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[Roberts]

I’ll take the superior battery life over trigger vibration.

Of course. It's ridiculous that I had two charge PS controllers five times while I still don't have to recharge my Core and my playtime has been more or less 50/50 between both consoles. I say fuck all the sound stuff, adaptive triggers, just add gyro and update haptics.

 

[HRK69]

The XSX (did they get smaller in the Xbox One generation or with the XSX|S?) one is not really a better fit for larger hands than the Dual Sense. I think what you say was true before the Dual Sense and the latest Xbox controllers.

I always thought Xbox controllers were generally bigger?

I switched from an Xbox controller (not sure which generation) to the DualSense, and it feels like my hands cramp much more easily

However, my claw grip on the DualSense is far better, so I stuck with it

 

[ManaByte]

Xbox is rumored to add the same basic features as DualSense soon, not long before you can admit how all these features can really improve game immersion too

And I’ll turn it off like I do on PS5.

 

[Panajev2001a]

I always thought Xbox controllers were generally bigger?

I switched from an Xbox controller (not sure which generation) to the DualSense, and it feels like my hands cramp much more easily

However, my claw grip on the DualSense is far better, so I stuck with it

I am using the XSX one a lot lately playing Indiana Jones, I do prefer the grip on the DualSense to hit the L1 button and R2 trigger compared to the same actions on the XSX one… when Indiana Jones comes out on PS5 next year I might do a better assessment .

 

[adamsapple]

And I’ll turn it off like I do on PS5.

Same.

Hell, I don't even have the basic level vibration enabled, never liked rumbling controllers in hands. Turning off the haptics on the Dualsense at least makes its battery life tolerable.

 

[Panajev2001a]

And I’ll turn it off like I do on PS5.

Sure you will . You disable rumble in every game today? Not saying impulse triggers, but rumble in general… if you are happier limiting the experience well you be you .

 

[Panajev2001a]

Same.

Hell, I don't even have the basic level vibration enabled, never liked rumbling controllers in hands. Turning off the haptics on the Dualsense at least makes its battery life tolerable.

Playing games like Astro disabling haptics to gain additional battery life (it feels as useful as Linux users observing how much “free” RAM they have ) is like a crime against gaming.

 

[adamsapple]

Playing games like Astro disabling haptics to gain additional battery life (it feels as useful as Linux users observing how much “free” RAM they have ) is like a crime against gaming.

Haven't played Astro yet, the game that was broke the camel's back for me was trying to play Callisto Protocol with haptics and trigger effects enabled on PS5. Pressing triggers and the resistance it gives felt like I was breaking them every time.

I don't like that feeling when holding a controller so it went off on the system level for me and has been since then.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Haven't played Astro yet, the game that was broke the camel's back for me was trying to play Callisto Protocol with haptics and trigger effectsenabled on PS5. Pressing triggers and the resistance it gives felt like I was breaking them every time.

Dynamic Triggers != Haptics …

I don't like that feeling when holding a controller so it went off on the system level for me and has been since then.

Sorry about it, but PS5 wise your loss :/… not judging a personal feeling, but maybe give some more games a chance. Sometimes our preferences are in the minority… . Industry is moving in that direction.

 

[ManaByte]

You disable rumble in every game today?

Not every game but I 100% turn it off in the online games I play. The trigger effects in COD and OW2 are detrimental in competitive games.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Not every game but I 100% turn it off in the online games I play. The trigger effects in COD and OW2 are detrimental in competitive games.

So either trigger haptics and rumble or nothing? Really? That would suck if so, sounds like it would be better handled at the game level.

Do you play only online competitive games? It does not sound like you do, as you now said you do not turn them off in every game, so I go back to what I was saying before, the tune will change .

Xbox is rumored to add the same basic features as DualSense soon, not long before you can admit how all these features can really improve game immersion too

 

[RCX]

Designs? Yes.

Build quality? Hell fucking no.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

DualSense wins on tech alone imo. I can see how some like the feel of the Xbox controller but better feeling decade old tech with a clicky loud d-pad doesn’t do it for me.

 

[ManaByte]

sounds like it would be better handled at the game level.

The games have the options to turn off the trigger effects

 

[OmegaSupreme]

I feel like every modern controller is just an iteration on the snes controller.

