Microsoft is paying close attention to Sony's moves. So, don't show any. And let the competitor make their moves. Then hit them when they're not looking. The console reveal will come out of nowhere. Just like the UE5 reveal.

DJStotty1802d ago

@Apocalyse

"Sony don't need to show it until they're ready."

So neither do microsoft about their controller features? Who knows what their controller has for the gamers.

boing11802d ago

There isn't any. Only Share button is new. And I would say that perfectly fits the strategy MS is going for. Clearly SX is just another one in the family.

ApocalypseShadow1802d ago (Edited 1802d ago )

Sorry DJ. There nothing new about the controller.

As boing said, only the share button. A copy from DS4 because Microsoft figured Sony would only tweak the feel and the battery. Nope. Sony redesigned the whole controller. Side blinded Microsoft. Now Microsoft has to wonder if they should go back and add features to match Sony with parity before it's too late.

All they blabbed about was low latency and a gif of the share button. Here's the interview right here. Nothing new but tweaks.
https://www.google.com/amp/...

rainslacker1802d ago

I think until we can actually use the controllers, it's kind of pointless to compare them. Sonys controller does look nice, but it could be complete junk. Xsx controller may not offer up much that is new, and have less features, but it may still be the most responsive controller ever.

Until we can hold them, and play games with them, and measure the subjective and objective qualities of each, these kinds of discussions are more projection than anything.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 1802d ago
Knightofelemia1803d ago

I like the Xbox 1 controller I like the triggers hate the D pad hate having to use AA batteries or have to buy a charge and play. I like the feel of the PS4 controller D pad is better hate the flash light option hate the battery life hate the rubber they use on the thumbsticks and the speaker is meh. Just hope PS5 controller has better battery life the option to ditch or turn off the flash light and better quality rubber used on the thumbsticks. As for Series X built in battery would be nice AA batteries can get expensive and the need to buy a charge and play wouldn't be needed.

littletad1803d ago

No built-in battery is a better option. Use a USB cable, you can buy one for less than ten bucks on Amazon. Benefits include zero input lag and never having to worry about batteries or a built-in one you can't replace. You can do the same for PlayStation controller by switching communication method to the cable instead of Bluetooth. Not sure if ps5 will support that though.

BeOpenMinded1802d ago

Rechargeable batteries. Last a few days and switch out. Been using same four for 5 years for like 15 bucks. Much better option imo

Knightofelemia1802d ago

I have thought about that idea but I'd rather just plug the controller in then pause a game to swap rechargeable batteries

ColdSin1802d ago

I really hoped that both controllers would have advanced gyro sensors this time around. Sony did good with the gyro sensors inclusion in the DualShock4 (I hope they didn't remove it from the DualSense). Microsoft should have provided them. It just opens potential for developers to use them in a more calculated manner.

rainslacker1802d ago

Theyll probably still exist. They're a key part of psvr control, and sony is likely to continue on that tech. If anything, they may even improve on it.

Show all comments (67)
330°

You Can Now Connect PlayStation's DualSense Controllers To Xbox Series XlS

There's a fan-made app on the Microsoft Xbox store right now that allows players to connect their DualSense controller to Xbox Series XlS.

Read Full Story >>
thenerdstash.com
S2Killinit49d ago

Hehe that must be a hard pill to swallow.

neutralgamer199249d ago

I have been a PS fan since day one and last year switched to PC and to me Xbox series controller just feels better (no doubt features wise dual sense has more to offer but the feel in hand xbox feels more natural)

RupeeHoarder49d ago

The feel between the two is negligible at best. One thing I can absolutely say is not negligible is the sound difference. The Series controller is a loud, clicky, cheap sounding mess.

DodoDojo49d ago

I prefer the Xbox controller too. I think there was a Steam survey that showed 60% of the controllers used were Xbox controllers.

VenomUK49d ago (Edited 49d ago )

Just wait until Microsoft starts selling Xbox controllers for PS5. I joke, I joke, that’s one red line Microsoft will never cross…

Promise?

Will it?

MUMMY.

darthv7249d ago

DS has the better actuators but the XB feels better to hold. It is clicky... but that audible feedback is nice to hear. Then again i also like the classic clicky keyboards of yore.

