Something strange occurred to me during E3. I was receiving a demo showing me all the new functions of the Xbox One controller. At first I was thinking, ‘how trivial, just show me the games’. But then I realised: controllers are important. Super important in fact. As someone who prefers the Xbox 360 controller, it’s one of the sole reasons I play most (not all) multiplatform games on the 360.
So today’s question is simple: which controller do you prefer — the Xbox 360 controller or the Dual Shock 3? I’ve heard some good arguments on either side, but I think in the end it simply comes down to personal preference, what you’re used to, and what fits in your own hand.
Still, I’m keen to see the result of this poll!
Comments
86 responses to “The Big Question: Dual Shock 3 Or Xbox 360 Controller”
My major criticism of the Dual Shock 3 is that the sticks were placed without considering basic ergonomics. If you relax your hands, you’ll find that you thumbs are positioned much closer to the sticks on the 360. To use the Dual Shock 3, you have to move you thumb almost to its extension. I doubt it causes thumb ache, but over the long term, its going to be bad for your hands. think everyone would agree the triggers also blow.
I don’t know about you but my left thumb is not considerably longer than my right. When I relax my hands the sticks on the DS3 are fine. I HATE the asymmetry of the X360 controller and also hate the feel of the rubbery sticks. Also the ABXY buttons are too big and blobby. Oh and the dpad on the X360 is really uncomfortable too.
Most games rely on you using the left stick and the right buttons at the same time. So your hands are in an asymmetrical position while playing more games on PS3 but not so on the 360.
That statement depends entirely on the type of games you play.
Most games I play have you controlling a character in either 1st or 3rd person, so 90% of the time the symmetry works perfectly on PS3 for me.
I find these days most games require me to use both sticks at the same time. Left to move, right to look. I find games tend to use the shoulder buttons / triggers more than they use the face buttons these days. So yeah, the PS3’s symmetrical stick layout wins for me.
I see what you’re saying, but i think the gap between the right stick and the face buttons is smaller than the X360 so it’s less of a stretch/reach overall, and because the left stick is slightly closer up to the dpad on the left side it’s slightly more lined up horizontally with the face buttons on the right side, making it less asymmetrical.
The 360 pad isn’t perfect. The left stick is pretty much exactly at the relation point. The relaxation point on the right is between the stick and the fact buttons. I’m guess that MS came to the conclusion that people need to have equal reach to both. It seems Nintendo came to same conclusion.
I don’t like the dpad on the 360 controller, but I also hardly ever use it.
It’s a shame because the dpad on the DS3 sucks. I hate that it’s segmented up top, but underneath it’s all joined, it’s especially frustrating when you have to select a diagonal but there IS NO DIAGONAL. urgh.
I think the dpad on the Mega Drive was pretty awesome, although a bit sharp at first on mine (original Mega Drive).
The sticks for the 360 controller are in different positions, so only one of your thumbs will relax to that position.
That being said, the Dual Shock wasn’t so much designed as continued. It is a SNES controller with handles thrown on and then analog sticks added in the only space there was for them. The SNES controller was designed with the D-Pad in mind, so it has the pride of place on the left side. The D-Pad isn’t used for movement anymore, often just minor things like weapon selection. Having it in the prime position just seems silly.
Also, the Dual Shock is too damned light and small. Even with my tiny girly hands it feels too small.
I honestly think that those that prefer the Dual Shock have been using Playstation as their primary console for several generations. Not because it is the best but because it is what they’re used to.
That’s true, but even the right stick is in a better position than on the dual shock, which places both sticks in basically the worst place you can still reach. It’s hard to tell, but I don’t think the DS4 will fix this issue either.
I concur.
360 controller is amazingly good after using a dual shock for a lifetime.. The dpad could have been better but anyways pretty keen on the new Xbox One controller it looks amazing whereas I think Sony need to bring out an asymmetrical controller for fps games… And don’t get me started on the old Sixaxis I still have two of them bastards with dead battery charge
I’m fine with the positioning of the sticks. I’ve been using various Dualshocks for 15 years now and my hands are fine. I reckon if it was going to have any long term negative effects then they’d have started showing up by now.