 

[BigBeauford]

What I appreciate the most about their controllers is the heft and feel in my hands. My Nintendo Pro controllers all feel light and cheap in comparison.

 

[ManaByte]

I feel like every modern controller is just an iteration on the snes controller.

PS controllers are.

Xbox controllers are evolutions on the DC controller. The original Xbox controller even had the VMU style memory card slots in the controller.

 

[Topher]

Don't understand turning off controller features that improve the gameplay experience. I'd rather have two controllers with the enhancements on than have one with it all disabled. Switching controllers is not that big of a deal. The added expense is the only real downside, but even then I typically go through more than one controller during a generation so more than one controller makes them both last longer.

To each their own though.

 

[TheGodfather07]

Agree with the ergonomics part 100%.

I don't recall DS4 being like that but Dualsense is definitely not comfortable in the hand for longer stretches. The Xbox pad feels a lot more snug in the grip.

I guess the analog stick placement plays some part in that, for me personally.

Yeah it's extremely noticable going straight from xbox controller to dualsense how uncomfortable it is. I don't remember the dualshock 4 having the same problem either. I think the shape is what is wrong because they had to cram all the features in there.

 

[ManaByte]

Don't understand turning off controller features that improve the gameplay experience.

Because tigger resistance DOES NOT improve the experience in a multiplayer shooter. You absolutely have to turn it off in COD. You need to be able to get off a shot as fast as possible and not click though a second level of resistance. It hinders MP games, which is why they have the options to turn it off.

 

[Topher]

Because tigger resistance DOES NOT improve the experience in a multiplayer shooter. You absolutely have to turn it off in COD. You need to be able to get off a shot as fast as possible and not click though a second level of resistance. It hinders MP games, which is why they have the options to turn it off.

Fair point. If it takes away from a specific game then makes sense to turn it off. I'm certainly not suggesting the option to turn it off shouldn't be there.

 

[Rudius]

I prefer the Dualsense for it's extra features. I like all: gyro aim (in conjunction with right stick), touch pad (specially as mouse in windows), triggers for shooters and racers, precise vibration. Only the microphone and speaker I don't use much, as I play with headphones.

 

[Drew1440]

The 360 controller was pretty good, initially I hated the AA batteries but over time I came to prefer them since they are easier to replace, since proprietary batteries can be difficult to find when the controller is no longer in production. That said, I did prefer the PS4 controller over the Xbox One's, since the touchpad was useful to quickly enter text.

 

[ManaByte]

Only the microphone and speaker I don't use much

That’s the best feature, you don’t need a headset for MP.

Just remember to mute it by default. No one wants to hear your shitty rapping while you beat your screaming kid.

 

[mayham2199]

I prefer dual sense but overall I don’t really care I can use almost any controller without giving it much thought.

 

[samuelgregory]

Strict parameters were provided at the start of the thread to manage the scope of the discussion. Hilariously and expectedly, we’ve arrived at an outcome that is far out of scope.

After seeing how badly people struggled in this thread with reading comprehension, objective discussion, acknowledging and managing bias for productive conversation, there are lots of learnings to be had.

Things we can take away from this thread:

1) Some gaffers struggle badly with reading comprehension. I’d argue that this is one of the main sources of disagreement.

2) People struggle a lot with scope and staying within the parameters of discussion. We can see this in the numerous references to feel, build quality, ergonomics in an art aesthetics thread.

3) Productive and constructive discussion is difficult to achieve due to the inability of the average gaffer to manage and acknowledge their biases. The failure to do so allows it to inadvertently creep into the conversation often leading to contention/unnecessary disagreements.

4) More importantly, serious improvement is needed from many users.

To those who stayed within the scope of discussion click here, thank you. To the rest, you seriously need to improve. Like badly.

Hello. I've got a release day Xbox series X. The controller that came with it has always felt very cheap, weak, and just not very nice to hold no weight to it. Have the controllers improved much since release? I'm tempted to buy a new controller or even a special edition controller but worried it will feel the same in the hand as my day one controller and just be a waste of money. Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Nydius]

You disable rumble in every game today? Not saying impulse triggers, but rumble in general… if you are happier limiting the experience well you be you

Basic rumble hasn’t enhanced the experience in almost 20 years. Go ahead and laugh emoji me but you know it’s true. It’s just the same exaggerated recoil or engine effects, or being overused for minor things like jumping or landing.

