Ben-DutkaFor me, the original PlayStation controller had the distinction of being the first gamepad since the SNES and Genesis days that I didn't absolutely hate.
It just seemed like a logical progression from the great older controllers; it was a little bigger, it had more buttons, and it was streamlined and light. Now, the addition of the rumble in the PS2 era did nothing for me and I didn't like the retooling of the triggers in the PS3 generation, but the controller has remained fundamentally the same.
The point is, can we look at the current iteration, the DualShock 4, and say it's the greatest gamepad ever? It's longer and I think it's more comfortable than any of the previous controllers, and the button layout and triggers is just about perfect, as it has almost always been. I thought I'd really despise the touchscreen because it's a wildly unreliable tech fad that is about 1/100th as precise as pressing a button. But most developers don't try to abuse it and don't force you to do stupid things with it. In many cases, you either just swipe across or it's used as another button.
I have liked the Xbox controllers after they went away from the massive pad the original Xbox launched with, but PlayStation is still the easy winner for me. But is the PS4's controller really the best in history…?
I liked the Dreamcast's controller the best so far, it was comfortable, button placement was good, and you got the VMU in the controller to watch.
The SNES controller was a close 2nd place for me.
I think a fun question would be, what's the worst controller? Off the top of my head, I'd have to say the Philips cdi controller.
Its a major improvement from PS3, but not the greatest. Pressure sensitive buttons are greatly missed and the touch pad can be obtrusive in some games. Battery life is not nearly as good as older itterations.
The form factor is extremely comfortable making hand cramping a thing of the past. Overall it feels better in the hands when compared to most others.
Last edited by Nynja on 10/20/2015 12:36:01 AM
Functionally it's hard to argue anything being better than the Wii U's controller. Granted. It's huge and bulky as heck but as far as the amount of things that could be done with it there's no equal.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 10/20/2015 12:42:02 AM
Try playing super smash brothers on that shit…its horrible.
If they had an option to turn off the light bar it would save crazy amounts of battery. Dimming the light only helps a little bit.
"Crazy amounts"? Nonsense. LED lights consumes close to *no* energy. Ever had a LED flashlight? They last forever on just one battery.
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/20/2015 8:28:12 AM
The DualShock 4 like all the DualShocks are great controllers but for me the Xbox 360 was the best controller imo, nice, bulky and comfortable, it felt perfect.
Last edited by Kevin555 on 10/20/2015 1:09:42 AM
Aside from the build being a tad cheap, specifically the rubber on the sticks. I would tend to agree. It's the most comfortable controller I've used and the analog sticks feel fantastic.
But I also agree with Temji. Its functionality pales in comparison to the Wii U Gamepad.
DS4 is alright, but I stand by my opinion that it's vastly inferior to the DS3. My biggest complaint is that the analog sticks are tiny and short. They don't allow for the same level of sensitivity as the DS3 sticks. Also, they're a bit on the stiff side, for my taste. The sticks simply don't allow for the level of precise control, that I became accustomed to with the DS3.
The other complaints I have all tie into the light-bar, which, in my opinion, is completely, utterly useless. Because of this stupid light, that points the wrong friggin' direction to be of any use at all, the DS4 is bigger, bulkier, and much, much heavier than it needs to be. On top of that, you can't even use the controller wireless for more than a couple hours, before the console starts begging you to charge it again.
All things considered, it's a decent controller, I guess. But, it's definitely a few steps backward, in my book. Would be a better controller, if game devs could actually integrate the touchpad and its buttons they way they should. But, that part isn't actually the controller's fault…
Ironically, most people complained of the looseness of the sticks in the DS3, which is why they've been stiffened up in the DS4. I didn't have any trouble with the DS3 analog, either, but I have to admit, the stiffness allows me more precise control with DS4.
And you forgot that the sticks on DS4 aren't rounded at the top; they've got an indentation that's perfect for your fingers, IMO. And then the reshaping of the triggers to go somewhat concave was another big improvement.
