Analysis: PS3 vs Xbox 360, which controller is better for games?

The age old debate of which controller is better, the PS3 Dualshock 3 or the Xbox 360 gamepad has raged on for years. Today, Mike Ferro will take the time to settle all the misconceptions and break down which controller is better for what type of game. He has performed an analysis on shooters, fighters and racers using various games to perform the shake-down test.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

In my opinion.It all comes down to which one you've used the longest.
Like since i have used a Playstation controller for almost 15 years now it feels natural to me.

Whereas when i use my 360 controller..it just feels bulky and awkward

Im sure the same goes for 360 owners who owned an xbox,xbox360 then tried the the Playstation controller.

Neither is better then the other IMO.There both just controllers.
Use which one you think feels better and leave it at that.

[TheHater]

I have to agree. I feel more easy using the Playstation controller.

[sonarus]

Even if any controller has an advantage in any area its slight. except for 360 triggers being superior which isn't so slight and PS3 dpad being superior.

But even with those differences, any TRUE gamer should have no problem going back and forth between either of the controllers

[bviperz]

If you are a TRUE gamer, then what ever game you want to play, you WILL learn how to get used to which ever controller. Even the Wii controller... :D

[Saigon]

it depends on who makes the game to which controller will be better...for example ea football games sway towards the 360 because of the triggers and design...

[iamtehpwn]

As a owner of Both, I can't think of many games that really reign superior to me on 360 controller. But I do like Xbox's controller. Though, it does feel bulky.

I also hate call the triggers RT and LT, RB and LB..I always get confused on which ones is which (I know, I'm kind of stupid). R1 and L1, etc seem more natural to my extincts.

but, that's all IMO.

[No Way]

Ha. I think that is one of the most reasonable posts I've ever seen that you've made.. Props. =) Hehe.

And, I agree with what you said. It mostly depends on preference.. Sure, some games work better with a certain controller, but in most cases, they are the same.. No better, no worse. Well, until it comes to the 360's DPad, which just plain blows. Ha.

However, I myself, prefer the layout of the 360 controllers. They are a bit bigger, which works for my hands, and I like the way the analogs are set up on the 360 controller.

[PoSTedUP]

""""TECHNI CALLY"""", the ps3 controller is better.

PS3 controller has sixaxis, 360 controller does not.
ps3 controller has better, state of the art rumble.
ps3 controller has all pressure sensitive buttons, 360 controller does not.
ps3 controller comes rechargeable, 360 controller does not.
ps3 controller has a better Dpad
360 controller has triggers! but you can buy triggers for the ps3 controller (buy them, they are good) : P

but it all comes down to what your use to, i like shooting with R1 because ive been doing it for 13-14 years. the Z button on the N64 controller was brilliant for shooters too imo.

personal preference= N64 controller XD

[Masta_fro]

a year ago i said in a comment that i actually preferred the PS3 controller for FPS and that it felt more responsive...

The disagree button went CRAZY on me!

Wonder if it would happen again...

Personally, the only thing i would change on the DS3 are the Convex triggers...make em Concave. I would also make the Analog sticks more like the Original analog sticks with a slight concave in the middle

[mikeslemonade]

The cons for the two controllers are the triggers for the dualshock 3 and the d-pad for the 360. I actually prefer the 360 controller it's more ergonomic but for competitive gaming I use Dualshock 3 just because I use that more.

[jadenkorri]

360 is windows, has lots of software support, but bad hardware
PS3 is MAC, has little software support, but excellent hardware

as for controllers, depends on what you played, if you grew up playing Nintendo and play station, Your gonna love the dual shock controller, if you grew up with just playing the xbox controller, then you will like the 360 controller...can't you guys figure out that its all preferences, i would play every game with a keyboard and mouse if i could because i've been using long before dualshock ever came out... oh and by the way, having both systems, the ps3 is far better, playing Ace Combat 6 on my 360 is just very awkward, and i can't fly was well as i did compared to the last one i played on the ps2...ive only been using the 360 controller for about a month now, that could be it, but i still play my ps3 more...

[GUNS N SWORDS]

don't really care, however i do like the amount of grip i have with 360's controller, and the analog placements.

[Karum]

I can only agree with ThatCanadianGuy.

I'd played with the polaystation controller and the PS2 controller for a long time and I bought the original xbox and hated the controller for a while until I got used to it.

The playstation controller I've used for so long it just feels natural.

You use anything for long enough and it'll feel that way.

[ChrisGTR1]

you guys gotta stop being fanboys. i bought a ps1 when the dualshock didnt exist. mine didnt have analog sticks , it was just a dpad. so ive had a ps1 , ps2 and ps3 so its kind of wierd that i didnt end up becoming a ps fanboy. but i gotta say that the 360 controller is so much better. ITs literally ps controller but improved in every aspect exept the dpad. the ps3 controller is just too blocky for me now that im not a teenager. it feels too small and the back of the R2 , L2 buttons just gets in the way so much. the analogs are way too loose and it really messed up the accuracy for playing racing and FPS games. also the r2,l2 buttons are so retarded because there suppost to be triggers but just are hard to press and end up being more like a squishy button.

[littletad]

It just feels right. Although I'm not sure I agree with "longest" example. I mean the playstation controller was modified a few times so. The 360 controller just added what was already great from their competitors. Triggers, rumble, and wireless. The size is just right too. The original was just horrible in size, and of course the 360 controller has the worst d-pad.

[outlawlife]

i actually disagree

i've been using the dual shock since its first incarnation, actually my ps1 was an earlier one without sticks at all, but now i feel better on a 360 controller

it just fits my hand and feels better to me, i feel cramped on a PS controller these days

[PoSTedUP]

also the 360 controller is sooo out of proportion it makes my brain hurt when i hold it. XD

[Sarcasm]

For me

FPS: DS3
Racing that requires Triggers: 360
Racing that requires sensitive buttons (GT5P): DS3
Fighting games: DS3 by eight billion miles.
Basically anything the requires the use of the D-Pad: DS3
Battery Life: DS3

And since I don't have mammoth sized hands, the DS3 is almost more comfortable for me.

Given that, this whole controller debacle is just a preference. Much like how people prefer the PS3 over the 360 and vice versa.

It's the silly "console-war" mentality that makes people think preference is automatic fanboyism.

[crematory]

but the truth x controller is the best in fps trust me

[TheXgamerLive]

I think the 360's is much mucg much more responsive and have never had a complaint where as when I play a friends ps3 I hate the controller, and I hate really really dislike the suxasses. Just my opinion.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

"and I hate really really dislike the suxasses"

Such maturity.

[AAACE5]

I have always tried to have all the systems at the same time, since Ps1, N64, Dreamcast, Ps2, Gamecube, Xbox. I even tried to go with the 360 and Wii, but the Wii just wasn't for me!

I never really cared too much for a controller or a system. Last gen, I liked the Ps2 controller more than the GC or Xbox. But this gen, I prefer the 360 controller. The main reason is, that pretty much all games are using the analog stick, and the 360 controller seems to have everything in the right spot to me! The fact that son' didn't move the stick into place like the 360's controller like they were suppose to(like they said they wanted to), makes the Ps3 controller feel unrealistic for this gen in my opinion... Especially when it comes to shooters!

