Home Gaming Friday Debate: Asymmetrical Analogue sticks make for better controllers

Friday Debate: Asymmetrical Analogue sticks make for better controllers

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6

DEBATEcontroller

While the PlayStation 4 may be the better overall console of the generation (depending on who you talk to, of course), there are few who won’t readily admit that the Xbox One has the superior controller – just as the Xbox 360 did in the last generation. The offset analogue layout is better, no matter what tiny-handed PlayStation fanboys might suggest.

Of course, there are adapters to get Xbox One controllers working on the PlayStation 4, and a few third party controllers that mimic the style and aesthetics of Microsoft’s input device. Most wireless ones use unnecessary dongles for the connectivity, which makes them a little less awesome.

Hori’s changing that. Their Onyx wireless controller takes the general shape and design of the Xbox controller – with the much better asymmetrical stick layout – and delivering a wireless PS4 controller. If it’s well made, it’ll be perfect. HoriOnyx

You see, unless you’re a Sony die-hard who grew up on a diet of PlayStation alone, you’d know that the asymmetrical layout is more ergonomic. The reason that Sony’s sticks are symmetrical is that following the release of the Nintendo 64, Sony needed to implement an analogue stick on top of their already existing PlayStation controller – and they did so in a way that allowed them to retain their established aesthetic – without any regard for ergonomics whatsoever.

PScontrollers

It’s unnatural, but we’ve become so used to it over the years that it doesn’t really matter. While I have no problem with symmetrical sticks, I’ll always favour the other way.

You tell us! Which way do you prefer your analogue sticks? Also, if you’re a Pc gamer coming to tell us that mouse and keyboard are better, you can just go back to using your office implements in Excel, mkay?

 

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.

Last Updated: January 12, 2018

6 Comments

  1. Tim

    May 13, 2019 at 09:33

    I’ve used Playstation and Xbox controllers, and I definitely prefer the Xbox layout. You use the left analog stick far more than the D-pad, so it makes sense to place the stick underneath the natural position of your left thumb.

    Reply

    • Michael

      July 22, 2021 at 16:45

      The natural position of your left thumb is right next to the natural position of your right thumb!

      Reply

  2. Michael

    July 22, 2021 at 16:42

    Symmetrical sticks are better dipshit!

    Reply

  3. Michael

    July 22, 2021 at 16:42

    PS4 controller is objectively better you retarded xbox fanboy!

    Reply

  4. Shodan

    October 11, 2021 at 14:00

    Exactly. If you look at the original playstation controller that DID NOT have any sticks, it is what this shape was always intended to be. IMO it was even better than the SNES by a large margin.

    Duct taping two sticks to the bottom of it goes directly against the intended design and ergonomics of the original. Sony painted themselves into a corner and have struggled to make it work ever since.

    It is telling that Sony have been the only first party with this nonsensical design for the longest time before the Stadia train wreck came along.

    Reply

  5. Ryan Dunlop

    January 4, 2022 at 02:15

    A whole lot of blustery opinion without any substance. My left hand isn’t a deformed claw; yours isn’t either. Hence, symmetric is superior.

    Reply

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