I find the triggers annoying not so much while playing games but rather when I put the thing down on the table and it inadvertently hits one of them. That’s REALLY annoying when watching a movie and that happens and suddenly it’s fast forwarding or rewinding. Apparently the DualShock 4 has improved in this area, so I’m looking forward to trying that out when I get a PS4.
I swear they do this just to make you want to buy a stand alone remote. Happens to me ALL the time.
How small are your hands dude???
Not a worry for me. I haven’t used the 360 controller but it does look like a more comfortable shape in your hand.
My hands are massive. Size isn’t the issue thought, and the angle between the index finger when holding the dual shock thats the problem.
I’ve got big hands too and it’s totally fine on my end. My thumbs are nowhere near full extension. It actually sits very nicely in my hands. I think it’s too small to be honest, and it could definitely be a more human shape.
Not saying you’re wrong at all. Just that my experience is very different.
I should make a video. I can show people the hand resting position, and we’re it sits on each pad. I think my point would be clearer.
I’ll watch it!
And I’ll do a photo or video of my hands on the DS3. Just in the spirit of caring and sharing.
No joke. You put it up and I will too!
Yeah – I’ll get a camera.
no contest, still results closer than I would have thought, unless only 3 people have voted haha
‘one of the sole reasons’ ? 😛
But dualshock all the way, though if I had my choice I’d play every game on the Gamecube controller, so comfy.
Dualshock 3, its much nicer to hold, more suited to my hands
Even though I voted DS3, I would probably say for ergonomics the X360 might be slightly more comfortable around the underside, but the ease of use is definitely prefer DS3.
I think the gamecube (original) controller is the best controller I’ve ever used ergonomics wise, in terms of how you grip the thing and how it feels weight wise, but not so much buttons/placement. It looks like they have taken a leaf out of the gamecube controller’s book when designing the hand grips for the new PS4 Controller, which is definitely ok by me.
hmm my thought is the N64 had the best controller ever, with my large hands it works great, the GC controller is alright but nothing major
Try playing Nfs underground on GameCube for a day… The L and R buttons were horrendous holding it down to accelerate gives you finger cramps and shit after a few hours and I personally don’t like remapping controls unless its seems out of place
always hated the PS controllers, too small and clumsy feeling.
@markserrels FYI, the poll is slightly broken, i can continuously vote 😛
I have detested every PlayStation controller since they started making them. Don’t like the d-pad, don’t like the analogue sticks, don’t like the analogue triggers, don’t like the shape of where the prongs meet the controller under the main button sections (that spot where your middle finger rests). So I almost have to go with the 360 controller by default. Though I do much prefer it, yes.
That said though, I can’t wait to try out the PS4 controller. It looks like they’ve finally made some actual improvements to it, and it could be quite good.
Oh, and the real answer to the question is actually “GameCube controller”.
Gamecube controller? Shudder.
It’s probably an adjustment thing, but trying to drive that baby… my brain just can’t do it.
sorry but dreamcast is the best
Shame about that Z button.
z trigger for the win!
I honestly never understood people’s problem with it. I mean maybe the fact that there wasn’t another one over on the left side could be a downside in some games, but otherwise it seemed to served its purpose just fine.
The triggers had ledges that your fingers sat in making it had to easily slide from the default position to the Z button.
I grew up with the Nintendo but swapped over to a playstation, I’ve been playstationing ever since, so I guess I’m just used to it, my hands naturally relax to the position of a PS controller. Find it difficult to use a Xbox controller.