I never liked the "L&R" button setup for the Dualshock, even now, my fingers slip off when I try to hit one of them(I play at a friends house). And because I have big hands, my fingers and thumbs hurt and my wrist from using the controller! My wrist hurt from the 360 controller as well, but it takes a longer time before that happens.

I'm not hating on the Dualshock controllers in any way, because it is one of the best controllers ever made! But I am just saying why I prefer the 360 controller instead! The D-pad on the 360 controller is bad, but how many fighting games do we get to play anyway?

[Bubble Buddy]

My prefect controller would be:

DS3 D-Pad
DS3 L1, R1
360 Triggers
DS3 Layout of the controller
360 or DS3 analogs.
360 or DS3 buttons

[Wolf873]

Your completely right. It depends on what your used to. I have used Dual Shock since I first bought my PS-1 and if I suddenly went back something like a NES controller, things would definitely look odd to me. But than again, in order to get a grasp of anything, you have to spend a considerable amount of time with it, than everything becomes piece of cake.

[xhairs9]

did anyone notice their picture for Call of Duty 4 was actually Halo? lol

[wallace1000]

Very good post ThatCanadianguy420, i have to agree that it really comes down to personal preference. Personally i find that the PS3 controller feels to small in my hands, but then again i play far more 360 than PS3 so that is probably why.

[monfa]

I am a tall person with large hands, for me having the d-pad up top is much easier to reach the left directional.
On the microsoft controler I have no problem hitting up/right/down but left is a bit more awkward.
The analog pad in that location is much easier because I can just place my thumb on the right most side or even hook my thumb over the edge to move it left.

[JsonHenry]

Personally, the 360 controller is my favorite because of the location of the left analog stick and the triggers being easier to use than the L2/R2 buttons on the PS3 controller.

[arika]

i've been ps3 controller since its conception on the ps1 era, so i'm very comfortable with it and my hands are not big to be comfortable enough to use an xbox 360 d-pad. the ps3 has a little advantage with the sixaxis, other than that they are almost equal.

[TheDude2dot0]

What is all this nonsense about being a true gamer? What does that even mean?

It's simple. Whichever you use first and the most is most likely your favored controller.

[Leathersoup]

I like the 360 controller for everything except the D-Pad... whoever was in charge of the design for that should be fired.

[Traveler]

I agree to a point with what you said about being used to the design of the PS3 controller, but how far are you going to take that? I mean, next generation are you going to be mad if Sony changes the design of the controller for the PS4? After all, by that point you will have been playing on that same controller for 3 generations and you'll be even more used to it. If your reasoning is correct you guys will want to stick with the same controller for the PS4 simply because you are used to it. Tell Sony to just forget about evolving the design of the controller or improving it in any significant way, because apparently you guys care more about familiarity than the actual qualities of a controller. I'm sorry but it almost sounds like an excuse to me for why you guys want to prefer the PS3's controller.

What really matters is how good a controller is. From my experience you can get used to any controller in just a matter of months and so I don't really buy into the idea that just because you have used a certain controller for a while that you are going to be stuck preferring that controller forever. I, too, used the PS1 and PS2 controller more than any other controller over the past two generations. But after I started using the 360 controller I liked it right away and was extremely accustomed to it in just a matter of months.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

Did you even read my comment?

What are you going on about "Making excuses" Next generation"
Blah,blah,blah!

I used my experience with the Playstation controller as an example.
I've used it alot more then the 360 controller.So i prefer it over the 360 controller.That's the point i was making.People who use there 360 controller years before they even buy a PS3 are still going to prefer the 360 controller.And vice versa.

Where did i say i suck using the 360 controller? Where did i make an excuse? Where did i say it's not possible to get used to the 360 controller?? Please enlighten me.

[SL1M DADDY]

It's all about personal preference. I use the PS3 controller more and love it. I have no issues with the 360 controller but it is second in my list of controllers that appeal to me.

[jack who]

they said PS3 controller better for shooters....i slowly walk away

[TheHater]

The ps3 controller is better for FPS for some people.

[INehalemEXI]

For me the 360's d-pad is its con while its pro is its triggers. DS3's con is its convex triggers. neithers perfect I use DS3 most so im bias towards it.

There are mods for those cons. Im happy enough with both but 360's d-pad and fisher priceness is ...something MS should alter next go round and Sony should stop with the convex triggers and both of them need to come with those wii mote counters on the side. Seriously , come with something that takes the wii down a peg.

The DS3's R2 can barely withstand my finger when playing intense warhawk matches and Ive broke 3rd party controllers playing warhawk. If I could play warhawk with 360's pad im sure that trigger would hold up its pretty sturdy. DS3 needs stronger concave triggers and its perfect 4 me.

[xhi4]

its better for fighting games (defiInitely)

its better for RPG's (definitely)

its better for platformers (like LBP)

its better for mini games,puzzle games etc. (Ratchet and Clank, PSN Games, duck game)

its better for games that wan't to innovate and add slight, fun and ingenious touches with six-axis control (like shaking controller to get rid of fire)

its better for Sport games (fifa anybody?)

its better for racing games (gran tursimo)

its better for action games (god of war)

and what about shooters?

I used to prefer the 360 controller I admit, but then I started playing with both the 360 controller and the PS3 controller and learnt to love the PS3 controller for shooters over the 360 one. But I think shooters is a matter of personal choice, give the PS3 controller some time and it'll love you back.

I think the reason why the PS3 controller is better is because the buttons are closer together, both sticks are symmetrical, close together to use by both hands, and you can reach all the buttons and more importantly the dpad really easily (apart from the start and select buttons obviously). The 360 controller is far too bulky and large to hit the X,Y,B,A buttons accurately.

Its hard for the 360 controller because of the Dpad placement, they tried to change it up but as it is, for many you have to change up your fingers and move your thumb/fore finger to press the D-Pad, losing efficiency.

But ultimately, the PS3 controlelr only really comes out on top for games like RPG's, Puzzle Games, Platformers, Racers and fighting games. The rest is really just what your used to.

[Itrguy001]

it is to some ppl dumb fck. ppl that are used to games like socome and the FPSs' from past yrs from the PS1 lifetime are used to the Duelshock more than the 360 controller and will MS pls come up with a name for their controller cause i dont want to have to constantly say 360 controller

[No Way]

Agreed. But, that can be said with all cases. It doesn't matter on the type of genre that makes a controller "better." The only thing that says if a controller is better than another is a specific individual. Only the user can say which is better, because it's their personal preference and opinion.

[Itrguy001]

i got a name for the 360 controller now. imma call it X-control

[Sarcasm]

X-Control huh?

So the 360's d-pad name must be No-Control

[Leathersoup]

If you push down farther you'll run instead of just walking ;)

[ultimolu]

It comes down to preference.
And...this won't end well.

[TruthBTold]

I really dont see the argument here. It all comes down to preference. I have always had PS so obviously I will feel more natural using a DS but Ive played Xbox and got used to the controller after a couple of minutes without any problems whatsoever. Its like when youre learning to play a new game, you adjust to the controller settings, what each button does in the game, same thing with these controllers. They are very similar and not different enough to make the other one better then the other, to me they are the same since I am able to adjust to them easily. The only sad thing is eventually some die hard fanboy will come and turn this discussion into an argument about why his controller is better. Its nice to read some constructive opinions before that happens. Well back to the very addicting game of Fallout.

[lordgodalming]

This opinion piece wasn't the angry tripe I expected it to be, regardless of which controller the author preferred in the end. It was thoughtful and technologically detailed.

