Ben-DutkaYou know, when I first laid eyes on the original PlayStation controller almost 13 years ago, I wasn't too impressed. I thought Sony had decided to sacrifice practicality and comfort for this sleek, futuristic look. I thought the SNES still had the best controller of all time (and ironically enough, the N64 had the worst by far), and I wasn't too keen on trying out that new fandangled Sony machine. I just didn't have a whole lot of faith in that gamepad.
But now, well over a decade later, I find I vastly prefer the Sony controllers, whether they're Dual Shock 1, 2 or 3 or Sixaxis or whatever. It's just a level of comfort that no other controller has ever bothered to provide; I've placed my hands on just about every controller ever known to the video game realm, and I can say, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I always prefer Sony's. Not only is it about the accessibility of the buttons and the design itself, it's how those buttons respond . I really didn't like the original Xbox controller – it was an ugly beast of a thing – but the S controller was great, which is essentially what we have with the Xbox 360. I have no problems using it, but I just don't like the triggers (never have liked triggers on controllers) and I despise the almost non-existent sensitivity of the face buttons.
I really didn't like the idea of changing the R2 and L2 buttons on the Sixaxis to half-triggers – the buttons on the Dual Shock 2 worked just fine – and it's really very simple: I've spent almost a quarter-century building up the touch and control of my thumbs , and it almost never involved my index fingers. I'm shakier and far more inaccurate when pressing down a trigger with my index finger than I would be if I was pressing it down with my thumb. Furthermore, I don't know if anybody has noticed, but the pressure sensitivity of the Sony controllers has always been the best. Just tapping the buttons will produce a result, and pressing them harder (in many titles) can produce a different, and easily achieved, result. Supposedly, this same technology is in the Xbox 360 controller, but I refuse to believe it. You really have to press the face buttons hard in comparison to the Sony controllers.
It's like I'm mashing on the A button just to perform a simple action, whereas with any Sony controller, I tap it and the responsiveness is immediate and perfect. On top of which, when you consider the fact that, for me, all the buttons are more accessible on the Sony controllers, it's no contest. I've heard the argument that the 360 controller is much better for first-person shooters, and that's presumably because of the triggers (which I will always hate), and the better analog. On this latter issue, I do agree: the firmer analog of the 360 gamepad does feel more durable, and the player doesn't have to be quite so erratic. The analogs on the Sony controllers have always been a little light and too easily moved about, leading to control difficulty in certain situations. But I think I've gotten so used to it, I'd almost rather play FPSs with a Sony controller, too. It's just a matter of personal preference, I know, but I'm wondering how many people feel this way…
Let's face it: when it comes to consoles, the gamepad is of the utmost importance. If you find it uncomfortable or difficult to handle in some way, every last one of your game experiences will suffer. And I've experienced the least number of "scream at your controller in frustration" situations with Sony controllers. That's all I'm saying. 🙂
completely agreed
The analogs sticks on the Dual Shock 3 and Sixaxis are a bit liquid. I was recently playing my PS2 and found the sticks to be much more firm and therefore better for my gameplay. The liquid like touch to the new controllers gets annoying sometimes when playing shooters like SSDHD besides FPS games. But alas, I'm getting used to it. Wish you could just tighten the screws and voila! Who am I kidding.
all you have to do is change the sensitivity in the aim or whatnot.
I actually like the newly designed triggers on the DS3/Sixaxis. And I agree with ya to, Ben. Just one more reason why Sony is my favorite company.
At first I wasn't a big fan of the SixAxiS "triggers" but I now I love them (when mapped to the right functions) driving with L2 and R2 feels like "finger pedals" and throwing a 'nade in CoD with the new R2 button for whatever reason just feels right. I also love how Sony said "screw A,B,C, etc. buttons; we're using shapes". No reason why, i just like it.
Am I the only person on the planet that liked the N64 controller? The gamecube controller is by far the worst modern controller ever.
I'll go with that; I'll say the GC was the absolute worst.
My only problem with the half-triggers on the Sixaxis is that I find my fingers keep slipping off them. Might just be a personal thing, though.
I have those issues if I eat greasy food before playing but not too often otherwise.
I liked to n64 controller too, especially after playing goldeneye for hours on end
I prefer the N64 control above all, hate the ones of GC an Wii (A and B different positions WTF!!)
But now on todays consoles my favorite is the ps control, I have everything at my fingertips, it feels great and also love the triggers they're much better than Xbox's and is way more sensitive too, its just perfect for driving games and as said before it just feels good on CoD.
i actually love the half triggers for r2 and l2. Felt Extremely right when playing resistance, GTA4, amongst others
The most pointless button on any controller is the Z on the GC. Or where they Y X? Can't remember, but it was so small and useless.
I love the Dualshock controllers.
I totally agree with you.
