Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: The Battle of the Controllers

65
Lee Bradley

A new generation of console wars is fast approaching, with both Sony and Microsoft currently marshaling their troops ready for fight to the death between the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One.

For those looking to make a choice of just one console, you’re faced with a number of difficult decisions. Which console has the best games? Which has the best graphics? Which is like... cloudier? In every category, it’s pretty damn close.*

But one of these battles has arguably already been won. At PAX Prime 2013 we spent time with both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers to give you our verdict on which is the very best. So who won? Watch the vid below to find out whether Microsoft or Sony came out on top.

*Except for the cloud thing, still not sure what that actually means.

Comments
65
  • Wow. That at the end didn't look stupid at all.
  • I own both consoles and agree the 360's superior triggers are far more important than the PS3's better D-Pad. I plan on owning both consoles again in the upcoming generation (once they both have games I want), so it's good to know the playing field will be level.
  • Bias decision as usual. Where have all of the professionals gone?
  • Funny the way nothing i said was wrong. If you cannot decide, get the majority vote, the professional vote. The ending decision was biased, due to the XBOX-Y nature of his job. I'm getting an xbox one in case anyone cares, im just pointing this out because its wrong.
  • I prefer the position of the thumbsticks on the Xbox Pad, I like the look of the touchpad on the PS4 controller though. Its tough to decide.
  • @3 The same video was posted on the PS3 website so yeah... Thanks for doing this, it seems everything else I've seen has just been one side or the other plugging it's affiliate. Would have been nice to get the other guys in on it though, for a broader decision if I'm using the right words I don't even know, but I'm guessing you get the idea.
  • I've always preferred the Xbox controllers. The Play Station ones are just to awkwardly shaped, always gave me hand cramps!
  • @4 Fairly certain he represents PS3T AND X360A so his bias would be to both consoles... He didn't claim this meant it was definitively the best controller, he said himself that it comes down to opinion. There aren't a lot of significant differences now, and I don't think there were any games available which allowed use of the touch pad for PS4, though I could be wrong
  • Good video. Webb just came out, kept it short and told me what I needed to hear which was that the Playstation 4 controller is a hundred times better than the Playstation 3 controller. You don't even need to touch the Xbox One controller to know it's a thing of beauty, it's the other one I was concerned about.
  • @3 Yeah people that work on an Xbox website and a Playstation website would make a bias decision wouldn't they?
  • Tried both at the toronto fan expo. I'd say the PS4 controller felt better. But, that's just me.
  • i can't wait to try the Xbox One controller, if it's like my fav controller Xbox 360 i'll be happy
  • @9, Both controllers shortcomings were addressed for next gen.Ds4's overall improvements over the D3's and "Fatty Jr's", battery pack bulge(one of many improvements).I agree with you 100%.
  • I honestly only care what I think about the video game console/controller I prefer not what others decisions are on either.
  • @3&4: Oh shut up. Just shut up. He clearly said that it's a matter of opinion and personal preference for what you want out of your controller before saying that for him, the Xbone's controller is better due to the triggers. The only way he could have been more "professional" was to not do the harmless Wii U joke and the equally harmless giant controller joke at the end of the video. But neither of those change the fact that his statements about both controllers being really good and it will come down to personal preference for everyone was completely factual and professional. I mean come on, you're complaining about that being "unprofessional" and "biased" while tons of fanboys are going to say that the controller for the system they didn't get sucks (even though professionals are saying both are really good). Save your whining about bias for those twats.
  • playstation controller will NEVER win. xbox controller is way more comfortable to hold. although i didn't like the xbox controller s. i liked the original big one.
  • PS4 controller has more features. No question about it. But I prefer the Xbox controller layout all the way. Easily the most comfortable of the two. Though the PS4 controller definitely seems improved over the PS3 controller. The 360 controller didn't need much apart from an improved DPAD. And an internal rechargeable battery, but we still don't have that...