But you're right. This will end badly for all of us. *Holds pillow over ears and waits for the yelling to start*

[djtek184]

ps3 controller wins hands down.

[White-Sharingan]

it all depends on the game in my opinion

Ive always said PS controller is best for Action/adventure games and fighting games

while xbox controller is best for racing games and shooters

the other genres dont really matter as much; RPGs (turned based) feel the same and so on

for example; I would love to play killzone and Resistance 2 with my 360 controller and yet I would prefer playing Ninja Gaiden, fable 2 on my dualshock 3

[ravinshield]

the ps3 controllers feels like ur holding a piece of sh!t, its all squeaky and cheap..good thing the 360 controller is great for every game

[Killjoy3000]

Dualshock 3- Platformers, racers, action games, puzzle games. RPGs, fighting games.
Xbox 360 controller- Shooters.....

[SaberEdge]

No way! The 360 pad is better for almost every type of game, except fighters. The ps3 pad feels kind of cheap to be honest...and I can't even change my own batteries in it.

[Killjoy3000]

Are you kidding? I never said the 360 was a bad controller for the other genres I listed, but the DS3 is just the preferred controller for the respective genres. Infact, I heavily support the 360 controller. Hell, I'd love to stick the insides of a DS3 in an Xbox 360 controller shell for when I play CoD4, R2, and Killzone 2. But I'm perfectly fine with the PS3 controller, as I've been using it for 10 years.

Besides, the ion battery should last you a good four years before you need to replace it or get a new controller. Now I don't know about you, but when my controller is running low on battery, I'd prefer to plug it in versus going and replacing the battery pack. Much easier.

[Stryfeno2]

360 for me...It feels more comfortable.

[ReBurn]

It's simply a matter of personal preference. I've become pretty good at using both, so it makes no difference to me.

[xSHROOMZx]

my 360 broke for a while, so I had to play my PS3. I actually took apart an old 360 controller and installed the joysticks from it into my PS3 controller.. felt a little bit better, but IMO shooters also rely on the position. 360 is better in that area cuz to me, your aiming is easier just how tha placement of the sticks are, one up and one down spread apart, with the PS3 I always hit my thumbs together while playing. again, thats only my opinion.

[plain rice]

I'm a beast with both controllers so it doesn't matter to me. But when it comes to button mashing/action/fighting games I prefer the PS controller. All in all, a controller is just a controller. No big deal about it. Both controllers have great button layouts and I can easily adapt to it.

[DiabloRising]

Dear God.... I like how everyone tries to quantify and objectify things that are usually subjective. *sigh*

I think the PS3 controller is great.
I think the 360 controller is great.
I think the PS3 controller has flaws.
I think the 360 controller has flaws.
I think the PS3 controller is better for some games.
I think the 360 controller is better for some games.

I think "game journalism" plays more politics than real politicians.

[Cajun Chicken]

Do I prefer knife or fork...

[surfer]

I prefer a knife!!!

[Itrguy001]

it doesnt matter to me i can get ajusted to any type of controllers. i still like the DuelShock better though. feels natural cause i have used the DuelShock controller for more yrs since the very late late yrs of the PS1 came out

[AngryTypingGuy]

The 360 controller is the best controller ever made. Not-so-coincidentally, it's also the most ergonomically correct controller ever made.

Last gen, I got back into videogames after not owning my own console since the Genesis. I went with the GameCube since Nintendo was the company that I knew. After taking a liking to shooters and more violent games, I knew that I couldn't stay with Nintendo, so I had to pick the 360 or the PS3. The 360 controller is one of the reasons I went with it.

I used to hate the PS controller, but after getting used to my friend's, it's not bad. However, the 360 controller feels more natural in your hands. The triggers are located where you would naturally rest your index fingers, while the PS controllers L2 and R2 buttons are not. One area where the PS controller wins though is the D-Pad. If MS updated the 360 controller's D-pad, it would be absolutely perfect.

[Kleptic]

I disagree man...but obviously it simply personal opinion for both of us...

I hate off centered sticks like that...just feels clumsy to me...I realize that is just me, but I am sure some others feel the same way...

the point is though that 360 owners need to STOP with the DS3 sucks at shooters...it simply isn't true...I don't exactly love the new triggers either, but the stick sensitivity and response is much better than 360 fanatics give it credit for...

[Cajun Chicken]

Yeah, whats with people complaining about the Sixaxis's triggers?

I mean, I've never had a problem with them and got some of those plastic moulds 'Giotek Triggers' free with a magazine and put them over the controllers triggers and it just felt terrible!
So many people say they improve the controllers, man, I had to get a flat edged screwdriver to rip them off immediatly it was that bad!

[I_am_rushin]

"the 360 controller feels more natural in your hands." this should be rephrased as...

the 360 controller feels more natural in MY hands.

[AngryTypingGuy]

Yes, it is preference. However the 360 controller is more ergonomically correct, that is a fact. It naturally fits in the hands better. However if someone has been using the PS controller going on 3 generations now, then it's hard not to see why they think the PS controller feels more natural.

[dukadork]

lol, you made my day

[Keele]

Why did he make your day? Is it because you had to google the definition to find out what it meant?

[0verdrive]

i disagree that the 360s controller is the most ergonomical. yes, it is better than the ds3, in that its fits into the groove of your hands, but definitely not "the best". the gamecube wavebird melted in gamers hands like butter. really, those things were the best. 360 is not far behind though.

that being said, i think xbox gamers are holding the ds3 wrong. they are tyring to rest the arms of the ds3 into the grooves of their hands, as if it were an xbox controller, explaining why most xbox gamers complain about the left stick placement. its actually not supposed to rest against the fleshy part below your thumb, but rather, supported by your pinkies and ring fingers. the trouble with this design is that because it does not rest against the fleshy part of your hand, as you continually press the triggers, it pushes the whole controller down into the groove of your hand and the fleshy pad blow you thumb, forcing your thumbs to contort in a weird angle.

translation - ds3 isnt made with games which repeatedly use the r and l triggers in mind, ie shooters.

[NaiNaiNai]

ive been playing consoles for close to 15 years now, and i have to say there both the same to me, i play both and have no problem switching, anyone who says they do just sucks at life.
-nai-

[Fobuo]

For Shooters-360 Controller
For Racers-Dualshock 3
For Platformers-Dualshock 3
For RPGs-Dualshock 3
For Sports games-Dualshock 3
For Strategy games-Tie
For Music/Rhythm games-Tie

[NaiNaiNai]

i agree with all that but 1 thing, i like my racing games on both duel shock and xbox, each with a the same set up. i use the left analog stick for turning, and the right analog stick for gas and break, my shift buttons are usually the top shoulder buttons, and e-break and review are usually my trigger buttons. so they both win there.
-nai-

[doomx56]

I agree with all of them except the sports.It should be a tie. Madden works well on the 360, but the dualshock for some reason doesn't do it for me. Basketball games work better on the dualshock though.

[lelik]

so from this scientifical perspective, xbox controller is better for fps players that suck. roflmao. sounds about right

[imaballa]

I think it means Xbox 360 controller is suited for gamers with slower reflexes. But if someone with fast reflex uses the 360 controller its a bit like cheating.

[I_am_rushin]

Actually it's more of a handicap. Read it again. I didn't get it the first time either.