I agree with you, I have always liked sony controllers. I thought the triggers on sixaxis were cool. You know you have a good controller when the basic shape has not been changed over the life of 3 systems, and so many 3rd party controllers try to emulate it. I have to admit that the 360 controller is a little more comfortable for people with larger hands, like myself. Absolutely hated the gamecube controller, but not the 64. I got the dualshock 3 the day it came out.
Hey ben, there are trigger attachments that could really help you out with that problem, they become extremely addictive though and you won't feel like playing without them.
And i definately agree that the ps3 controller is an improvement on the last.
totally agreed…but i must say…the 360 controller is pretty comfortable…but the buttons are just…i dont know i dont like them…specially the triggers…the DualShock 1 for the PSone was the best sony controller in my opinion.
ben you can get clip on buttons for the half triggers. ive got them, they make it so much easier;)
First post but I have to say this. The PS controller is the worst controller I've ever had the misfortune to use. The pad may have been acceptable in the PSX era but not now.
The D-pad is awful, the analog sticks are useless, inaccurate and in the wrong place. This is 2008 Sony. All games use analog now. The triggers are poor. Everything is coated in this slippy plastic stuff. The buttons need to be hard pressed to register.
I'd put this a firm last behind The Jaguar and 3DO pads.
It's the area MS got right with their console.
How I wish someone would mod one over to use on my PS3.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I doubt many will even understand half of what you're saying. The buttons on the 360 controller are the ones that need to be pushed hard to register – it was part of my article – and NOBODY is going to say the buttons on the Sony controllers are LESS sensitive. It's because it isn't true; that's not opinion.
And considering the analog sticks are basically in the exact same place on both controllers…sounds more like you just have a bias, not a personal preference.
True. I preform better with a sony controller because I am used to it!
Your second sentence implies adults can't use the "tiny" PS3 pad…I'll be 30 this year, my hands are larger than most, and I don't really have any problems.
Then after saying it's tiny, you say your hands and thumbs ache for having been "stretched" over the analog sticks, which are CLOSER to your thumbs on the Sony gamepad than they are on the 360 gamepad…you said so yourself when you called it "tiny." And I really don't think anybody is understanding this "coated" comment, either. Is your controller permanently greasy, or something?
Essentially, nothing about the controller "screams 1998." There's a very good reason why the vast majority of gamers have loved Sony controllers over the years, and why many will prefer it over any other controller of the past 10 years. That's all I'm saying.
Okay, who the hell screams at their controller???? I mean come on, I can understand screaming at your consel but the controller? Thats just too much.
I don't think he was jumping on you, more like he was explaining his point of view and trying to figure out yours.
He didn't pull the fanboy card either, but whatever floats your boat
I don't mind differing opinions. I have a 360 myself.
But your complaints are invalid. When I said I don't understand the "coating" comment, I meant it. When I say you call the pad "tiny" (and blatantly insult the Sony gamepad by saying it's not for "adults") and then say you can't reach the analogs, I don't understand. Your complaints aren't making any SENSE.
If you like the 360 controller, fine. If you don't like the Sony controller, fine. But at least offer something that doesn't SOUND like fanboy stuff.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 7/5/2008 12:31:02 PM
wow you are going to leave over THAT come on he wasn't even jumping on you he was giving you the facts, so chill.
I'm just not getting this "slippery plastic coating" spaceman is referring to.
My hands are pretty big, I'm a big guy. The controller feels fine for me.
Quite a few people make it seem like the 360 controller is MS's gift to man, but really, its quite similar to the ps3 pad, minus the almost non sensitive face buttons.
The D- pad on the ps3 isnt what i would call the best, but hell, the pad on the 360 is quite bad itself in my opinion
My point exactly. NOBODY here gets what he's saying. I'm civilly trying to understand; that's all.
I actually like playing FPS on the X360 controller just because of the analog setup, beside that I prefer my Sony controller in every other genre. Trying to play any fighting game on the 360 is a damn chore, the D-pad is just plain horrible and is the controllers biggest downfall. The controller seems to be designed strictly for FPS, which I wouldn't doubt because they are the 360's bread and butter.
Spaceman, you said your not going to argue, yet, you're asking to get the final word. If you want to argue, than do it. But if you just want to voice you opinion, this is not your personal blogging site.
I think that we should start a psxextreme clan for COD4, that would be awesome!
I have a PS3 controller in my hand now. Nope, I dont get any part of what you said. And you calling us losers, that seems more of an insult than anything we said.
anyone notice how the xbox stole the design away from the game cube? Same buttons, same lay out. Hmm..
I'm sure we will, spaceman, as much as I wouldn't want to. And I do get one point of yours. Though, I don't have large hands, even I felt the ps3 controller felt too small, only after playing the 360 controller. However, one can get use to it. But the same thing cannot be said about the comparatively less sensitive buttons that get stuck on the 360 controller.
Last edited by Aftab on 7/5/2008 4:12:45 PM
True dat, Mista and Reccaman18.