Si-Fly49d ago

Hopefully Sony will get the ergonomics right one day, they’ve come a long way since the PS1 but Xbox has always had comfier controllers.

KyRo49d ago

I have both and it blows my head when people say the Xbox controller is better. The controller sounds cheap and hollow when moving the analogue sticks. The vibration feedback is pretty naff and the LB/RB buttons are like digital mouse buttons.

I've not used the Elite controller myself but the standard one just doesn't compare with the Duel Sense.

Rockstar49d ago

@ RupeeHoarder

I absolutely agree. The Xbox controller is indeed a loud, clicky cheap feeling controller. I prefer my dual sense and 8bitdo Ultimate controllers. But in my opinion all of these controllers are very comfortable

neutralgamer199249d ago

Guys I just shared my opinion on what felt better in my hands. Dual sense has more features like I said and I agree compared to Xbox controller DS feels premium. I wish Sony would give the option between having a normal dual sense and one layed out like Xbox controller and I wish Xbox would do the same. Having more options is better for us all

Controllers are such a subjective matter. What feels good in my hands might not in another gamers hands

MASTER_RAIDEN49d ago (Edited 49d ago )

I honestly can’t believe people still argue about this. The Xbox controller is significantly more ergonomic/comfortable than anything PlayStation has ever put out. Do you guys like those weirdly stiff, gross feeling dualsense triggers? How about that giant useless touchpad in between the and share buttons (2 of the worst buttons I’ve ever used on a controller). The triggers on the dualsense bottom out at an inward angle for crying out loud. The PS button feels weird and should probably just be a circle shape with the ps logo like it was on ps3. I love PlayStation and haven’t owned anything Xbox since the 360, but let’s just be honest. Xbox one controllers onward NAIL the controller feel. PlayStation controllers just have really awkward design decisions.

Goodguy0149d ago (Edited 49d ago )

Preference

babadivad49d ago

Exactly. Xbox has the better controller.

rocky04758649d ago

Really? I really think the people that say this MUST have small hands. There's NO way if you have big hands that you'd think the Xbox Series X controller feels natural in your hands. To me, it feels small and my hands feel like it's smothering the controller. It feels awkward to hold compared to the hefty PS5 Dual Sense controller. I'm not body shaming small hands either, sorry if it sounds like it.

neutralgamer199249d ago

Rocky I am 6-4 with quite large hands. I have a otter box cover OK my controllers. Yes without that she'll case I definitely think it's too small

phatak49d ago (Edited 49d ago )

well thats your personal opinion, im a full time pc gamer and the dualsense is easily the best controller ever made, the texture effect on the back and sides of the xbox controller this generation is extremely strong that it feels awful, I literally have to use a rubber cover or wear gloves to make that texture go away, it feels like saw dust. Playstation also has a texture but its much more normal feeling, the last time microsoft had a better controller than sony was the xbox 360, xbox one and ps4 dualshock were basically a tie, while dualsense smokes the series s/x controller for me personally

Profchaos49d ago

I've got to admit I never liked the Xbox one design the stick tension is wrong it's shoulder buttons don't feel right the grips are not as ergonomic and I don't like using it for long periods of time but the 360 pad was perfection I still use it over the Xbox one controller

TheEroica49d ago

The Sony defense force is gonna hate your comment. They're corporate bootlickers so expect downvotes.

PanicMechanic48d ago

The Xbox series controller is inferior to the Dualsense in just about every way possible. Dualsense feels better in my hands. Haptic feedback obviously makes the Dualsense the better controller and that can’t even be debated.