[SaberEdge]

"scientifical"? Ha, ha, I think you meant scientific. You just pwned yourself. Personally, I prefer the 360 controller for shooters. Anyway...from my experience there are better players on Xbox LIVE than on PSN for shooters like COD4 and COD5. So your comment is kind of ignorant.

[imaballa]

PS3 controller best for shooters, the analog sticks are more responsive, like the article says has a smaller dead zone.

[cpuchess]

The only thing I don't like about the PS3 controllers are the L2 and R2 buttons, they just feel weird. The 360's triggers seem better in that respect, but that could be because I am more used to the 360's and have only had a PS3 for 7 months.

[Socomer 1979]

its even got its own cool names. Sixaxis, Dualshock3.
explaining it risk sounding like a catscan salesman.

Blutooth wireless technolgy with sixaxis motion control, USB support,
pressure sensitive buttons & wide range analog sticks.

And the dam d-pad works for %100 complete functionality!

[earthdome]

at least he's giving his points why he feels DS3 is better for shooter..
unlike a fanboy from GT

i personally prefer DS3 cuz i have used it for long..so i'm biased

[DMasta718]

IMO:

360 Controller for shooters

PS3 Controller for Fighters

Everything else is personal preference.

[I_am_rushin]

It's not "everything else is preference" it's EVERYTHING IS PREFERENCE.

If you had actually read the article you would have seen that "scientifically" the DS3 is better for shooters.

It still all depends on personal preference.

[SaberEdge]

There is a big difference between theory and practice. In practice the 360 pad is actually better for shooters. The movement and placement of the sticks is better and the triggers are way better than on the ps3 pad.

[Moto13]

and there is no way the PS3's controller is better for FPS games. The 360 is way better for the following reasons:

1. the analog stick is shorter and had more resistance to it enabling better control.
2. the analog stick is carved in which also helps in better aiming and control.
3. the controller overall feels better in my hand than the PS3's. it fills my hand more, and the triggers are actually awesome instead of using the R1 R2 button

I agree that the d-pad is better on the PS3. I usually buy all of my shooter games on the 360. on the PS3, I currently own FIFA 09. I bought the game on the PS3 even though it does not have trophies simply because dribbling the ball around requires some fast movement from the analog stick which the PS3 enables better than the 360. The 360's analog stick enables better precision control. Almost everyone agrees that it's better for FPS games especially COD4. I owned COD4 on both consoles actually and rarely played it on the PS3.

[imaballa]

The Xbox 360 controller has a larger dead zone, its less responsive. So how is it better for shooters? Like the writer said, the 360 controller is better for gamers with slower reflexes. I guess thats you.

[Moto13]

if you did, you would know that the 360's controller is better for FPS games. I told you exactly why the 360 is better for FPS games. what's this dead zone you speak of? the 360's controller feels better in my hand than the PS3's because it's larger. Plus the analog sticks are too close on the PS3's controller if you ask me. I would have to agree that the PS3's controller is better for faster movement (FIFA), but in FPS you need precision and slower movement to aim correctly. in COD4 I could easily miss my target on the PS3 because the it easily overshoots.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Old bumper buttons, on off, on off and thats it. At least the PS3 d pad is ok, but those bumpers are so 2 gens ago.

[Itrguy001]

pls dont make it sound that you re g@y even though i got nothin against g@ys

[kewlkat007]

read my profile...

PS3 = great for fighters/racing/platformers/ol d-school arcade games

360 = great for shooters/racing..etc

[matchgrade]

It really does come down to familiarity. I switched from PS2 to Xbox to PS3, and each time I adjusted without much trouble. Going back to a controller you haven't used in a while always feels weird. I got my ps3, played it for a couple weeks, then tried playing Halo 2, and it felt totally awkward and foreign to me, but that definitely wasn't the controller's fault. So no one controller is better than the other if you use it regularly.

Although I must say the general layout, shape, and positioning of the joysticks on the Xbox controller feels much heftier to me and gives me a much more solid grip. Overall it feels more secure, as I'm never concerned about breaking the Xbox controller, whereas I worry about irreversibly loosening the joysticks or smashing in the buttons on the PS3 controller.

[Another One]

I used a PS2 controller for years before I got an Xbox and my fingers always hurt. (I have big hands) I, personally enjoy the 360 controller. It fits more comfortably in my hands.

It's all just a matter of preference.

[truehunter]

I love Dreamcast control.... tho 1st place gose to PS control. I'v been using it sence DSone for PSone. DS2 for PS2. Tho i dont have DS3 but i got the org PS3 control sexaxes

[PirateThom]

To me, they're basically the same, and anyone who complains is really, really being petty about it.

Neither are perfect, both have good and bad points and anyone should be able to switch between the two. It's not that different from the SNES/Mega Drive controllers, the were similiar, but slightly different and people thought the difference was enough to proclaim a victor, even though it wasn't.

[imaballa]

This is so true!

From the article:
"In conclusion, if two gamers with fast reflexes, one with an Xbox 360 controller and the other with a PS3 controller played against each other, more then likely the PS3 gamer would out-twitch the Xbox 360 gamer in pure response time."

[gumgum99]

I personally think all game controllers are great in their own way. They all have their good and bad points, but always have a way to compensate on certain genres

This article is probably one of the most unbiased articles around. It summed up my opinions so perfectly about its good and bad points that im speechless(although I had no idea about the "dead zone" thing ^_^)

and the best part is..there is no winner in this article. that's how it should be. every controller this generatio, and especially last gen, not only are nearly equal in their own way, but they truly have became staples of their respected console brands.

and..thats all I got to say about that ^_^

[Crazywhitie]

yes the PS3 Controller is just as good as the xbox 360 's,, if you have this one

[OOG]

Meh its all about preference like everyone else said.....

And on a side not....they allow people to change the sensitivity in games if they want it moving faster.............

[imaballa]

I think the dead zone response time is an actual physical characteristic. yea, you can adjust sensitivity but I think thats something idfferent alltogether.

[OOG]

yeah dead zone is but with sensitivity increased when you leave the dead zone the aiming will move much faster then before....kind of helping a balance...not a total balance but helps

[Covenant]

360's design with the PS3's d-pad.

[OOG]

would be ideal lol

[cherrypie]

"analysis"? No.

Fanboy blog rebuttal to the Gametrailer article from a day ago? Yes.

N4G: Giving air to the worst of Gaming trolls.

[SaberEdge]

That's how it seems to me. gamer.blorge is known for being somewhat against the 360 in general, at least some of their writers are. He did a fairly good job of trying to come off as impartial, but he was stretching too hard to make the ps3 come out on top and he left out a lot of important elements from his analysis. The slight difference in dead space in practice makes almost no difference. On the other hand the looseness/stiffness of the sticks does matter and the ps3 sticks are too loose and their closeness makes your thumbs bump into each other a lot.

Anyway...yeah, this was a pretty one sided article that left out lots of important factors and only tried to come off as balanced. The 360 pad is better overall and I have only recently heard some ps3 fanboys trying to claim otherwise. The dualshock3 is basically a 10 or 15 year old design with a few minor modifications. The only major difference is the change of the L2 and R2 to make them triggers and that change basically sucks. I would rather have the ps2 pad to be honest. I also don't like that you can't change your own batteries with the ps3 pad.

[thetan5000]

THE FISHER PRICE, I MEAN 360 CONTROLLER IS WANK.