Yea the DS3 sticks are too loose and I don't like that there's no indentation on the top. Also the controller feels small now.
Oh, trust me, I know I'm in the outliers. I learned, long ago, that I apparently play video games incorrectly. To add to that, I've been told, on multiple occasions, that I hold the controller in a strange way. The little divots on the sticks that are 'perfect for fingers' don't matter to me. They may as well be a flat surface. My thumbs slip off constantly.
It's an age-old argument I've always had with people, when they kept telling me how the 360 controller was so much better. Because all the problems I have with the DS4, are the same problems I have with the 360 pad. (Except, the 360 still has that derpy left stick that's in the wrong place.)
I'm not saying that DS4 is a bad design, by any means. But, for me, the DS3 was miles better.
"Oh, trust me, I know I'm in the outliers. I learned, long ago, that I apparently play video games incorrectly. To add to that, I've been told, on multiple occasions, that I hold the controller in a strange way."
Okay, how DO you hold the controller? I'm intrigued. 😉
Like this: http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s–jRuwJReS–/18j0v3iivl1s8jpg.jpg (Props to anyone who actually knows where this is from.)
But, no, in all seriousness, I -hold- the controller like most people normally would. Except, my thumbs rest over the analog sticks, just past the first knuckle, where the tips sit basically where the touch-pad is. I don't really move my thumbs, when playing, but rather control by flexing and un-flexing the thumbs on that one knuckle. I should probably also mention that I play inverted, and have the hands of a gorilla, both of which may be contributing factors.
It's awkward to explain it, because to me, it's how I've always played. But any time I'm doing couch co-op, I get asked how I can play without my thumbs running into one another…
There is, also the chance that I'm not different at all, and everyone I know are the weird ones. But, I'm doubting that.
yeah I miss the pressure sensitive buttons. Wish more were supportive of that feature. there's not much wrong with PS4's controller, but it does have some stiff competition. I really like the 360 controller and have yet to try the X1 version, much less the updated one.
**And come to think of it, has anyone tried the Steam controller? I had high hopes, but it sounds like a ninch idea as of now.
Whether or not Sony has the best overall lead in the controller/gamepad department they should never be discredited for the influence the dual analog gave to the industry.
I also really like the 360 controller (not the huge clunky original one).
That's probably my 2nd fave controller. I just hate the non-symmetrical analog sticks. Why is that supposed to be awesome? I don't get it…
The triggers on PS4 are similar to the xbox. Which I don't like, tbh. I understand the trigger appeal, but I find the bumpers too "out of the way", if you will.
DS3 is still my favorite.
Yup, I think the PS4 controller is the best I've used so far.
Now, when I go back to play on the PS3, the controller 'handles' just feel too short/small. I find the PS3 is a bit top-heavy and likes to fall out of my hands now. Weird…
So, yeah, the PS4 controller is awesome!
I believe the DualShock 4 is greatest controller ever made. I have zero complaints about it.
Defo an improvement on the previous ps controllers.
It's definitely my favourite pad so far (although I haven't given the Wii U pad a spin – but I don't like the rectangulareness of it, so would be surprised if it took the prize). The poor quality finishing on the sticks (at least of the early versions) was a bit of a shocker, but it looks like they've got things in order now.
The DS4 is by far the most comfortable controller I've used, but I haven't played with every console controller that's been on the market. There are some systems that people talk about that I've never heard of.
I've got big hands and the ds3 and 360 caused hand cramps after a while. The ds4 fits perfectly in my hands. Far more comfortable as well. I'd give it the nod for greatest controller ever.
I love the form factor of the DS4, It is definitely the most comfortable controller I've ever used. However, I have two major issues with it that prevent it from being the greatest ever.
