Dualshock 4 vs. Xbox One Controller

The Dualshock 4 controller and the Xbox One controller have been getting a lot of attention lately. Although they both might look similar to the old controllers, they are quite a change from their predecessors. Each new controller has features the old models did not have and have removed some features that you may be used to feeling. For a start, the actual Dualshock 4 has new grips that are a bit deeper on the underside than the previous model and the Xbox opted to make the battery pack flush it seems. If you liked the way the battery used to be then you are beyond help in my opinion. I am actually very glad that the battery pack wont take up the entire portion of real estate on the rear middle of the Xbox controller. I’ve heard close friends complaining about how they used to like the way their finger tips rested against it, but I find that just silly. It was always my main complaint with the Xbox controller.

On the Dualshock 4 the new grips look like a good idea, I just can’t get on board with this one. Call me weird if you’d like, but my complaint isn’t about the grip depth. My issue with the Dualshock 4 is the new rubberized material they used on the bottom of the grips. I feel like these grips will just attract grime and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Food mess, grease, bacteria, you name it and I’m sure it’ll be embedded in the rubber grip in no time. The Xbox One controller will be my favorite in this aspect because you just give it a wipe and you’re done.

 I think that the Dualshock 4 received a much needed facelift from the Dualshock 3.

First off, Sony cleaned up all the rough edges on the Dualshock 4 from the two parts pressed together and rounded up the entire design to make it smooth and ergonomic. Then, what I was immediately caught up in when I first saw the Dualshock 4 was the newly “rimmed” analog sticks much like the Xbox analog sticks. Sony has been needing to rim the joystick surface since the first Dualshock ever came out. The next thing to point out is the trackpad/clicker. Who knows what this feature will be used for exactly, but it is nice to have more options without ruining the layout of the controller. As for the D-pad and button circular bezels, I like that they shrunk down the size of the surface there.

Onto the features at the top of the Dualshock 4!

I’m sad to see the “select” and “start” buttons gone, but I’m sure there is a good use for the new “share” and “options” buttons. (I just haven’t thought of a good one yet). The triggers at the top are wonderful looking and I’m very glad to see that Sony decided to add a lip at the edge of the top triggers on the Dualshock 4 to prevent slippage. (This was my main issue with Dualshock 3). The port in the top to plug in the charging cable looks a bit bigger than before, leading me to believe they may have opted out of mini USB. I certainly hope this isn’t the case because I thought it was a winning feature of the older controller. Coming to the last item to cover: the top light. The top light changes color corresponding to the color your on-screen identity has in order to make multiplayer identification easier. This is an unnecessary feature in my opinion, but I’m sure many will praise it.

The Xbox One controller looks great to me.

This could be for a variety of reasons, but most importantly it is because the appearance is not radically altered. After playing tons of PS3 and Xbox 360, I had a clear favorite controller: The Xbox 360 controller. The heft was nice, the shape was nice, and even the inverted analog and D-pad on the left side was a great feature. I am extremely sad to see the “X” home button go away though. I used this feature to swap accounts on the fly and sign off or shut down on a regular basis. I hope they had a good reason for getting rid of this feature. As for the two center buttons I still feel sad to see “select” and “start” go. Now we get what appears to be a file or menu access button and an options/organization button. I guess time changes everything and I just have to adjust. I took a while to get around to this, but the D-pad got a rebuild. No longer are the days when we have to ignore the D-pad’s existence. The new D-pad clearly isn’t a D-pad on a saucer like the old one and this time the feedback has been reworked to make for a better experience. The analog sticks opted to go even more serious for shooters and action games by creating a real physical edge to keep your thumbs centered. (I have to say they look gorgeous now too).

Onto the top side of the Xbox One Controller!

The triggers appear very similar to those in the previous generation, but the profile shows the edges have been cleaned up. The new “impulse triggers” also seems to have a more aggressive slope now. The best part of the new triggers is the vibration feedback. I read that the new controllers have separate vibration modules built-in under the triggers for a sense of connection with the game. For instance: If you accelerate in a vehicle using the trigger, you feel the engine revs and gear changes. I’m sold on that feature alone and I may get the Xbox One just to have Forza Motorsport 5 and that engine feedback. Xbox Wire says:

“Xbox One’s Wireless Controller sports four vibration motors – a small one behind each trigger that adds precise haptic feedback to the fingertips, and a larger in each grip for large scale rumbles.  This gives users a sense of in-game directionality and depth, creating rich, immersive experiences where gunshots, car crashes and explosions can come to life.

For example, in “Forza Motorsport 5,” Turn 10 Studios is using impulse triggers to provide players with precise feedback that enhances the racing experience. If your tires break traction from over-acceleration or if you drift on the gas pedal, the triggers emit very distinct vibrations.  This is combined with the chassis rumble that conveys impacts, engine roar and driving over surface irregularities like cobblestone.”

That about wraps it up. I’m sure you all have your own opinions, so feel free to share with us how you feel!
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