The series controller feels too “narrow” in my hands compared to the Dualsense

+ Show (14) more repliesLast reply 48d ago
Michiel198949d ago ShowReplies(3)
Profchaos49d ago

To be fair i was using a duelshock 4 with xcloud to play halo a few years ago already which felt like a nice novelty

TheEroica49d ago

A hard pill to swallow? Huh? Like anyone is clamoring to hook up a Playstation controller to an Xbox. What a weird statement...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 48d ago
GotGame81849d ago

I prefer the Xbox controller. So do most PC players.

https://www.pcgamer.com/bes...

crazyCoconuts49d ago

On PC the biggest drawback of dualshock/dualsense is lack of universal support.
Once you've got DS4Windows / Steam Support configured, the Sony controllers simply have more features.
I can use the trackpad as a mouse which is really useful in Windows.
I can also use the gyro in Steam games for fine tuned aiming which is a great feature once you get used to it.
The other advanced features that the dualsense have are great (triggers, better haptics), but having to connect it via USB just to find most PC games don't support it isn't great at all.

Anyway this user mod doesn't support any of that greatness on xbox anyway... i was just talking about PC

Goodguy0149d ago

Budget 3rd party controllers have been amazing lately that even include back buttons, great battery life, trigger stops, and hall effects for $40-$60. 3rd party has been amazing and stepping it up, I'd recommend them if you're on PC. Official controllers by the big 3 and pro controllers are selling them overpriced and have some features fail within a year as a person who's tried out many controllers myself.

gold_drake49d ago

fuck no
i hate the xbox controllers. they are so bulky and loud for no good reason.

the biggest drawback of the somy controllers is the lack of 100% support.

Profchaos49d ago (Edited 49d ago )

Plus the face buttons feel like you need to press then harder which doesn't lend itself well to twitch motions it's my most hated gamepad for retro gaming on PC or though emulation

It feels like it's built around shooters and nothing else

andy8549d ago (Edited 49d ago )

Only because of the ease of use connecting a Microsoft product to a PC. It's just plug and play unlike the dualsense. I personally use an Xbox controller too on my laptop, but if it was as flawless I'd be using a dualsense every time.

Rockstar48d ago

Price is likely a factor as well. The Xbox controller is 35 dollars less expensive than the dual sense. At least here in Canada anyway

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 48d ago
MrDead49d ago (Edited 49d ago )

I always forget how archaic the Xbox controller is, it'll be be like a wizard from the future casting a spell on the confused peasants.

"What is this magic you bring us?"

MrDead49d ago

No s#it.

"If you use the adjective archaic you are referring to something outmoded, belonging to an earlier period. Rotary phones and cassette players already seem so archaic! The adjective archaic means something that belongs to an earlier or antiquated time."

oldenjon49d ago

Well, it reads like you don't understand what it means. Just trying to help lol

Schoolboi49d ago

Well then you need to take some comprehension lessons, because what he said and how he used archaic is absolutely fine

oldenjon48d ago

@schoolboi oh thx ‘school’ boi! Yeah the point of the joke is somewhat obscure, and the language used isn’t really helping me grok it.

KwietStorm_BLM49d ago

I don't like the multiverse. It's scary.

DivineHand12549d ago (Edited 49d ago )

This is a huge win. I will try this as soon as I get home before Microsoft pulls the app. The only thing that is left is for someone to mod the dual sense controller buttons with Xbox buttons.

DivineHand12548d ago (Edited 48d ago )

Ok, to add an update. The app works, but you will need a PC or Android phone to act as a middleman to manage the connection between the console and the dual-sense controller. I was able to connect my dual sense using Bluetooth to my laptop, and then my laptop was able to connect to the Xbox via wifi.

I was able to control the Xbox dash board using the controller, and I tried playing 2 games. I tried the Xbox 360 version of Sonic Generations (disk version), but that didn't work. I then tried playing Forza Horizon 4 (Digital), and I was able to control the game without any noticeable input lag. I expected the game to have rumble like PS4 games on the PS5, however, there was no vibration what so ever. I was only able to experience the novelty of using a dual sense controller to control the Xbox Series X. In its current state, you are better off just using the Xbox controller.

The flaw I noticed is that if you have Steam running on your PC and you press the Playstation button thinking it will take you back to the dashboard, you are wrong. It will just launch Steam big picture mode on the PC, and at that point you have to focus on what is on your PC because you don't want to press and open something accidentally. It seems you will still need an Xbox controller to get back to the dashboard/home screen. It doesn't matter if you exit Steam on your PC.