My main frustration with the xbox controller that I’m not sure why but nobody else seems to have an issue with is playing FPS, seeing as xbox is the forefront of Halo and COD (all trailers show xbox ads beginning and and and they have the contract for DLC) I cant stand playing anything that uses LB because my hand hates the pinching motion from having the Analog stick and the Left bumper are just way too close to be using a lot at the same time, PS3 is fairly symmetrical which works well with my hands, I don’t get cramps and I can play for hours. Xbox my hands ache literally about 45mins in.
The PS4 controller looks like the best controller ever made 😀 (ever so slightly wider and nicer thumbsticks+all its new features) Soo excited.
My hands feel too close together with the Xbox controller. Plus I’ve spent so long with the PS controllers my hands sort of just naturally to to where they need to by now.
I’ve been playing Last of Us on the PS3. It’s reminding me just how much I hate the L/R2 triggers. Can’t squeeze the damn things without feeling like the controller is going to slip out of my grasp.
Grew up on PS and used to the controller so I have no issues with it.
Found the Xbox and 360 controller different and a bit awkward to begin with (as I didn’t use them as much as PS consoles and I don’t have big hands either).
I think most preferences come from what you are used to though.
This sums up my experience completely. Started on the Dual Shock controllers and everything else just seems a little bit weird. Personal preference, I like having symmetric thumbsticks, though the DS3’s L2/R2 are annoying when you put the controller down (as previously mentioned)
I agree that familiarity is the most common deciding factor, but for what it’s worth, I grew up playing PSX/PS2. The xbox controller felt weird for a few days when I first started using it (on my PC), but only a few days later, I couldn’t have gone back. A few years later, now, and I still much prefer the Xbox controller.
It may depend on the genre, too. I almost NEVER play FPS games with a controller (when I do, it’s when I’m invited to play on someone’s console; and then I play inverted), so I’m usually hovering over the ABXY/shapes buttons and flicking over to the RS/R3 when I need to adjust the camera, so the asymmetrical orientation works best for me.
Regardless of preference, they both work on PC for multi platform titles. Which is why I prefer the 360 controller but never really use the console any more.
N64, no contest
Yes!
Nintendo’s greatest ever controller, and the best console controller by a mile.
The critical feature, which no console controller has ever matched, was the longer stick on the primary joystick. This allowed drastically better precision.
I currently have a PS3 and the controllers are well made but ergonomically poor. Specifically, aiming in FPS games is ridiculous due to the short, stubby sticks.
As for the new xbox controller, it reminds me of a Dreamcast controller – it’s freaking huge and unwieldy.
In the end, of course, nothing will ever match mouse/kb. Hopefully both consoles have good support for this.
Keyboard and Mouse #PCMasterRace 😛
In all seriousness, I much prefer the Xbox 360 controller. Mind you, the Xbox 360 is the only console I’ve ever owned…
I’ve used the PS3 controller a few times before though. It wasn’t too bad. The new one looks like it could be more comfy.
Keyboard and mouse come a distant last for me – I had carpal tunnel issues a few years back from using the mouse 😛
I prefer the asyemmetrical palcement of the 360 analog sticks, and the general heft and balance of the controller. With the Dualshock 3 I feel like I am pinching and gripping too much and my fingers don’t naturally rest on the shoulder buttons.
My wife has arthritis and has been literally unable to hold the dualshock 3 controller to get past the prologue of the Last of Us because the cold has caused it to flare up – but she has no issues holding the 360 controller for 4-6 hours straight.
Xbox, totally.
Overall I think I prefer the PS3 controller.
The 360 controller has an overall more comfortable shape on the outside and the triggers are nice, but the dpad is useless and in an awkward position and the buttons are too lumpy and hard.
The PS3 controller isn’t shaped as comfortably but has a good (enough) dpad that’s easy to reach, the sticks being in the lower position isn’t a problem because they’re protruding out high enough that you can easily use them, and the buttons are softer to press. The triggers are a weirdly shaped though.
That is why the PS4 controller excites me. The layout is mostly the same but the handles look to resemble the 360 controller and the triggers are more like the 360 ones. Hopefully it will be the best controller yet.
