X360 or PS3: Which console has the better designed controller?

In your personal opinion, which of the two has the better more comfortable overall controller?

And which of them, if applicable, you find certain aspects of its controller poorly designed (frustrating at times)?

360, with the exception of the d pad.

As a PS3 owner, 360 controller hands down.

I personally prefer the PS3 controller, although I think that has a lot to do with the amount of PlayStation 1 and 2 I played before this generation. I do think the 360's is a fine design, it's just a little too bulky to me. They could both use some serious improvements next gen however(adjustable analog tension, use gaming mouse style weights, better d-pad from both parties)

Xbox 360. It's designed better for ergonomics and aesthetically it's brilliant. This is a guy who grew up with PS1 and Ps2 aswell

360 Despite the fact my main console, is a Ps3, i miss the xbox Controller.

There are arguments that are subjective, and arguments that are objective, based on facts.

The only arguments I ever hear concerning the supposed advantages of the 360 controller are subjective, take for example the notion that the controller is more comfortable than the DualShock 3. That's in the eye of the beholder, no facts to back it up.

Take me for example, I think the DualShock 3 controller is more comfortable to hold than the 360 controller. There's a common misconception that the DualShock 3 is designed for small hands. I have larger than average hands. I can grip an NBA sized basketball without issue using one hand, and the average male can't do that based on what I've seen at the gym. Despite having larger than average hands, I find the DualShock 3 to be the more comfortable controller to hold, but I realize that is a subjective argument, and it holds absolutely no weight. It's merely an opinion takingplace within the mind which is modified by individual bias.

Now that we have that factual part of the argument out of the way, lets focus on the objective differences between the controller, taking every component into consideration. These are the real differences that matter, the differences based on actual facts, undistorted by emotion or personal bias.

Battery:

The DualShock 3 comes standard with a Lithium Ion battery, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. The charging cable is a standard universal USB cable, not proprietary.

The 360 controller does not come standard with a rechargable battery. You can purchase a nickel metal hydride Rechargable Battery Pack, which provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. The charging cable is proprietary.

Sixaxis:

A major feature of the Sixaxis controller, and from where its name is derived, is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing six degrees of freedom.

This feature is absent in the 360 controller, and it doesn't offer any alternative.

Face Buttons:

There are 8 pressure sensitive buttons on the DualShock 3. Triangle, Circle, X, Square, L1, R1, Select and Start.

The Xbox 360 controller does not have pressure sensitive buttons.

Analog Sticks:

The DualShock 3 features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2. The controller also uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times during gameplay.

The Xbox 360 controller uses 8-bit precision, the same used in last generation controllers, such as the DualShock 2, Gamecube and original Xbox controllers.

Wireless Connectivity:

DualShock 3 uses Bluetooth connectivity.

The 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4GHz protocol for connectivity, which is of less quality than Bluetooth. The differences are minor, but I have about a 10 to 1 ratio in use of my PS3 over my 360, and I have experienced many more controller syncing problems on the 360 in a fraction of the time.

D-Pad:

I don't think this one really needs an explanation. The DualShock 3 has a fully functional D-Pad while the 360 controller doesn't.

Triggers:

The PS3 has 2 convex analog triggers, while the 360 has 2 concave analog triggers. They both have identical functionality, while preference of shape is purely subjective and comes down to personal bias.

So there you have it. Look, I know that Lemmings latch on to the controller debate with a sense of urgency like flies on horse ****. The Xbox 360 doesn't have a single hardware advantage over the PS3, so they grasp onto the controller debate in an attempt to try and 1 up the PS3 in some way, shape or form, regardless of how insignificant it may be. Well, the only argument I've ever heard from a Lemming concerning the 360 controller has been about comfort, which is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. That is influenced by personal bias, and there is nothing factual to back it up.

When it comes down to facts and funtionality, the PS3 DualShock 3 wipes the floor with the 360 controller in every department. How could a controller be considered so great when it lacks something as significant as a D-Pad? All things considered, the 360 controller is basically a last generation controller. Last generation analog stick precision, last generation digital face buttons that lack analog pressure sensitivity, disfunctional D-Pad which is the same design from last generation, old wireless technology, no Sixaxis support or anything even similar, AA batteries as the standard which is what the Wavebird used last generation....

You can argue comfort and go around in circles all day about it. It's an argument you can't win, because it's purely subjective. These things I just listed however, aren't subjective, they're objective, they're facts.

The 360 controller. It goes good with the Alienware x51.

Except arkphonic, The Xbox 360 has generally been praised for it's erganomics.

360, with the exception of the d pad.

Bigboi500

These are my thoughts exactly.

There are arguments that are subjective, and arguments that are objective, based on facts.

The only arguments I ever hear concerning the supposed advantages of the 360 controller are subjective, take for example the notion that the controller is more comfortable than the DualShock 3. That's in the eye of the beholder, no facts to back it up.