  • I am just worried about how much smaller the xbox One controller looked,the current size of the 360 controller is perfect. Also,I am looking forward to having a better controller for the Playstation,i still wish for offset sticks though,maybe a controller where you can take out the sticks and put them where/how you want is for the future :p
  • For me, the controller is less important than the machine and the games. If the greatest controller in the word connects to crappy hardware that plays shitty games, what is the point?
  • Host it on YouTube!
  • For me honestly, I find the PS4 controller better. It just feels tighter and right when i have it on than the Xbox controller. It's sorta like a Super Nintendo vs Genesis controllers. I personally find the Super Nintendo Controller better than the Genesis controller. In the end, the controller war is really just down to preference.
  • @3 I own a 360 and PS3, and the PS3 controller is nasty. It's made of thin plastic that chips when it hits the ground. My 360 controller has no scuffs or marks on it, after falling from the same height. I've also had to take apart my PS3 controller multiple times to fix broken triggers. I know how to fix them, because since the PS1 days, I've been taking apart their controllers due to how often they break. I will admit, I'm on my 2nd 360 controller because the other one had a worn out analog stick, but that's from 2 solid years of me playing it (as a side-note the Sony blu-ray controller for the PS3 is also made of cheap plastic). When I look at my collection, I have about 5 PS1 controllers, maybe 1 works, 4 PS2 controllers, 1 works, and the rest.. The rest are absolutely disgusting because whatever they coat the analog sticks in MELTED at room temperature. So, as a professional since I've had to deal with Sony's controllers for more than a decade, yes, Microsoft will always make better controllers than Sony. I won't be buying an Xbox One, but I will be buying the Xbox One controller to use on my PC, as Microsoft controllers have become the standard controller for PC gaming.
  • @3 + 4: Webb runs both Xbox360Achievements and PS3Trophies, sooo....
  • I have a Wii u, and it's pro controllers are my favourite of all time. The Wii U touchscreen gamepad is great too. After the awful Xbox controllers, MS have learned their lesson and it will he a long time before PS controllers get anywhere near as good. Sony seem more concerned with Nintendo rip off gimmicks (motion control and now a touchpad) than actually making a comfortable, reliable and precise gaming controller. Still, the controller might not be enough to convince me to get an Xbox One over a PS4.
  • Big deal. I still choose Dreamcast. ;p
  • @3 How is he biased? Now if Dan also wrote this article... then he could have doubled-up on your "so-called" bias decision. Besides... he picked that HUGE controller at the end of the video!!! LOL! @26 Yeah... I like the Dreamcast controller, but it would have been better... had Sega put "two" analog thumbsticks on it!
  • @23 Sounds like you've done your research! Me, I love my Xbox controller - ps feels like ugly crap in comparison. The Xbox controller is actually both very ergonomic and good looking. I'm super excited bout the XboxONE!
  • The sony analogue sticks feel wrong. I just can't get used to them. I had to buy a converter switch box adapter so I can play with the xbox controller on the ps3. The only good thing about the sony controller is that if feels lighter. I hate heavy controllers.
  • My thoughts on controllers is its fucking 2013 they should just both be good at this stage. I'm sure they're both great
  • I've always prefered the Xbox controller simply because of it's weight, the position of the thumbsticks and the triggers on the back, the PS3 controller just feels too light for me.
  • Once the game has started I don't care which controller I have
  • @23 that 'stuff' on the analogue sticks is grease and sweat from your thumbs, just get an alcohol based cleaner and some cotton buds (q-tips if you're stateside) and give it a scrub. For whatever reason it always looks worse if you don't use it for a period of time. I'd hope the One controller has more resilient sticks, mine are very worn (and I don't have skin like sandpaper either). There's only two things they needed to fix with the PS3 controller IMO, the triggers and bring the size up comparable to the 360 controller. Oh, and death to the PS3 games that only let you use R1 to fire, what's that all about.