While I prefer the triggers on the 360 controller, the asymmetric placing of the analogue sticks makes it too awkward, especially if I’m planning to use the triggers as well.
I also find the actual controller a bit too bulky. It makes me feel like I’m holding a banana. I’ve always used a fairly delicate touch with controllers, going back to the original Atari 2600 stick where I would hold the base in one hand and move the stick with just a few fingers rather than grasping it with an entire hand. The ‘360 controller forces me to use the whole of both hands, whereas the Dual Shock 3 permits a lighter touch.
I think the XBox 360 controller fits perfectly in my hand and is the most comfortable for me. I’m glad that they haven’t messed with it too much for the XBone.
The original PS3 controller, the sixxaxis one was terrible, but mostly because of the weight of it, or lack thereof. The dual shock 3 was definitely a decent controller but thumbstick positioning for me is what lets it down.
PS3. I’ve got two 360 controllers and neither of them will charge their batteries any more.
The 360 battery packs are ridiculously bad. I’ve found that I get much better mileage out of Aldi rechargeable AAs.
Curiously, I’ve used my 2 PS3 controllers so little recently that neither of them seem to want to hold a charge any more either. Super frustrating when I can’t just opt to put regular batteries in them, and have to be tethered via a series of USB extender cables.
Had the same problem with my two Sixaxis controllers I need them plugged In to play now, my white ds3 is fine but my 6 recharge batt packs for Xbox 360 are all dead flat nothing AA’s can’t solve though ?
360 all the way. Triggers and Sticks are much easier to use when compared to the DS.
For most games you’ll be using the left analogue stick with the main 4 face buttons with the right analogue stick for secondary use. It just makes sense to have the left analogue stick in the central position instead of the d pad. How many games actually use the D pad as the main source of movement?
I think they’re both just as comfortable as each other, just the 360’s controller takes a little less getting used to after using PS3’s, than the PS3’s does after using 360’s. 360’s is more immediately comfortable, and has way better triggers. Terrible d-pad on 360 though. Even if the d-pad was better, it’s not positioned very well for 2D side-scrollers or fighting games. On the other hand, PS3’s d-pad rips my thumb apart after a few hours use, so there’s that as well.
No one who is truly objective would prefer the Dualshock. It’s just not possible, unless they are a weirdo that’s serious about fighting games who doesn’t have a fight stick?
Having said that, the Dualshock 4 looks like a MASSIVE improvement, which is great. The DS3 biggest issue is those handles are just too short, which means that even if you have small girly hands like me, the controller needs to sit above your palm for your thumbs to rest ‘naturally’. If you sit the DS3 in your palm, your constanly forcing your thumds to reach the sticks.
Also the ‘triggers’ are stupid.
Both the One controller and DS4 look great. But the One controller took an almost perfect controller and MADE it perfect so it wins by default, but I’ll need ot get my hands on them to be 100% sure.
For me, DS3 had crappy triggers/placement, analogue sticks felt so stiff they might as well have been digital, and I didn’t find the design very comfortable.
The 360 controller has a useless d-pad, uncomfortable dual analogue placement, and the face buttons felt like balls (literally and metaphorically).
…I don’t think I can vote 😛
I wanted to vote XBox 360 controller because of the shape, stick positions and analogue stick tension, however, the D-Pad is absolutely atrocious and since it’s something I use a lot, affects my opinion strongly. I also don’t like the trigger style L2/R2. I do actually have an XBox style PS3 controller, but it is smaller than a Dual Shock and the buttons are too close to the right stick which is a pain.
I’ve just finished playing the Last of Us and I really don’t like the Ps3 controller. Xbox just feels right to me and I think it was a lot to do with where the joysticks are positioned. I like that Sony have made changes to the PS4 controller and it seems to be for the better, but I’ll still always like the way the xbox controller is laid out.
Most games youre pushing forward on the left stick the majority of the time, thats why the Xbox stick is where it is, so its in a natural forward position for your thumb.