I came back just to see if Spaceman would break his word, by saying something. That's the surest sign of a glib-tongue and hypocrisy. Sure enough, he did.
Spaceman won't be back. It's WAY too easy to spot the trollers around here. LOL
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 7/5/2008 5:45:17 PM
WTF I completely missed a flame war? That sucks.
No, not really. Just something silly.
I don't know what kind of a start it is when your first comment is during a *cough* dumb *cough* arguement but still it's nice to finally be able to post (I've been trying to register for like 1 month now, hasn't worked till today). But Ben I totally agree with you about the controllers. I've had the tried all the ps controllers since 1 and even the psp and I can't find a better controller. It sits nicely and everything is easy to reach except for start and select. And your right about the sensitivity of xbox controllers the buttons feel like hard candy and you need to apply so much pressure to use it sometimes. And also the D-pads are still in use, for games like RPGs, online modes, and menu selection. Like they aren't used as much but I would argue that their still important especially in RPGs
Last edited by The_Chimeran on 7/5/2008 7:22:03 PM
i go to work, and i miss out on whatever was said.
I'm sure i didnt miss much though. I actually like both controllers btw, but none of em are anywhere near the shitturd controllers as the jaguar and the gamecube
i like ps2 controller 😀
the x360 controller have that bulky battery, that really annoying for my fingers.
and x360 controller dont have pressure sensitive buttons like in PS2. on x360 the only button with pressure is the left/right trigger.
i dont know about DUALSHOCK3, but in SIXAXIS i like the new trigger-like L/R button and the light weight, but i dislike the no-rumble.
if you liked the six axis, you'll love the DS3 controller, just my opinion though. Best of both worlds. Rumble along with those trigger like l2 and r2 buttons. of course, six axis is included, but im not a huge fan of six axis
Without a shadow of a doubt, I think sony has the best. Xbox controllers remind me of dreamcast controllers. I really have nothing negative to say about the xbox controllers its a sturdy controller. I also like how u can attach devices to the controller, like the headset or the keyboard. That is a very smart idea, one I wish sony would think of mimicing. But I feel the sony controller is a lil more comfortable.
I have seen a key board that connects to the back of the PS3 controllers, which is where M$ got it from. You dont need it though. Just get a blue tooth key board and mouse, an you're all set.
I don't want a huge keyboard. I just want a small one similar to the 360, something like my sidekick keyboard that attaches to my controller.
Well, they make them like you want. they may be a little hard to find, but I have seen a few at Game Stop. try there, or search for them online.
I like both the Sixaxis and the 360 controller but the PS3 wins over ease of use. The 260 controller would have been better if the analog sticks were in line.
According to recent surveys everyone enjoys the 360 controllers alot more (due to comfortness) over the ps'. When it comes down to it, its how comfortable it is and thats where microsoft wins with the 360 controller. As for sensitivity the 360 does have that in regards to the triggers albeit it may not be more responsive than sony's. And Ben you said yourself that your fingers slip off the triggers so maybe thats what spaceman was referring to when he said slippery. It seems like if someone has an opinion in favor of microsoft you hate them. i dont get it. 360 controllers win in a landslide anyway.
I don't want to sound like I'm trying to flame you but I just need to point out a fallacy in your logic. Just because a survey declares the 360 controllers more comfortable doesn't mean much. How was this survey's sample space selected? REgardless of these no survey says something about "everyone" as you said, the author of the article doesn't enjoy the 360 controller a lot more so not everyone does.
On a lighter note 360 controllers obviously win in a landslide, they weigh so much they would just decimate the playstation controller (har har, sorry had to say it).
Does that survey takes into account the MASSIVE BLOCK UNDER THE 360 controller? You can say whatever you want about the analogs and buttons and triggers…
Yes you get used to it, but until they remove that thing that holds 2 AA batt or rechargeable batt under it,(wonder why it ain't AAA or like the sixaxis or ds3 since they are quite expensive), it cannot be said that the "360 controller is more confortable".
Try putting a white box between your legs when you are driving, thats how confortable the 360 controller is compared to the ds3…
Metzen I'm glad you brought that up. In terms of gaming, I think it's safe to say that most "up-to-date" people use wireless technology and I must admit it's a cool one. A lot of people have trouble realizing that 10 years ago, there was no wireless standard in gaming, and most don't see that. The only problem with a lot of wireless equipment is the power supply. Sony made the right choice and went with a controller that you can charge right through the PS3 with a simple USB cable. Microsoft, in my opinion, made the wrong choice and went with huge battery packs attached to the underside of a controller which was big to begin with. Many of my friends have switched to wired Xbox 360 controllers to save money. The simplicity of the PS3 controller alone won my approval. Well, that's my 2 cents for the day.
I agree about the playstation controller. I do like the 360 controller but the weight, battery compartment and skewed analogs really ruin it for me .