  • I love both controllers, people forget for a long ass time the PS controller was one of the best ever made (PSOne PS2) I do love the offset analogues on the 360 tho, it feels so much more natural.
  • The Delta on PS4 controller's upgrade is due to it copying the xbox one
  • I can't believe the Xbox controller still uses batteries in the year 2013 lmao
  • I've always loved PS pad until the 360 one came out. I must admit it's better (the only problem I have with it is the size of the RB & LB buttons) but when you used the same controler for 10 years, you're used to it, so I don't think I'll have a problem with the PS4 one. As for the melting sticks for the PS pads, there's also a counter part for the 360. All my left sticks on 360 are getting dug to the plastic. I don't know if it's the case for everyone, or just me who's unlucky (it did it with 5 different pads from different generations)
  • I don't think he completely understands the meaning of the word 'evolution'. The Xbox One controller has evolved as small aspects and features have changed over time but it's still recognisable as an xbox controller. I can only imagine what he was thinking of was a 'Revolution' where things are drastically changed, and if Microsoft did that then everyone would be furious as most people agree that the 360 controller was pretty much spot on...
  • They didn't have to do a great deal to the Xbox pad, it was pretty much the perfect controller anyways. D-pad definitely needed fixing and it looks like they've done. The thing I'm wondering about is the durability, I've gone through at least half a dozen Xbox controllers in 6 years.
  • I have owned both 360 and PS3. I have to say, the Xbox controller sits far more comfortably in my hands. Has got me reconsidering my decision to purchase a PS 4 now. The one controller is so uncomfortable to use, and makes gaming a chore. Hmm, need to decide.
  • I don't get it really everyone whining over trivial things like baby's preorder both go to the game shop feel both controllers yourself and cancel the one you hate or don't preorder wait try buy simple
  • That guy is well cool
  • Overall, I'd say it's a better controller, but the fact that the Xbox One controller still uses AA batteries puts me off. Needless to say, the PS4 > Xbox One. So I'll just have to warm more to the Dualshock controller.
  • Nice video, but IMO my opinion the PS4 controller should have woon purly because it has a built in battery.
  • I had my PS3 at launch. I didn't get a 360 until the Xmas after the PS3's launch (got an Elite). Since then, my PS3 was hardly ever touched. Whenever I would go back to the PS3, it did feel uncomfortable - this coming from a PS user since day one. But what was worst was the transition from shooting games from the 360 to the PS3. It was horrid. I'm not going to say it was unplayable, because after a while you get used to it. But the 360 controller is just so much more of a joy to use. Judging from images, it does look like the PS4's controller may have addressed the issues I myself had with it. One day I might be able to see if it is any better. Glad to hear that other gamers (or in this case: gamer) that had issues with the PS3 controller are claiming this time it has improved. On a side note, in reply to those who mentioned previous experience with ware of controllers: For the Xbox - I've only had 2 controllers since my time with the 360. The controller that came with the slim model got dropped a few times and the left thumb stick was 'stuck in the pressed' position. I threw them away. To this day, I am still using the controller I got with the Elite, back in 07. I can't comment on my PS experiences, because the PS3 was hardly used, and I was a fair bit younger when the PS2 and PSone were around, and I had to share them with my little brother. They got unjustly threw around, a lot. I do remember that bumpy texture on the thumb sticks wearing out after a while though.
  • I'm glad that Sony's new controller is 100x better, but cant help feeling that using the touchpad, I may inadvertantly knock one of the analogues. I dont know if the guy using the xbox one controller had Andre the Giant hands but Xbox ones looks a little small for me.
  • Yeah ps4 it a better controller than ps3 but not the better controller
  • really is no competition when comparing playstation to xbox controller. xbox always wins no matter what until playstation do a massive re haul on it.
  • Remember the very first xbox controller? how massive and strangely awkward but still usable we all thought it was. Looking back now it's borderline f***ing ridiculous.