Dual Shock controller, to move the stick forward your thumb actually moves sort of sideways.
Also, Xbox controller, your left thumb is flat. Dual Shock controller, your left thumb is kinked up and crooked.
The D-pad on the 360, although crap, is mostly irrelevant. Who really uses it? Besides item/command/weapon selection it pretty much goes unused as a preferred means of controlling.
Im definitely getting the new Xbone controller for my PC when theyre released.
I dont care what you people say, Ive used pretty much every controller for every console since the Atari 2600. Official Xbox 360 controller is by far the best.
I think the whole stick layout comes more from muscle memory than any ergonomic benefit. How many people will naturally rest their left hand on WASD even at work when you’re not playing a game? What you are familiar with feels comfortable for you. I know for me it takes a little bit of time to get that familiar feeling after switching between the 2 but really after that I don’t feel like one layout is more comfortable than the other in the long run.
The real clincher for me (and the reason I would say the 360 is better) are the triggers and the tops of the sticks. My thumbs and fingers slip of them on the PS controller all the time but I seem to never have that issue with the 360. This makes much more of a difference than stick placement to me.
For me the PS3 controller edges out, but I can’t readily explain why.
DS3 pros:
-Controller feels better in my hands overall, for some reason. (Though this is going to be different for everyone)
-L2 and R2 buttons are a better design, with their ‘gradual’ movement.
-Bluetooth is universal and awesome.
-Not having to connect the X360’s cheap, shitty headsets to the controller itself.
-Standard Mini-B USB connection
-No need to buy the play and charge kits the X360 makes you buy.
-Awesome d-pad
X360 Controller pros:
-Offset analogs feel more natural for some reason.
-Indentations for analogs is fantastic – no slipping and sliding like you get on the oversized DS3 ‘domes’.
-Awesome d-pad, but only on later models – so a semi-pro. The original d-pads 360 used for years were woeful. And yes, people do use d-pads for certain things. For platformers and 2D fighters, I use them a whole lot.
The 360’s offset analogs and indentations is a big win, and almost edges out all those DS3 pros, but not quite, for me, for some reason.
I lean toward the Dual Shock for 2 reasons. I like my layouts in matching pairs, 4 buttons in a cross, 4 directions in a cross placed on opposite sides with 2 joysticks in much the same way. Also, I find myself defaulting to the D-Pad whenever I am allowed so that for me is a big negative against the X360.
I will give the 360 the crown for generally being more comfortable to hold for long periods of time though.
X360 pad for me. Mainly because I started on the Xbox. As such, when I got a PS2 I couldn’t play for long periods because I tried to hold the DS2 like an Xbox controller, so the sticks were at odd angles to my hands, leading to joint pain and muscle cramps. Once I learned to hold it properly, it wasn’t too bad, but the balance still seems too far forward, the sticks are too close together, and the grips aren’t long enough.
That said, I use a wired X360 pad for my PC, and the D-pad is completely useless, as it seems to favour “up” 90% of the time, no matter which direction I press. Really looking forward to getting an XBOne controller for my PC, and a DS4 that looks like it has fixed my major issues with the DS2/3 design.
I’ve said it since the original playstation and seeing they are still using that awful design, I’ll say it again: The playstation controller is a lumpy, strange shaped, un-ergonomic shitpile that should never have left R&D. It took them 3 iterations to make the sticks not control like a drunken monkey behind the wheel. The analogue buttons are all mushy crap, the ps3 upgrade made the triggers turn in the most bizarre and unnatural way. The whole thing is a disaster and the only reason people like it is because they’ve been using it for so long.
Ive always had issues with the 360 control layout with my left thumb getting mashed into the rest of my hands when using the left stick. Have never understood the preference by most people.