[BrianC6234]

I have no problem using the Dual Shock 3 for racing games. All of them should let you choose the buttons you want to use though. I prefer to just use X instead of R2. I don't know what the big deal is about using that for gas. Stick with X.

[Viper7]

I actualy like using R2 and L2 for that, atleast for rally games or the more arcade type of games. I dont know why but it feels really natural on using L2 and R2 while x button handles the boost or something similar.

Dont know about the slipery tough, maybe I have just gotten used to correcting my finger position so its ok?

[baodeus]

Actually,

One of the few things that i hate about controller is the D-pad. It really hurts after using it for a while. The controller on the xbox put less stress on the finger since it is like a joystick. It is easier to navigate with the joy stick then trying to press multiple buttons simultaneously on the D-pad. The PS3 controller joystick works as well, just the placement is a little weird for me. The PS3 controller seem a little smaller and slippery. The xbox has more grip to it. It is just my personnel opinion. Not ditching or anything.

[LeGenDx]

god the anolog stick was getting on my F*ing nerves when i was playin superstar dust hd, my thumb get slipping off cause of my sweat. all an all i like the ds3 over xbox controller

[Citizen Cook]

My god, three generations old, and they STILL can't offset them!

EPIC FAIL!

[Gaara_724]

youre birth was also an "EPIC FAIL"

[dirkdady]

Nice analysis.
I never thought about it but this guy is 100% correct, after playing Resistance 2 and then switching to Gears 2 once it came out I felt like the controls were not as responsive.
But, now I can't really tell any more after ive gotten used to the difference.

I didn't know about the dead zone thing, nice to know.
So, is this saying that people that complain that the PS3 controller is too responsive for shooters have slow-arse reflexes?

I kickass in COD4 on PS3, and Halo 3 on 360, so I can attest I have super fast reflexes. ;)

[Viper7]

This is actualy quite good comparison, the oppinnion is well pointed out and clearly looked on the differences of the 2 controllers. There are plenty of more genres he could have looked but many of them are nowdays pretty same on both consoles.

For me its Ps3:s dualshock controller all the way, I am very poor with the 360 one, but I do see some very good things on it. For example 4 finger L1,L2,R1,R2 system that gives the good x360 players advantage of 2 extra buttons, while as with DS many only use 2 fingers for those buttons.

But one thing is also a pretty good to note, the sixaxis feature of motion detect can also add up to 4 if not more extra buttons. For example in socom the system works pretty well for controlling the players body so you can shoot behind the corner or duck behind cover pretty well. It does sometimes have its problems on precision tough.

But best controller is usualy the one you use most, if you have been a Playstation gamer for your whole life and now playing with your ps3 youll do well with ds3. However if you have recently jumped to x360 bandwagon you have probably gotten used to the controller alread.

[Needles]

PS3 analog is the worst analog that was ever created, not to be a fan boy but, seriously, even my PS3 fan-boys friends they tend to use 360 controllers for PC use coming to some shooters, ofc most of them mouse+keyboard = best.

[Needles]

its totally not about "responsive", its about the physical grip,the area of the analog is TINY, for example, a person such as my self, i find it tiring to use it for more than 10 min. and the rubber grips has a very low friction, my hands sweats a lot, so...i "suffer"?

[Bazookajoe_83]

But my dream controler would have the shape of the 360 with it´s LB and RB. Then have the PS R1 and L1, the PS D-pad and the PS symmetrical analog sticks.

Voila the perfect controler.

[Avto]

When you're like me and have been playing games since I was 4, like from early 90s you can play with just about any controller, but as Playstation has a lot of games I like and this controller has been around for a very long time I like DualShock best.

[Pika-pie]

The only differences are that the 360 trigger buttons are a bit lower down, which I like. And the 360 controller is slightly heavier.

Also the D-Pad on the 360 is awkward as hell.

But both have exactly the same buttons and both could be better.

[InMyOpinion]

The PS3 controller is better for PS3 owners and the 360 controller is better for 360 owners. There.

[Josh11]

All comes down to opinion but for me PS3 controller wins hands down, 360's is too big and bulky for me.

But in terms of things that aren't preference based the Dualshock still wins.
Battery life- PS3's lasts longer
Reliability- Dualshock much more reliable I find, my mate has 3 wireless 360 controllers and if I so much as tap them on my knee they often turn off! And they have connection problems
Battery- PS3 just as a great built in battery and can play whilst plugged in with standard USB cable. Microsoft make you go buy a 'plug and play kit' which has a add on battery and cable (microsoft love to get all the money they can off you) or your stuck with old school battery's which soon run out.
And the Dualshock is lighter.

[7h3ultim8p00]

too big? They are the same size. It even says so in the article

[caffman]

the DS3 is ok but the sixaxis is a pile of wank. It just feels way to light for me

[gamfreak]

What is the use of having a controller u cant use it (3fixme) when PROD occour.....LMFAO

PS3 is the BEST.....!!!

[tee_bag242]

Good article.
I generally like the ps3 controller overall. But i wish it had better rubber or grip in the tops of the analogue sticks.
360 is all good but that D Pad is utter crap, a street fighter players worst nightmare

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

360's controller changed for the console. Aside of a few tweeks, Sony did nothing new with theirs. Same shape and everything.

Sony has motion sensors, 360 don't. But how effective is the inclusion in the sixaxis? that is what makes it seem pointless. Only time sixaxis works for me in Mirrors Edge is when Im balancing across a pole. Disarms, rolls, etc. NEVER WORK!. Motorstorm 1... try stearing using sixaxis and tell me it's fun, it's painful. I've have more pointless expierences with sixaxis than good. So I actually feel sixaxis is almost negated for me! they both tie there.

Sony's controllers are rechargable while 360's uses batteries. What happens if your nastalgic and keep all your consoles? but your PS3 has a limited battery life in the controllers, granted it's a few years... but still. Im a very nastalgic gamer and if years from now when I caught up in numerous more years of next next gen gaming. I'd like to know I'd have a working controller when I'd want to come back to my PS3. But where as I may be without a PS3 controller but a system, I might have new batteries to put in a 360 controller that the system has the RROD. Guess it could kind of ballance out!

The fact I bought all 4 of my controllers when I picked up my 60 gig, is why I haven't bought one just for rumble. No excuse how Sony beat around the bush with that one... should've been there day 1 (much like other aspects of the PS3 dealing with trophies and what not, but that's another story). I could careless if it's better rumble than 360's, can you really just hold the damn thing and tell the difference?

Sony hands down wins on the D-Pad... nothing else to say there.

Overall though, the controllers feel fine to their regular users... so it's all good. But occasionally when I game a little more on my 360 over my PS3 (and vice versa), switch back to the other consoles controller can take a little refresher course that's for sure!

[Captain Tuttle]

I didn't grow up with the Playstation brand...I was a PC gamer and then got an Xbox. 360 controller all the way for me. Sure the D-Pad is weak but the stick placement and the "triggers" of the DS3 overwhelm that minor issue imo. I don't play fighters so the D-Pad issue is more of a nuisance.
Ergonomically the 360 controller is perfect for me.

[tk]

There is PS-style 3rd party controllers for the XB, and XB style 3rd party controllers for the PS3. Get one of those if you the grass is greener in the other side - controller wise.

[Captain Tuttle]

I haven't found one for the DS3 that has the stick placement of the 360's. Is there one out there?