1. That damned light. I wish I could turn it off. It's fine during the day or when the lights are on, but it's so freaking annoying in the dark. Everyone in my house hates it. I don't have the PSEye camera, which is the ONLY reason to have that giant bright light on. Just let us shut it off already…
2. Battery life. DS3 controllers have amazing battery life. DS4's battery life stinks. Plain and simple, it's just bad. We really need a DS4 V2 with a bigger battery, I don't care if it makes the controller a little heavier. What's the point of a wireless controller that needs to be recharged after barely 2 hrs of use? It should come with a 15 foot USB cable, because you're gonna spend half your time playing with it plugged in anyway.
If they had an option to turn off the light bar it would save crazy amounts of battery. Dimming the light only helps a little bit.
"Crazy amounts"? Nonsense. LED lights consumes close to *no* energy. Ever had a LED flashlight? They last forever on just one battery.
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/20/2015 8:28:12 AM
yeah I miss the pressure sensitive buttons. Wish more were supportive of that feature. there's not much wrong with PS4's controller, but it does have some stiff competition. I really like the 360 controller and have yet to try the X1 version, much less the updated one.
**And come to think of it, has anyone tried the Steam controller? I had high hopes, but it sounds like a ninch idea as of now.
Whether or not Sony has the best overall lead in the controller/gamepad department they should never be discredited for the influence the dual analog gave to the industry.
I also really like the 360 controller (not the huge clunky original one).
That's probably my 2nd fave controller. I just hate the non-symmetrical analog sticks. Why is that supposed to be awesome? I don't get it…
Ironically, most people complained of the looseness of the sticks in the DS3, which is why they've been stiffened up in the DS4. I didn't have any trouble with the DS3 analog, either, but I have to admit, the stiffness allows me more precise control with DS4.
And you forgot that the sticks on DS4 aren't rounded at the top; they've got an indentation that's perfect for your fingers, IMO. And then the reshaping of the triggers to go somewhat concave was another big improvement.
Yea the DS3 sticks are too loose and I don't like that there's no indentation on the top. Also the controller feels small now.
Its a major improvement from PS3, but not the greatest. Pressure sensitive buttons are greatly missed and the touch pad can be obtrusive in some games. Battery life is not nearly as good as older itterations.
The form factor is extremely comfortable making hand cramping a thing of the past. Overall it feels better in the hands when compared to most others.
Last edited by Nynja on 10/20/2015 12:36:01 AM
Try playing super smash brothers on that shit…its horrible.
Functionally it's hard to argue anything being better than the Wii U's controller. Granted. It's huge and bulky as heck but as far as the amount of things that could be done with it there's no equal.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 10/20/2015 12:42:02 AM
I liked the Dreamcast's controller the best so far, it was comfortable, button placement was good, and you got the VMU in the controller to watch.
The SNES controller was a close 2nd place for me.
I think a fun question would be, what's the worst controller? Off the top of my head, I'd have to say the Philips cdi controller.
DS4 is alright, but I stand by my opinion that it's vastly inferior to the DS3. My biggest complaint is that the analog sticks are tiny and short. They don't allow for the same level of sensitivity as the DS3 sticks. Also, they're a bit on the stiff side, for my taste. The sticks simply don't allow for the level of precise control, that I became accustomed to with the DS3.
The other complaints I have all tie into the light-bar, which, in my opinion, is completely, utterly useless. Because of this stupid light, that points the wrong friggin' direction to be of any use at all, the DS4 is bigger, bulkier, and much, much heavier than it needs to be. On top of that, you can't even use the controller wireless for more than a couple hours, before the console starts begging you to charge it again.
All things considered, it's a decent controller, I guess. But, it's definitely a few steps backward, in my book. Would be a better controller, if game devs could actually integrate the touchpad and its buttons they way they should. But, that part isn't actually the controller's fault…
Aside from the build being a tad cheap, specifically the rubber on the sticks. I would tend to agree. It's the most comfortable controller I've used and the analog sticks feel fantastic.