  • obviously the game itself would play a part due to the use of triggers and buttons etc. on the xbox 1 he was playing forza which would require a lot of input via the triggers and sticks however the playstation game that he was demoed looked boring and didn't look like there was a lot of button count if you know what I mean. a true comparision would only be achieved with a like for like game . overall I prefer the xbox 360 controller I will be looking forward to my xbox 1 on the 22nd and I will make my own mind up reghrading comparision as all gamers have their own prefrences.
  • Biased against Nintendo, that is!
  • I hope this is the first and last xbox vs playstation article, the last thing we need is for this site to turn into IGN.
  • But he didn't mention the D-pads, which has been my biggest issue. I have no huge preference of one controller over the other except that the Xbox D-pads have been consistently horrendous.
  • i love the xbox pad and i also think the wii-u pro pad is better then 360s pad, ps pad is dated and horrible, gives me cramp
  • I have both systems and I guess I lean more towards the PS controller. For FPS games, the 360 controller wins hands down...no contest. The analog for the 360 controller is much better as well. The D-pad on the PS controller is leaps and bounds over the 360. I play a lot of fighting games, so when I don't plug my fightstick in...I use the PS3 controller because the d-pad wins hands down. However, I absolutely LOATHE the triggers on the PS3. I mean words can't express my dislike for them. I also have to agree with others here that the PS3 controller feels cheap. I do like how light it is though. It seems that MS fixed the D-pad and Sony fixed their triggers. It's really gonna come down to preference this time.
  • As i thought, the xbox own controllers :P, without even trying it. As you guys can see in the video the ps4's looks much much smaller and you can see has hand only holding the controller from the bottom back side which can really be a hasstle after a few hours of playing, also i don't like the design of the ps4's controller. On the other hand xbox would have a better controller even by just changing the d-pad, it's more confortable, the design looks great and now the precision of the thumb sticks are more accurate. Now with the new triggers we can feel more than just watching the TV, plus who needs a touch pad like the one on the PS4? I cant see any huge thing for it or a must have.
  • xbox all the way its a clear cut for me, the pad and the console looks better and microsoft has been pretty much upfront with their product even if it was changed, playstation are being a little sly with things like doesn't have to be online all the time, can start downloading things while youre out and it will boot up the console to start downloading so it always have to be connected, its not a social network station but it has a share button on the controller. i will be sticking with xbox
  • @47 I thought the DualShock 4 was massive rehaul considering the controller has been mostly the same for over 15 years.
  • Im not getting either. Sure, both are for the inner gamer and a family device non the less. But I can buy a decent pc for 500 dollars and I'm allowed to mod. Beside, I have an xbox 360, and it's supposed to be supported for a few more years. When that's over, I will be all pc. I can both do my homework and play videogames on one device.
  • @3 And anybody else who said this was a biased review - he discussed the pros for both controllers and clearly stated it was a personal opinion thing. Absolute idiots.
  • I couldn't judge this until I have XBO and PS4 to play and feel what better controller is. I love Xbox 360 controller, Wii U gamepad and pro controller and PS3 dualshock controller. All each feel nice and comfortable. I don't like 3 motion controllers - Kinect, Wii remote, PS3 move and original Xbox controller (too big, heavy and weird). All is gimmicky. There no best controllers in my life of gaming. I just loved all of them from Super Nintendo to now owned of Xbox 360, Wii U and PS3. Sometime I think GameCube, N64, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS2 and PSone controllers is best. It just sometime in my mind think whoever is better. But the fact all have great with every controller small noticeable problems. That is not big issues though. Anyway this is my opinion. I cannot wait for see how I feel for XBO and PS4 controllers. :)
  • 63: Have you not read a single comment that has been posted or are you just retarded?
  • I'm programmed for Xbox controllers.. I have a PS3.. but I've never really liked the dual shock controller.. to me it feels like the sticks are too close together.. oddly they look even closer on the dual shock 4 even though the controller is wider.
  • I always feel like I'm going to break Playstation controllers
  • A Wii-mote is more comfortable than any PS controlled before so why should these be any different?
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