I’ve often made my feelings over the current PS3 controller known. Unfortunately I wasn’t born with midget hands and therefore I feel like an overgrown ape everytime I pick the DualShock 3 up, expecting it to snap every time I make a mistake online.
Such is my dislike for the controller that I’ve bought 3 third party controllers trying to find one that fits and is comfortable.
But it looks like this isn’t going to be a problem in the next generation with gamechup posting up this awesome animated gif of exactly how the DualShock 4 is different from the existing piece of plastic.
As you can see the crucial ergonomic differences are the increased size of the handles, the improvement in the placement and style of the triggers and a massive improvement in the shape and height of the sticks.
I unfortunately haven’t had the pleasure of touching either of the next gen controllers yet and while I think the DualShock 4 looks like the best option right now Geoff is very quick to remind me that the Xbox One has feedback on their triggers, and that it really does make a difference to how games feel. That doesn’t interest me so much but he is massively insistent that it is an incredible experience…
Here are the two controllers for you to decide.
So let me know in the comments which one you think will be the most comfortable controller and why? It’s worth noting that both Geoff and Darryn have played with both conrollers, and thought this photo was a little off, saying the perspective skewed it. Darryn, who has tiny girl hands maintains that the DualShock 4 fit perfectly in his midget appendages, and Geoff says that the Xbox One controller doesnt feel much smaller than the 360 one.
Here’s a pic of the Ps3 controller and the Ps4 one together, just for reference.
Also we need a name for the Xbox One controller, Xboner?
Last Updated: June 26, 2013
OminousRain
June 26, 2013 at 15:10
Well comparing the PS3 and XBOX 360.
I love the 360 controller. PS3 does feel to small for me, and I like the button layout.
Will have to wait and see regarding the next gen controllers. But just the fact that the PS4 controller is bigger, will make huge difference.
Argentil
June 26, 2013 at 15:32
I preferred the weight of the DS3 to the 360 controller. The 360 controller was a little heavier. I also never had hand-cramping issues, and the D-Pad on the DS3 is far better.
Overall, I have preferred the DS3, and I am a little sad to see it changing so drastically, but if more people enjoy it with the added chunkiness, so be it. The girl can pack on a few kilos if she wanna.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 26, 2013 at 15:12
XDrone
OVG
June 26, 2013 at 15:13
PS4 for the WIN. Hard to imagine that it was SONY who had its head so far up its poop 6 years ago that they TOLD US that rumble is not needed as they want to move forward leaving the 6-axis feeling like a light little… THING
GIVE ME MEAT AND BONES!!! BABY 🙂
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
June 26, 2013 at 15:17
I hope Sony made the analog sticks more stiff on the DS4 so we can actually have 360 degree control for the players in FIFA.
The triggers look dinky for lengthy GT sessions but I guess these things have to be tried out personally to be appreciated. I just hope that the DS4 doesn’t exceed the DS3 in price.
Argentil
June 26, 2013 at 15:18
It might. There are added utilities like the sensor bar and the touchpad that up the production cost of the controller.
TiMsTeR1033
June 26, 2013 at 15:18
I like where the xbox 360 controller thumb fits perfectly but the new design reminds me a lil of dreamcast controller or something deffo prefer the dual shock 4 by FAR! on looks that is.
Argentil
June 26, 2013 at 15:19
Really? I actually prefer the Xbox One controller for looks alone. As far as comfort goes, it looks a bit sharp-edged and flat though. Dualshock 4 LOOKS more comfortable.
Gavin Mannion
June 26, 2013 at 15:19
the awesome gif isn’t working when I look?
Click here to see http://images.lazygamer.net/2013/06/DS4gif.gif
Argentil
June 26, 2013 at 15:20
It’s working, don’t fret.
RinceTheWhiskyWithIce
June 26, 2013 at 15:28
It’;s working mate.
HvR
June 26, 2013 at 15:32
not working in my chrome so thanks for the link. actually the best comparison between the old and new.
HvR
June 26, 2013 at 15:22
Plus points for both:
PS4: Bigger, looks comfortable and more durable.
Xboner: Force feedback and looks like something that Batman will have in his arsenal.
RinceTheWhiskyWithIce
June 26, 2013 at 15:38
How can the Batman suggestion be bad! It’s Batman! No, I’m Batman!
HvR
June 26, 2013 at 15:51
I said plus point, except when Geoff is batman then it is bad.
RinceTheWhiskyWithIce
June 26, 2013 at 15:54
Sorry, I couldn’t get past the image of Darryn and his batman suit, lying next to a pool… But yeah defo plus point!