[pete2711]

I hate stretching to reach buttons so PS3 controller for me.

[machete squad steve]

I can't even get it to work on my PS3

[eliasg]

what a biased comparison.Dont get me wrong, 360 controller is 10x better for shooters.

[krouse93]

That whole website was full of Xbox 360 ads no ads for PS3 and how is it biased he did a technical comparison.

[snow4life]

has way better triggers than my ps3.
but lucky me..when i play car games i switch to
using the right analog stick for throtle and brak!!!:)

[PimpHandHappy]

ergonomically correct

lol

i love hearing that BS

I have been using the PS controler for 10 years and my hands never have cramped! So i guess the PS controler is also ergonomically correct

[belal]

the 360 is better suited for fps
the ps3 is better on tps,rts,sports and everything else eccept fps ;) but its good at fps but the 360 feels better ;)

[arngrim229]

while 360 contr is better for shooters it sux for everything action oriented, like dmc or any fighting game. the PS3 contr is good for every single game not just a few types. try playin soul calibur on 360, official tournaments dont even both with the 360 contr just cuz the d-pad is crap.

and even for rpgs the left hand atleast for me gets tired since the analog is so high on the left, not good for constantly holding it forward. but thats my opinion

[7h3ultim8p00]

Works well for Ninja Gaiden 1, Black, and 2 as well as DMC4

[ForROME]

Early I read someone said the 360 controller is better because the analogs are "carved" lol I hope he meant convex lol anyways,

Well personally the 360 controller feels like it last longer, I havent heard that said, however I have no problem using the PS3 cotroller, I think the 360 being that it was made later on, and probably had some more polling on the feel and style, if someone put both on a table I would right away say the 360 looks more appealing without touching it....maybe its a market style appeal of it

[divideby0]

Those who think one is significantly better than the other are those who whine about not being able to play tennis or skiing without their own gear. I can pickup any raquet or skis and not whine about it.
The dpad on the 360 is the only real problem, as the article states.
I do like the lightness of the PS3, but thats about it

[Jacobite]

I like both controllers for racers and platform games, but still can't be assed with FPS always feel like a chore (2 left thumbs)prefer K&M.Liked the S controller on the Xbox Just perfect,PS controllers always seemed upto the Job,Dreamcast good machine worst joypad I thought.End of the day just be what you used to : )

[Magic_The_Celt]

the 360 controler does indeed seem to mold into your hands perfectly and i apploud microsoft for making such an awesome pad

but i will always prefere the PS3 controller, the DS3.

The Dual Shock for me will always feel more natural since my PS1 days the design has changed little

[Traveler]

When you say "I will always prefer the PS3 controller" are you saying that you hope that Sony will stay with it for the PS4 and onward forever? Are you saying that it can't be improved?

I think the DS3 is a pretty good controller, but I like the 360 controller better and think that it is the best controller ever made. But I still think that there are things that can be improved on the 360's controller.

[7h3ultim8p00]

Hahahaha they said the PS3 controller is better for shooters hahahaha.
So why are people actually CONVERTING their PS3 controllers into 360 controllers, and not the other way around?

http://www.thegtaplace.com/...
http://www.gadgets-reviews....

[PirateThom]

What?

Like this?

http://www.electricpig.co.u...

[firetaw]

the location of the analog stick that makes it better on the 360 then ps3. but more dead space on the 360 makes it a bad shooter controller. maibe if they had less dead space the 360 would come out on top easily.

[Dimitrius]

The 360 controller is really good and have been designed to be confortable. I love que PS3 controller because is the same one Ive been using for the last 10 year or so. But I really think that SONY should consider that design a new controller with all the buttons placed on the same place as the DS3 but a diferent form. Just like the banana one they show before release the PS3.

[denied]

Rules hands down. FPS on PS3 are great with this controller, and yes i have use the 360 too. but its my opinion.if you like the 360 that fine, but don't say the 360 is better,cause if we where able to have a cross console game where we can see who are the better players you would get OWN by PS3's player HANDS DOWN... :P

[denied]

Hands down enough said......:P

[djroberts]

The plastic on the 360 controller makes your hand heat up and possibly sweat after awhile. The main buttons feel more reliable on the 360 but I prefer the DS3 controller. The sticks are sooo much better. The damn 360 sticks sometimes don't come completely back to center and they're concave, wth?

The trigger buttons are of course much better on the 360.

Try playing Fight Night on a 360 controller for more than 30 minutes. Thumbs begin to hurt.

Lastly, Gran Turismo doesn't use the trigger buttons, it uses right stick for gas/break.

[firetaw]

in GT5P you can customize every single button and controlle you want so saying gt5 uses the analog sticks for acceleration/brake has no valuable opignion remarks

[sonyfanonly]

no man you got it all wrong the atari controller wins simple 2 buttons

but in all seriousness the majority of gaming fans will say the ps controller because we are use to it and its easy to use

[firetaw]

its seams to me that the ps3 controller still tries to push you to used the d-pad instead of the left analog stick. i own a 360 controller for my PC and agree that the xbox 360 controller was made specialy for shooters. but a flaw of the 360 controller is the wireless version. the giant battery pack feel very awkwered. but the overal shape of the 360 shape of the controller feels much more confortable then the very bulky and random shapes off the ps3 controller. but the smooth shape of the 360 controller means that there is more contact with your hands meaning after a phew hours of play you will naturaly build up sweat and the controllers will start to slip. but since the design of the 360 controller makes it so that it just sits and follows the curves of your hands. this is where the ps3 controller falls a bit short. maibe if sony smoothen up the curves of the ps3 a little better then probably i would give it more creadit. but thats fine since i mostly play racers and fighters on the ps3 and usualy play shooters on the PC.

[MiztaToungueTwista]

you also have to consider that fact that ps3 has six axis and the xbox does not

[SaberEdge]

You mean the suck-axis? Seriously man, that feature sucks. It's next to worthless. The only reason I won't say completely worthless is because I still hold out hope that it will one day be implemented well. But so far it is basically crap. I hated trying to use it in Dark Sector to control the glaive and so many other games. When developers make us use it it is actually a disadvantage not an advantage.

[-Neon-]

360 pad + PS3 dpad = a big gold star from me :)

[killnotic]

The XBox 360 controller is better all around, in my opinion. All my XBox controllers have lasted longer than my PS duelshock/sixaxis controllers. Every controller for the Playstation consoles--except the original non-duel shock controller--that I've bought have been flimsy and entirely too breakable. The analog sticks wear down way too fast, especially the PS3 versions; they either get too loose or too tight. That can be maddening if I'm playing a game that requires any kind of precision or timing.

[TheMART]

First thing its preference indeed.

BUT

Fact is: PS3 controller is the same as the PS2 controller, thus 10 years old, and no it isn't perfect like nothing is perfect and needs tweaking with the technology we have today.

The PS3 controller clearly misses that tweaking. Sony facked up with rumble, and their banana controller design, thus they could do nothing else but taking their 10 year old controller and put it one on one on the PS3.

Yes its out of time.

The 360 controller has grown. Yes the D-Pad sucks. But the rest of the controller in my view is a lot better then the PS3 one. And yes I have and play both. The PS3 controller also feels lighter, cheaper, and makes strange breaking kind of sounds while playing. Its made for small child hands, grown ups have a better grip on the slightly larger 360 controller.