Rumble hasn’t really improved until this generation of haptics and only for games that bother to take advantage of them, of which there are VERY few.

So yeah, in most cases I turn rumble off completely. Because I don’t need to “feel” each overexaggerated thwip! of Spider-Man shooting out a web, or the obscene carpal tunnel inducing vibrations of a pretend automatic weapon.

 

[Hudo]

I like the Xbox controllers. It's also pretty easy to use them for PC gaming on Linux. Don't know what the situation is in regard to consistent button overlays for games with the DualSense.

 

[ANoa]

DualSense has cooler tech but other than that controllers this gen have been a disappointment. Why can't we get a decent dpad anymore?

 

[David B]

I was just searching google and this thread showed up. A little old but I'll bring it up again I suppose. Xbox controllers feel the best overall. Best triggers, best grip, best feeling for hands over it. The PS5 controller is too big for a lot of people. Almost all women have complained about it being too big and short men such as myself also say the PS5 controller is too big and hurts our hands as stretching from the sticks to the triggers is an odd feeling vs how easy it is to do on the Xbox Series controller.

 

[Grizzled Ghost]

The Matte Xbox One controller were probably my favorite aesthetically. Xbox has the best ergos too.

But if we take features into account Dualsense wins.

 

[BeardSpike]

I have two DualSenses. And since I switched to PC gaming 8bitdo Pro 2, 8bitdo Ultimate 3 Mode.

Absolutely surprised by the qualify of 3 Mode.

Feels better than DualSense quality wise, plastics doesn't bend or pop. Hall effect triggers are not loose, there's quite a lot of tension there but it feels not flimsy at all.

Grip seems better than DualSense grip on the bottom.

Buttons are really ticktile. Dpad feels more like a mechanical switch rather than membrane.

It actually feels like I am holding a quality piece of controller. Still getting used to Xbox layout, I keep trying to find the dpad on the left since I've been gaming on PS layout all my life.

Vibrations are only worse than DualSense but other than that? Yeah, I like Ultimate 3 mode a lot.

Pro 2, I will use it for retro gaming, dpad is amazing on it too, less tension more ticktile than DualSense- still dunno if i like Pro 2 or 3 Mode dpad more. Plastics pop, but not as much as on DualSense. It obviously feels a tier worse controller than 3 Mode.

But every controller has it's strengths.

I still have to game more to form a more concrete opinion. But so far these are my first impressions.

 

[BeardSpike]

Update on 8bitdo Ultimate 3 mode: really nice controller. I got used to Xbox layout. The only thing I'm not liking in it is the feel of the dpad. Would like it to have more feel like retro dpad on Pro 2 honestly, it's too hard to press on the outer edges I have to keep my finger in the inner circle, but otherwise it feels like my first impressions stand.

Dunno if 8bitdo regular Ultimate controller has a retro feel on dpad.

 

[hussar16]

ps layout is good but where the placement of back r2 l2 is it makes your hands cramp. those back buttons should be a lot lower

 

[Zacfoldor]

Gonna disagree with you guys. I think the Xbox controller feels cheap with the rattling battery compartment and the lack of modern features. Also don't like the offset thumb sticks.

To each their own, but I grew up on Playstation. I like the Swtich pro controller more than Xbox but number 1 is the Dualsense.

Complaining that your controller will eventually not work due to the battery it daft. Battery will be the the last thing to wear out. Your controller is not a forever item. Once again Xbox trying to appeal to costs. Use your shitty old ruined controller forever instead of being forced to buy a new one. It's like advertising that you never have to change your underwear if you live in Detroit. Any good controller will have haptics and they wear out. They need to be replaced sooner than forever....it is worse than complaining about cmos.

It also doesn't escape me that the least innovative and most basic controller is also the favorite of everyone here. I bet most have never played Astrobot. Also Xbox is the primary controller of the PC, so a lot of you don't even use the dualsense, so this poll is of course not representative. Xbox is probably the most popular controller if you count PC. I still have a wired 360 controller for PC.

 

[Jormatar]

Who cares about controller designs. Even the most pretty controller will eventually become painted in grease, cum stains and sweat.

The only thing that matters are the stick durability, gyro aiming and haptics. DualSense has two of those, making it a clear winner in my books.