But I also agree with Temji. Its functionality pales in comparison to the Wii U Gamepad.
"Oh, trust me, I know I'm in the outliers. I learned, long ago, that I apparently play video games incorrectly. To add to that, I've been told, on multiple occasions, that I hold the controller in a strange way."
Okay, how DO you hold the controller? I'm intrigued. 😉
Oh, trust me, I know I'm in the outliers. I learned, long ago, that I apparently play video games incorrectly. To add to that, I've been told, on multiple occasions, that I hold the controller in a strange way. The little divots on the sticks that are 'perfect for fingers' don't matter to me. They may as well be a flat surface. My thumbs slip off constantly.
It's an age-old argument I've always had with people, when they kept telling me how the 360 controller was so much better. Because all the problems I have with the DS4, are the same problems I have with the 360 pad. (Except, the 360 still has that derpy left stick that's in the wrong place.)
I'm not saying that DS4 is a bad design, by any means. But, for me, the DS3 was miles better.
Yup, I think the PS4 controller is the best I've used so far.
Now, when I go back to play on the PS3, the controller 'handles' just feel too short/small. I find the PS3 is a bit top-heavy and likes to fall out of my hands now. Weird…
So, yeah, the PS4 controller is awesome!
The triggers on PS4 are similar to the xbox. Which I don't like, tbh. I understand the trigger appeal, but I find the bumpers too "out of the way", if you will.
DS3 is still my favorite.
The DS4 is by far the most comfortable controller I've used, but I haven't played with every console controller that's been on the market. There are some systems that people talk about that I've never heard of.
I've got big hands and the ds3 and 360 caused hand cramps after a while. The ds4 fits perfectly in my hands. Far more comfortable as well. I'd give it the nod for greatest controller ever.
It's definitely my favourite pad so far (although I haven't given the Wii U pad a spin – but I don't like the rectangulareness of it, so would be surprised if it took the prize). The poor quality finishing on the sticks (at least of the early versions) was a bit of a shocker, but it looks like they've got things in order now.
Defo an improvement on the previous ps controllers.
I believe the DualShock 4 is greatest controller ever made. I have zero complaints about it.
I love the form factor of the DS4, It is definitely the most comfortable controller I've ever used. However, I have two major issues with it that prevent it from being the greatest ever.
1. That damned light. I wish I could turn it off. It's fine during the day or when the lights are on, but it's so freaking annoying in the dark. Everyone in my house hates it. I don't have the PSEye camera, which is the ONLY reason to have that giant bright light on. Just let us shut it off already…
2. Battery life. DS3 controllers have amazing battery life. DS4's battery life stinks. Plain and simple, it's just bad. We really need a DS4 V2 with a bigger battery, I don't care if it makes the controller a little heavier. What's the point of a wireless controller that needs to be recharged after barely 2 hrs of use? It should come with a 15 foot USB cable, because you're gonna spend half your time playing with it plugged in anyway.
Like this: http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s–jRuwJReS–/18j0v3iivl1s8jpg.jpg (Props to anyone who actually knows where this is from.)
But, no, in all seriousness, I -hold- the controller like most people normally would. Except, my thumbs rest over the analog sticks, just past the first knuckle, where the tips sit basically where the touch-pad is. I don't really move my thumbs, when playing, but rather control by flexing and un-flexing the thumbs on that one knuckle. I should probably also mention that I play inverted, and have the hands of a gorilla, both of which may be contributing factors.
It's awkward to explain it, because to me, it's how I've always played. But any time I'm doing couch co-op, I get asked how I can play without my thumbs running into one another…
There is, also the chance that I'm not different at all, and everyone I know are the weird ones. But, I'm doubting that.
The DualShock 4 like all the DualShocks are great controllers but for me the Xbox 360 was the best controller imo, nice, bulky and comfortable, it felt perfect.
Last edited by Kevin555 on 10/20/2015 1:09:42 AM