[PirateThom]

I'm an adult, I have average sized hands, I play guitar so my fingers are quite flexible and used to sitting in weird positions..

The 360 is too bulky and the battery pack makes it too heavy for extended play periods. I was playing hoard mode on Gears 2 last night and it's the first, and only, time I've ever got cramp from playing a game.

So yeah, I don't accept it was made for "adult hands" at all.

[TheMART]

If you found it heavy for extended play... There is something wrong with your muscles.

Yesterday we had a gameparty with friends, had 7 x 360 in my house with HD beamer, HDTV's, GHWT bundle you name it and we played from 19.30 sat. till 06.00 this morning with Gears 2, Left 4 Dead, etc etc with no trouble at all.

If anything cramps the hand, its the non ergonomical setup of the PS2/PS3 controller and being too small thus non comfortable for an average adult. Maybe you have really small hands and considerable less muscles then the average adult?

[VforVideogames]

This is not a console gamer, he is a computer nerd he should be talking about keyboard and mouses. this should have been a tie.
PS3 = BETTER FOR FIGHTING
360 = BETTER FOR RACING
PS3 & 360 = BOTH FOR SHOOTING
I T S A T I E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[THE_BATTLERAGER]

And the triggers feel kind of...weak.
But the xbox d-pad is horrible

[Marty8370]

DS3 is just the best period.

[Horny]

I completely agree with the dead zone part, I feel like I got more control and react faster playing COD and such games on the PS3. Im also the type to turn the sensitivity up and dead zone down, and I do prefer controllers to mice.
Dual Shock/six axis gets my vote, I wish they just slightly enlarged its figure, just a tiny bit. The 360 controller feels weird in my hands, slippery or whatever I dont know how to describe it. Plus on shooters High Sensitivity doesnt feel as good as it is with the DS3.
But in the end its all about your preference, both are good.

[DOOMZ]

It just feels rite, its built around the way your hands designed!

[Viatrophy]

I used to tell myself that the Ps1/2 controllers weret he best, so comfortable etc. but then when I bought my launch 360 my opinion completely changed.
Yes, the 360's controller may be 'bulky' but it feels a lot more natural in your hands, and the triggers are brilliant.

The only downfall for the 360 controller is the extremely crap d-pad.

[X12Celtics3]

I only own a PS3, so I don't know much about the 360 controller, but I think that the Sixaxis is alright. I don't have a Dualshock, so I obviously wish that my controllers (2) had rumble. My only other complaint is that the L2 and R2 buttons are in hard to reach places, where my fingers wouldn't normally be. When I hold the controller, I put my index fingers on the R1 and L1 triggers, while struggling to figure out where to put my middle fingers. Depending on the game I am playing, I either put them on the handles (where they naturally rest) or on the triggers (where they are needed for most games).

[steck67]

It depends. I like using the PS3 controller for action/adventure and RPG's and sometimes sports game, and I like the 360 controller for only FPS games.

[rexor0717]

I have no problem with it. I can even make the perfect shape of holding the controller without it being in my hands.

[Cynical-Gamerzus]

Actually depends on type of games!!!
FPS requires every Friggin Button so anything besides dual shock is great but for other games that dont need a Keyboard mouse replacement,,Any controller will do, PERIOD!!! ,,Now Get a LIFE LOSERS!!! J/k haha

[Enigma_2099]

... then what the hell was the point of the article?!?!

As long as there is personal preference, there's no point to this. Besides, it's not like you can mix and match controllers to consoles anyway!!!!

[thedarkvault]

To me, rumble is an expected necessity, and even though as much as the d-pad is better on the ps3 controllers, I just can't get over the L2 and R2 triggers, they feel like pedals, there's no discernible "click" like you get with the 360. Because of it shooters default to R1 for the trigger which I find awkward.

[StateofMind]

The 360 controller always feels awkward to me, I've gotten used to the range in the analog sticks on PS1/PS2/PS3 controllers. I'm really comfortable with the layout on the Playstation controller, too. I think it was well thought-out back in the PS1 days and they were smart to stick to it.

However, just based on looking at the controllers and comparing them from a more objective point of view, I think the 360 controller is probably better. The placement of the sticks, and the trigger buttons are what make me feel this way. Even though I personally dislike both of those things, I'm aware of the fact that once I got used to them more I would probably prefer it. Externally, the 360 controller seems better made, too. Internally, I think the Dualshock 3 trumps it though.

[SpartanZero]

Its the 360 controller. Its comfortable it has a lot of colors the shape of the handles are more fit for gaming. It has triggers and bumper buttons. Why do you think multiplatform games get higher scores on the 360 for? Because of the controller.

[SixAmpFuze]

Maybe scientifically the DS3 is better for shooters but in reality its junk . The dpad is very good

[THC CELL]

xbox are the cause of my arthritis

my ps3 controller is the cure to my arthritis

[CAPT IRISH]

it all depends on what you like more....

[Traveler]

I have subscriptions to several gaming magazines and I frequent lots of game sites and this is the first time I have ever heard someone say that the PS3's controller is better for shooters. I have heard over and over from countless sites and magazines that they thought the 360's controller was better for shooters. I think this gamer.blorge guy is approaching it from too much of an abstracted angle and only seemed to look at the dead zone size and the resistance of the analogue sticks. But those aren't the only considerations for shooters. Why didn't he consider the triggers and the effect of offset analogue sticks, for example? Both of those things surely have an impact on control for shooters.

Personally, I like the 360's controller quite a bit better than the PS3's controller. That's not to say that the PS3's controller is bad, because honestly many of the differences are relatively minor, but I do think the 360 does several things better. First of all, I can't believe this guy didn't consider the ergonomic design of the controllers, since that is the fundamental quality of a controller: how does it feel in your hands and how comfortable is it to hold for long periods of time. The 360 controller wins hands down in this category--it's contours fit the natural shape of a human hand very nicely and make it feel better and cause less fatigue over time.

The 360's controller also has a nice solid feel about it and seems well built. The weight feels just about perfect to me, whereas the PS3's controller feels a little too light to me (especially the six-axis). The DS3 is definitely an improvement but it still feels a little insubstantial.

The analogue sticks on both controllers are very good, but I do prefer the offset sticks of the 360's controller over the close together sticks of the DS3. My thumbs bump into each other too much when I am using the DS3, which never happens to me with the 360's controller. I also find the movement of the DS3 sticks a little too loose-- I would prefer them to be just a little stiffer. On the other hand the 360's sticks seem slightly too stiff. They are a little closer to the ideal tension for me, but I would prefer them to be slightly looser.

The face buttons on both controllers feel very good to me and I have no preference either way.

The 360's controller has much better trigger buttons, though, and this is the biggest area where I wish they would change the PS3's controller. I simply don't like the feel of the L2 and R2 buttons on the DS3. It is a matter of their shape and tension. The 360's trigger buttons are formed like an actual trigger and they are located in a slightly more convenient place for me. I also like the way they feel better than the "triggers" on the DS3. I guess a lot of developers agree with me because it seems that almost every shooter I play on the PS3--Resistance, for example--puts the weapon firing on the R1 and L1 buttons and uses the L2 and R2 for other things.