Show all comments (71)
120°

The GameCube’s retro styling lives on in this customized PS5 DualSense controller

Following the 30th anniversary versions of the PlayStation 5 featuring an old-school gray colorway, Killscreen has announced a customized version of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller called the CubeSense, which comes with a purple shell and custom joysticks inspired by the Nintendo GameCube.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv72193d ago

A bit pricey for my taste, but i respect the hustle. Pretty nice looking though.

S2Killinit192d ago

Looks nice but pricy and dont like the right trigger being smaller for my gaming purposes but like the look of it.

Inverno192d ago (Edited 192d ago )

150 bucks ahahaha, no. You can make yourself a custom controller simply buying spare parts off Aliexpress.

DivineHand125192d ago

I tried this once, and the hardest part was changing the touchpad. Luckily, I was able to melt the glue with a hair dryer, and from there, everything was easy.

240°

PlayStation and Retailers Have Increased the PS5 DualSense Controller by $5

Sony has seemingly implemented a PS5 DualSense controller price increase without announcing it, and it's implemented by retailers too.

Chocoburger235d ago (Edited 235d ago )

As if they weren't already overpriced enough as it is. And all 3 first party companies refuse to use hall effect analog sticks on purpose, just to sell more us controllers.

Sega used hall effect analog sticks for both Saturn and Dreamcast.

excaliburps235d ago

What do you mean? Third-party controllers do use Hall effect to prevent stick drift.

Chocoburger235d ago

Indeed, I have even recently bought hall effect third party controllers on pre-order last month, but I made no mention of third parties in my previous post. I specifically mentioned first party, which are usually the best build quality (outside of the potentiometer analog sticks).

just_looken235d ago

Get ready for those to be blocked via a update sony and xbox has blocked alot of 3rd party stuff on there consoles even fight stick's no doubt 3rd party pads will also be blocked soon.

Good-Smurf235d ago

Now you know how Nintendo's making a killing with their stick drift prone Joy Cons.
I missed the days they used to make indestructible controller immune to analog stick drift came with the system.
Some of my DualShock 2 controllers still going strong with no stick drift after what seemed like 20 years despite its rubber are all melted away long before and yes, the pressure sensitive buttons still work perfectly as well.

Chocoburger235d ago

Yep, even my 1996 Nintendo 64 controller still works fine its a bit loose, but the sensitivity is still present, and there is no drifting. First party companies are intentionally taking the piss with us, and its not right. The DualSense Edge allows you to replace the analog sticks, but that's a feature which should be present on all standard controllers from Sony / Nin / MS, without having to pay $200 for the privilege just to pay them more for replacement sticks.

My DualShocks 1, 2, 3, don't really suffer from any drifting, but I bought some used PS3 consoles off ebay, and the controllers arrived damaged with sticks that have some drifting to them, but that's because they were abused.

neutralgamer1992235d ago

I really am surprised how there hasn’t been an class action lawsuit for that against these companies

porkChop235d ago

First party controller prices are insane. 3rd parties like 8BitDo are putting out controllers with just as high quality, with hall effect sticks and triggers, for considerably less money. It's become such a ripoff.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 235d ago
Profchaos235d ago

It's actually gone higher in other regions Australia just saw it go from $110 RRP to $125 not that it doesn't frequently go on sale for $80 odd

darthv72235d ago

Hmm.... when the Concord controller went on sale, it was $84.99 while the Astro bot one was $79.99. And Astro released after Concord yet they are just now increasing the price by $5.

jznrpg235d ago

I have 1 Astro Bot, 3 launch and 1 Edge plus I’ll get another with the Pro. I don’t need anymore controllers. I’ll probably keep the Astro Bot in the box. I have had no issues with any of them even the 2 my young children use. I do make them wash their hands before using them and tell them not ever to set the controllers on the stick side so that helps I’d guess.

I’m sure parts cost more for them so it gets passed to the consumer.

darthv72235d ago

you didnt pick up the concord one? That goes for big $$ now, like the hogwarts edition. The other special editions seem to be more reasonable but those two are stupid pricey now.

ZacultronTheFirst235d ago

This is just ridiculous!
And even more so are the people expecting Pro's price to be less than 600$.

Show all comments (37)