 

[ValiantInstance]

Xbox perfected controller design with the 360, whilst the PS3 controller felt like it was designed for hobbits. With each generation Sony made their controllers ergonomically more like the Xbox design.

I like the haptics on the Dualsense, but the battery life is laughable. I charge my Elite 2 about once a month. I've been playing KCD for over 30 hours and haven't even had to think about it.

 

[Donald mac Ronald]

Ms has been in the business along time now. Yet they still design their d pad to be the worse thing in gaming.

Playing fighters with analogue sticks sucks. So trying to play one on an Xbox pad sucks hard.

The face buttons feel cheap and aren't good in character action games.
Triggers are good I guess?

 

[Rob_27]

I would go with xbox if it had less clicky d pad. Better build quality and dual sense type triggers. The design yes implementation no.

 

[hussar16]

Who cares about controller designs. Even the most pretty controller will eventually become painted in grease, cum stains and sweat.

The only thing that matters are the stick durability, gyro aiming and haptics. DualSense has two of those, making it a clear winner in my books.

Yea but certain controllers are much more comfortable to hold and olay with .ps sense has back buttons tht make your hands cramps after awhile

 

[samuelgregory]

I have two DualSenses. And since I switched to PC gaming 8bitdo Pro 2, 8bitdo Ultimate 3 Mode.

Absolutely surprised by the qualify of 3 Mode.

Feels better than DualSense quality wise, plastics doesn't bend or pop. Hall effect triggers are not loose, there's quite a lot of tension there but it feels not flimsy at all.

Grip seems better than DualSense grip on the bottom.

Buttons are really ticktile. Dpad feels more like a mechanical switch rather than membrane.

It actually feels like I am holding a quality piece of controller. Still getting used to Xbox layout, I keep trying to find the dpad on the left since I've been gaming on PS layout all my life.

Vibrations are only worse than DualSense but other than that? Yeah, I like Ultimate 3 mode a lot.

Pro 2, I will use it for retro gaming, dpad is amazing on it too, less tension more ticktile than DualSense- still dunno if i like Pro 2 or 3 Mode dpad more. Plastics pop, but not as much as on DualSense. It obviously feels a tier worse controller than 3 Mode.

But every controller has it's strengths.

I still have to game more to form a more concrete opinion. But so far these are my first impressions. Enjoy modern living with stunning sea or mountain views. Buy apartments in Jal el Dib for a perfect blend of city convenience and coastal charm, with easy access to Beirut. This prime location offers top schools, shopping centers, and a vibrant community. Whether for investment or personal living, find your ideal home in one of Lebanon’s most sought-after areas.

thank you so much for your suggestion

 

[Blayzedblue]

I don’t have a preference between parallel and non parallel analog stick design. Both feel natural and comfortable to me. I would say the Xbox controller design was superior until the Dual Shock 4 and Dual Sense. Now I’d put them equal. They widened the design from the Dual Shock 3 a great deal for larger hands and the hand grips were longer and more comfortable. And the Dual Sense is even better for larger handed people.

 

[Kagoshima_Luke]

Technically, the DualSense is the most comfortable controller to hold, but the build quality sucks so I give the edge to Xbox. Xbox controllers are nice to hold and I always do better with them, so MSFT must be doing something right. I've played some games like Overwatch, etc across both systems and everytime my stats are better with the Xbox controller. Maybe the stick placements.

 

[DeVeAn]

For me Dual sense grip just is not comfortable. No matter what I do my middle fingers always slide in under the L2/R2. Don't have the issue with Switch or Xbox controllers.

 

[Bombolone]

answered

 

[Mortisfacio]

While I do think PlayStation is the better console, I do prefer the Xbox controllers. I'm playing Diablo 4 on steam deck and PC currently. I'm using an Xbox controller. I have a DS4, but I hate the controller and the analog sticks feel cheap.

 

[TGO]

I feel like every modern controller is just an iteration on the snes controller.

The original Playstation Controller is basically a Snes control with additional shoulder buttons and grips.

So theoretically every controller is just a iteration of PlayStation's iteration of the Snes Controller.

But it's funny how Sony continued with that design and Nintendo went a completely different direction and it's become an actual Iconic symbol for PlayStation....yet Nintendo has never filed a copyright claim.... you'd think they would....if they could.

 

[Icymanipulator]

Not even close, not in any way, shape or form. Gross.