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
June 26, 2013 at 15:23
hmm Xcapone?
Sageville
June 26, 2013 at 15:25
My only issue with the DS3 controller was the plastic rimming around the analogue sticks.
I have 3 controllers where the plastic ring is cracked and broken around the left stick where the shaft touches the controller casing.
Looks like there is heavy duty moulding around those sticks in the DS4.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
June 26, 2013 at 15:25
Didnt Geoff say the Xbox controller was more comfortable?
Alex Hicks
June 26, 2013 at 15:30
I’m torn between which I would buy, and since I’m speaking from the master race perspective I can pass opinion without the hangup on what console I’m getting. (even if said opinion is worthless in your eyes!)
I love the XBox’s button placement. Coming from a PS2 background I thought I’d struggle – but that offset stick is actually great. Plus the Dualshock 3 had difficulties connecting to PC.
However, I love the size of the Dualshock 4 in comparison to the XBox’s new controller,and I’m sure they’ll have fixed the bugs that plagued 3’s PC integration.
Can I get a hybrid? The size and handles of the 4; and the stick, D-Pad layout of the XBox? No? Dammit …
Ricardo Harvey
June 26, 2013 at 16:31
Couldnt agree more, I foresee myself getting the PS4 and I currently have a 360. What I would love is for ps to release a controller with the analogue layout of the xbox… you know, for all those boys jumping ship. Theres a reason fps sold higher on xbox 360 and I think the reason is that awesome controller
RinceTheWhiskyWithIce
June 26, 2013 at 15:30
Odd, the Xbone looks totally different to what I have seen before. Looks like some Chinese factory was given a deadline of 2 hours to punch the thing out. Very odd, as I preferred the Xbox One controller. And the idea of the extra rumble packs does appeal to me.
CypherGate
June 26, 2013 at 15:31
The Xbox 360 controller was always comfortable for me. A lot more than the PS3 one. Also its great for racing games, but fighting games i steer clear from cause that D-Pad is purely horrible. PS3 control was great for fighting games again. So I cant really say which one i would go for other than trying them both out first.
Alex Hicks
June 26, 2013 at 15:33
Interesting. I can see how the layout would work differently for different game genres. Hhhmmm – I suck too badly at racing and fighting games to have played any outside of an arcade in the 80’s …
CypherGate
June 26, 2013 at 15:38
I suck at Fighting games myself, but when you try the D-pad on the 360 for fighting games and want to do certain moves…. its such an uncomfortable feeling. Its like trying to balance the D-pad disc on a ball which would be in the middle with no sense of feeling on the intial contact points on the edges (If that makes any sense?) PS3 control D-Pad is a lot more planted. Feels like individual buttons on its own which makes it a lot more precise and accurate. Racing games im quite good at and the Analogs are great. The indentation on the Analogs helps with accuracy and control, but PS3’s is curved out and is more prone to ‘slipping’. The Triggers on the PS3 also gives a kind of ‘slipping’ feel to them. Sorry for the long post lol
Alex Hicks
June 26, 2013 at 15:42
Not at all, very interesting. So it’s the actual d-pad construction you have an issue with; not the position of the pad below the stick?
CypherGate
June 26, 2013 at 15:55
The position for me isnt that much of an issue. 360 control layout is more comfortable in general, but PS3’s hasnt given me any issues. I could say its a little on the small side.
Tbone187
June 26, 2013 at 15:41
Never been a fan of the ps controller but this new rendition looks quite awesome…Although the d-pad and analogue position swap on Xbox is still a winner imo…
Slade Boender
June 26, 2013 at 15:57
Symmetrical analogue sticks will always win me over. One of the main reasons I despised the Xb controller. Hate reaching for damn Dpads miles away than whats normally comfortable. Also I guess I have girly hands since the PS controller fits perfectly. One more thing though, with that silly battery pack on the back of the Xb controller, one can never really actually give the controller a decent grip, ring and pinky fingers were always sitting uncomfortably. Guess you could go the cabled route but hell this aint the dark ages.
Daryl Eksteen
June 26, 2013 at 16:11
PS4 controller looks beautiful. I have always loved the Xbox 360 controller, but judging by the comparison of the two new controllers in the images above….I’m thinking the PS4 controller is going to be better than the Xbox 180 controller IMO. Only time will tell 🙂
Melasco
June 26, 2013 at 17:51
I prefer everything about the DS3 except for the triggers, but I have no doubt that the DS4 will be my choice.
Jayden Nembahe
June 27, 2013 at 00:23
Replacing the PS4 controller is gonna cost a leg, 3 ribs and a tongue.