Take me for example, I think the DualShock 3 controller is more comfortable to hold than the 360 controller. There's a common misconception that the DualShock 3 is designed for small hands. I have larger than average hands. I can grip an NBA sized basketball without issue using one hand, and the average male can't do that based on what I've seen at the gym. Despite having larger than average hands, I find the DualShock 3 to be the more comfortable controller to hold, but I realize that is a subjective argument, and it holds absolutely no weight. It's merely an opinion takingplace within the mind which is modified by individual bias.

Now that we have that factual part of the argument out of the way, lets focus on the objective differences between the controller, taking every component into consideration. These are the real differences that matter, the differences based on actual facts, undistorted by emotion or personal bias.

Battery:

The DualShock 3 comes standard with a Lithium Ion battery, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. The charging cable is a standard universal USB cable, not proprietary.

The 360 controller does not come standard with a rechargable battery. You can purchase a nickel metal hydride Rechargable Battery Pack, which provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. The charging cable is proprietary.

Sixaxis:

A major feature of the Sixaxis controller, and from where its name is derived, is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing six degrees of freedom.

This feature is absent in the 360 controller, and it doesn't offer any alternative.

Face Buttons:

There are 8 pressure sensitive buttons on the DualShock 3. Triangle, Circle, X, Square, L1, R1, Select and Start.

The Xbox 360 controller does not have pressure sensitive buttons.

Analog Sticks:

The DualShock 3 features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2. The controller also uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times during gameplay.

The Xbox 360 controller uses 8-bit precision, the same used in last generation controllers, such as the DualShock 2, Gamecube and original Xbox controllers.

Wireless Connectivity:

DualShock 3 uses Bluetooth connectivity.

The 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4GHz protocol for connectivity, which is of less quality than Bluetooth. The differences are minor, but I have about a 10 to 1 ratio in use of my PS3 over my 360, and I have experienced many more controller syncing problems on the 360 in a fraction of the time.

D-Pad:

I don't think this one really needs an explanation. The DualShock 3 has a fully functional D-Pad while the 360 controller doesn't.

Triggers:

The PS3 has 2 convex analog triggers, while the 360 has 2 concave analog triggers. They both have identical functionality, while preference of shape is purely subjective and comes down to personal bias.

So there you have it. Look, I know that Lemmings latch on to the controller debate with a sense of urgency like flies on horse ****. The Xbox 360 doesn't have a single hardware advantage over the PS3, so they grasp onto the controller debate in an attempt to try and 1 up the PS3 in some way, shape or form, regardless of how insignificant it may be. Well, the only argument I've ever heard from a Lemming concerning the 360 controller has been about comfort, which is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. That is influenced by personal bias, and there is nothing factual to back it up.

When it comes down to facts and funtionality, the PS3 DualShock 3 wipes the floor with the 360 controller in every department. How could a controller be considered so great when it lacks something as significant as a D-Pad? All things considered, the 360 controller is basically a last generation controller. Last generation analog stick precision, last generation digital face buttons that lack analog pressure sensitivity, disfunctional D-Pad which is the same design from last generation, old wireless technology, no Sixaxis support or anything even similar, AA batteries as the standard which is what the Wavebird used last generation....

You can argue comfort and go around in circles all day about it. It's an argument you can't win, because it's purely subjective. These things I just listed however, aren't subjective, they're objective, they're facts.

arkephonic

The xbox 360 wins but the ps3 controller is best for analog stick grip

That stuff makes no difference,their both pretty much the same gameplay wise. Where it counts is the comfortabilty and looks. 360 has both of those won. Most people will agree the 360 controller is better.

slipknot0129

I disagree. I can't play fighting games or games like Rayman Origins on the 360 because of the d-pad. I also can't play first person shooters or racing games on the 360 because of the stiff joysticks. I was liking Forza 4 so much, but the controller really killed it for me. Plus, games like Metal Gear Solid HD Collection are not nearly as cool on the 360 because the 360 controller lacks the pressure sensitive analog buttons.

As a PS3 owner, I'd have to say the PS3 controller. Fits perfectly in my hands and has no dead zones like the 360 pad. It's DPad is also exceptionally better and doesn't run on AA batteries like some electronic from the '90s.BPoole96

The xbox 360 wins but the ps3 controller is best for analog stick grip

danygo1996

I like the Dualshock for most games, though the 360's is nice for shooters and the shape is really nice.

Keep the pressure sensitive face buttons, rumble, sixaxis, built-in chargable batteries, and most importantly the D-pad.

Re-shape the dualshock to be better fit for hands, have an option for analog sticks to be either where they are on the dualshock, or the left one where the D-pad currently is (Like the MLG Pro controller), and just have the R2/L2 buttons curve outwards and I'd think it would be best.

Honestly I have to nitpick to decide between the two, they're both great and I can use either.

PS3 controller for me.