The D-Pad on the PS3's controller is hands down better than the 360's D-Pad. But to be honest this doesn't really have much effect on most of the games I play. It really matters for fighters, but most games don't really use the D-Pad except maybe to switch weapons or spells and other such things, which don't usually require precision. Nevertheless, I hope MS can manage to improve the D-Pad for the next Xbox's controller.

So to recap my impressions of each controller, the 360's controller has the better ergonomic design, better triggers, and better analogue sticks (offset and tighter movement). The PS3's controller has a better D-Pad. And both controllers have great face buttons.

[bohemian 23]

How many of these "Witch contoller is better" pieces are we going to have ? I don't know how this crap gets approved. I've seen about 4 or 5 of these and it will always come down to preference. Even if one is "Technically" better than the other it won't change the mind of a person who is used to a specific controller.

[firebat]

yo r u kidding me the 360 got an award for there controller
dont get me wong ps3 gots a good controller but its too light in needs some wieght in there also 360 has better trigger buttons

[JokerSGS]

And you're talking about weight in the controller. Get the DS3. Your playing with the Sixaxis.

[dirkdady]

I think Xbox owners are holding the analog sticks incorrectly on the PS3 controllers, on the 360 gamepad you place your thumb into the indent so in effect you are dragging it a bit, on the PS3 controller you are always pushing it from an angle, so those who complain that their thumbs touch are trying to use the analog sticks like the 360's.

But the PS3 controller analogstick is a lot more responsive than the 360s, that is a fact.

[poopface1]

the ds is crappy for shooters. I like how he says people whove played on ds since ps1 think its better, but newcomers like the 360. what about the people who had a ds controler for ps1 and still think the 360 pad is better. Basically anyone who has a 360.

It comes down to preference, and I think the 360 has the best controller out of the consoles Ive ever had(I dont use the d-pad much).

^^^above me, You do know that most people who have a 360 had a ps1 and/or a ps2.

[Traveler]

I have subscriptions to several gaming magazines and I frequent lots of game sites and this is the first time I have ever heard someone say that the PS3's controller is better for shooters. I have heard over and over from countless sites and magazines that they thought the 360's controller was better for shooters. I think this gamer.blorge guy is approaching it from too much of an abstracted angle and only seemed to look at the dead zone size and the resistance of the analogue sticks. But those aren't the only considerations for shooters. Why didn't he consider the triggers and the effect of offset analogue sticks, for example? Both of those things surely have an impact on control for shooters.

Personally, I like the 360's controller quite a bit better than the PS3's controller. That's not to say that the PS3's controller is bad, because honestly many of the differences are relatively minor, but I do think the 360's controller does several things better. First of all, I can't believe this guy didn't consider the ergonomic design of the controllers, since that is the fundamental quality of a controller: how does it feel in your hands and how comfortable is it to hold for long periods of time. The 360 controller wins hands down in this category--its contours fit the natural shape of a human hand very nicely and make it feel better and cause less fatigue over time.

The 360's controller also has a nice solid feel about it and seems well built. The weight feels just about perfect to me, whereas the PS3's controller feels a little too light to me (especially the six-axis). The DS3 is definitely an improvement but it still feels a little insubstantial.

I have also noticed that the 360 controller has stronger rumble than the DS3 and I like that.

The analogue sticks on both controllers are very good, but I do prefer the offset sticks of the 360's controller over the close together sticks of the DS3. My thumbs bump into each other too much when I am using the DS3, which never happens to me with the 360's controller. I also find the movement of the DS3 sticks a little too loose-- I would prefer them to be just a little stiffer. On the other hand the 360's sticks seem slightly too stiff. They are a little closer to the ideal tension for me, but I would prefer them to be slightly looser. The fact that the top of the analogue sticks is concave on the 360 and convex on the PS3 makes no real difference to me.

The face buttons on both controllers feel very good to me and I have no preference either way.

The 360's controller has much better trigger buttons, though, and this is the biggest area where I wish they would change the PS3's controller. I simply don't like the feel of the L2 and R2 buttons on the DS3. It is a matter of their shape and tension. The 360's trigger buttons are formed like an actual trigger and they are located in a slightly more convenient place for me. I also like the way they feel better than the "triggers" on the DS3. I guess a lot of developers agree with me because it seems that almost every shooter I play on the PS3--Resistance, for example--puts the weapon firing on the R1 and L1 buttons and uses the L2 and R2 for other things.

The D-Pad on the PS3's controller is hands down better than the 360's D-Pad. But to be honest this doesn't really have much effect on most of the games I play. It really matters for fighters, but most games don't really use the D-Pad except maybe to switch weapons or spells and other such things, which don't usually require precision. Nevertheless, I hope MS can manage to improve the D-Pad for the next Xbox's controller.

So to recap my impressions of each controller, the 360's controller has the better ergonomic design, better triggers, and better analogue sticks (offset and tighter movement). The PS3's controller has a better D-Pad. And both controllers have great face buttons.

[ph201]

It's something called personal preference...

[NiteWarrior]

lol i actually bought a ps3 cuz im a fps freak and cannot stand the 360 control for real FPS games.

[mastiffchild]

IDK why this debate still happens. Surely the size and shape of your hands(also I'm a lefty and feel that's why I dislike the 360 controller-just feels the wrong way round.Also prefer the dualshock cos hands are small)dictates which you're most comfy with. Aside from that I guess which ever floats your boat or that you're used to the most. There can't be a definitive answer on this so why bring up something that everybody has an individual reason for feeling they are right about-you can't argue about this at all.

[smurfie4]

I was able to play Gears at the Blackhill Center in South Dakota when I was away for a.t. Turns out the 360 controller is pretty good though I thought the aiming sensitivity was rough. Could've been the game but other than that it's not a bad controller considering the original xbox controller was designed for beasts. I still prefer the dualshock because it's the controller I've been playing with since ps1. Both controllers are good imo.

[CrippleH]

Who the hell drives with PS3 triggers. True Gran Turismoist plays with X and Square and Circle.

[MrMagoo2U]

This is not my opinion. This is an unbiased overall judgement that I have read from everyone in the gaming community with ps3's and 360's controllers for the past couple years. I also tend to agree with it. PS3 has the better d-pad hands down. It is also the best controller for fighters and adventure games. The 360 has the better analog sticks hands down. The contour and placment makes it ideal for shooters/ racers.
I really can't believe this person said that the ps3 controller is better for shooters-the ps3 controller's analog sticks almost make you not want to play shooter games.

[pain777pas]

I came to this conclusion before. I used both controllers for nba 2k8 there were moves that I did not know you could even do until I used the PS3 controller. The xbox just has good casing in functionality the PS3 controller is better.

[SaberEdge]

I have both and I like the 360 pad better for a lot of reasons. The overall shape and feel of the 360 pad is better and I like the position of the analogue sticks and bumper and trigger buttons. About the only thing I like better on the ps3 pad is the dpad, which works better for fighters. Other than that I like the 360 pad better.

[JokerSGS]

The LB and RB buttons, along with the D-Pad and what ever the equivalent of L3 and R3 is on the 360 pad brings it down. It's good for say FIFA except for when I need to use the D-Pad for plays. The triggers is the only thing I like about the controller. Aside from that I'm pretty sure we all knew who had the best controller.

But best D-Pad of all time would be a good contest and one I hope someone makes soon between the SNES, N64, and PS(anyone) D-Pads.

[MiztaToungueTwista]

six axis is great for warhawk

[Kubrick]

The 360 is better in every single way except the D-Pad.