Also the overall quality of the 360 controller is awful. DS3 may “feel” cheaper to some people, but my 6yo DS3s vs my 4yo 360 controllers are a testament to the quality. My DS3 have gotten a much much heavier work out, in a solid rotation (1 on charge, 1 being played) and both still work in peak condition. My 3 360 controllers? One has a broken shoulder button and a loose battery pack, the other both of the sticks caps is splitting apart, also loose battery pack (also battery packs, wth?), though my corded 360 controller for my PC is still running very well, its a bit younger than my wireless ones.
I absolutely hate the L2/R2 buttons on the DualShock 3. They needed triggers, and the Xbox 360 just feels right.
Love the various PS controllers. I think the problem most people have with them is they try to grip them in their palms, the same way you would the Xbox controller. For me, the PS design rests perfectly in my fingers.
I also like the symmetrical stick placement, and the d-pad is way better than the Xbox one (though I haven’t tried that newer Xbox controller with the twist-lock d-pad thing).
Xbox 360 controller, it’s ergonomically fitting for me and not small and awkward like the ps3 ds3, also picking the xbox 360 one because the analog sticks are much better positioned and the actual sticks go inwards for much much better control of it unlike the outie ps3 ds3 controllers, ps3 controllers are all out just too awkward, uncomfortable and don’t feel right, the analog sticks outie thing and their positioning the L2 AND R2 button stick things that feel like theyre loose and going to slip everytime you use them.
I used to be a ps player always, ps1 and 2 were great for me and were the best, but then online and special GUI for the platforms came and xbox 360 just did it better, and no I never really played the original xbox only a very few times.
@piat, I have had my controllers since forever and they’re in top condition, what do you do with yours? throw it at walls or something everytime you can’t beat something or get killed in a shooter?
How can anyone vote for the 360 controller when it clearly has a defective d-pad, which microsoft have never resolved, in the 8 years that the console has been available.
I thought that new one with the twisty d-pad was supposed to be pretty good? Haven’t used it myself, though.
Also who even uses a d-pad anyway 😛
People who play fighting games use the dpad. It’s also used to select weapons in most shooters. The current dpad on 360 is awful.
I played MK9 on my friend’s PS3, and I found it incredibly hard to come to grips with that d-pad. It’s just too damn mushy, I could never tell whether I was actually activating the buttons or not. Totally threw me off, every time. At least with the 360 pad you know when you’re pressing it, even if you’re not entirely sure which direction it is you’re pressing 😛
I think I usually use the control stick anyway, even in fighters. The d-pads are never up to scratch.
Totally agree!
With Ryan
Because MS did resolve it and few games use the D-Pad. Most people care about other factors, like the shape or the layout or how more used features like the analog sticks or triggers feel. For a great many of those things, people prefer the 360 controller.
Is it just me or is a big plus for the 360 controller the extra weight? I really dont like the DS3 because it just does not feel solid enough…. I spend tons of time with the ps2 controllers, and the 360 controller for me just feel so much more natural. The asymmetry is a plus to me because a majority of the games I play use the buttons a lot (I am not that into FPS), and it just fits in my hands like a think it should. I think I preferred the 6 button mega drive face buttons, but that just shows my age….
Not just you. I absolutely loathe the sixaxis, it feel so horribly cheap and breakable thanks in large part to its lightness. DS3’s much better in that aspect, but still got nothing on the 360.
I hope someone makes an ‘Xbox layout’ controller for the PS4, makes gaming easier for us converts 😛
My biggest problem with the 360 controller is the offset analogue sticks.
-shrug- I prefer the DS3 stick placement, If you swapped the dpad and stick on the xbox control I’d like it.
Duel Shock 3 because the Dpad > 360 rubbish Dpad.
There are a couple of positives to the 360 dpad:
– You can continue to move with the left stick while selecting things with the dpad
– You can push the dpad to the left from the right side!
Really the first point makes most of the difference to me. I’ve played cod on both PS3 and 360 and I get really messed up by the DS3 when trying to call in killstreak rewards because I’m used to the 360. I take my thumb off the right stick, move it to where the dpad should be, and miss the controller completely.