I have small hands. :(

[QUOTE="danygo1996"]

The xbox 360 wins but the ps3 controller is best for analog stick grip

slipknot0129

Maybe its your fingers but to me , The fact that the analog is placed down theres somehow makes me move it alot faster than an a xbox controller

PS3 controller for me.

I have small hands. :(

GamingGod999

[QUOTE="slipknot0129"]

That stuff makes no difference,their both pretty much the same gameplay wise. Where it counts is the comfortabilty and looks. 360 has both of those won. Most people will agree the 360 controller is better.

arkephonic

I disagree. I can't play fighting games or games like Rayman Origins on the 360 because of the d-pad. I also can't play first person shooters or racing games on the 360 because of the stiff joysticks. I was liking Forza 4 so much, but the controller really killed it for me. Plus, games like Metal Gear Solid HD Collection are not nearly as cool on the 360 because the 360 controller lacks the pressure sensitive analog buttons.

I really don't like the 360 controller at all. I still use one though. Not as good as DS3.

Xbox 360 controller win hands down

PS3 controller feels cheap and....

flippers suck unless of course you got A D D

then its flippy flip flipidy good ness

The 360 controller is more comfortable to hold. Other than that, I really don't see many flaws with either. PS3 controller has garbage convex triggers (not sure what Sony was thinking here), and the 360 controller has poor quality analog sticks and sub par d-pad, though the transforming one is much better.

[QUOTE="arkephonic"]

There are arguments that are subjective, and arguments that are objective, based on facts.

The only arguments I ever hear concerning the supposed advantages of the 360 controller are subjective, take for example the notion that the controller is more comfortable than the DualShock 3. That's in the eye of the beholder, no facts to back it up.

Take me for example, I think the DualShock 3 controller is more comfortable to hold than the 360 controller. There's a common misconception that the DualShock 3 is designed for small hands. I have larger than average hands. I can grip an NBA sized basketball without issue using one hand, and the average male can't do that based on what I've seen at the gym. Despite having larger than average hands, I find the DualShock 3 to be the more comfortable controller to hold, but I realize that is a subjective argument, and it holds absolutely no weight. It's merely an opinion takingplace within the mind which is modified by individual bias.

Now that we have that factual part of the argument out of the way, lets focus on the objective differences between the controller, taking every component into consideration. These are the real differences that matter, the differences based on actual facts, undistorted by emotion or personal bias.

Battery:

The DualShock 3 comes standard with a Lithium Ion battery, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. The charging cable is a standard universal USB cable, not proprietary.

The 360 controller does not come standard with a rechargable battery. You can purchase a nickel metal hydride Rechargable Battery Pack, which provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. The charging cable is proprietary.

Sixaxis:

A major feature of the Sixaxis controller, and from where its name is derived, is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing six degrees of freedom.

This feature is absent in the 360 controller, and it doesn't offer any alternative.

Face Buttons:

There are 8 pressure sensitive buttons on the DualShock 3. Triangle, Circle, X, Square, L1, R1, Select and Start.

The Xbox 360 controller does not have pressure sensitive buttons.

Analog Sticks:

The DualShock 3 features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2. The controller also uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times during gameplay.

The Xbox 360 controller uses 8-bit precision, the same used in last generation controllers, such as the DualShock 2, Gamecube and original Xbox controllers.

Wireless Connectivity:

DualShock 3 uses Bluetooth connectivity.

The 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4GHz protocol for connectivity, which is of less quality than Bluetooth. The differences are minor, but I have about a 10 to 1 ratio in use of my PS3 over my 360, and I have experienced many more controller syncing problems on the 360 in a fraction of the time.

D-Pad:

I don't think this one really needs an explanation. The DualShock 3 has a fully functional D-Pad while the 360 controller doesn't.

Triggers:

The PS3 has 2 convex analog triggers, while the 360 has 2 concave analog triggers. They both have identical functionality, while preference of shape is purely subjective and comes down to personal bias.

So there you have it. Look, I know that Lemmings latch on to the controller debate with a sense of urgency like flies on horse ****. The Xbox 360 doesn't have a single hardware advantage over the PS3, so they grasp onto the controller debate in an attempt to try and 1 up the PS3 in some way, shape or form, regardless of how insignificant it may be. Well, the only argument I've ever heard from a Lemming concerning the 360 controller has been about comfort, which is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. That is influenced by personal bias, and there is nothing factual to back it up.

When it comes down to facts and funtionality, the PS3 DualShock 3 wipes the floor with the 360 controller in every department. How could a controller be considered so great when it lacks something as significant as a D-Pad? All things considered, the 360 controller is basically a last generation controller. Last generation analog stick precision, last generation digital face buttons that lack analog pressure sensitivity, disfunctional D-Pad which is the same design from last generation, old wireless technology, no Sixaxis support or anything even similar, AA batteries as the standard which is what the Wavebird used last generation....

You can argue comfort and go around in circles all day about it. It's an argument you can't win, because it's purely subjective. These things I just listed however, aren't subjective, they're objective, they're facts.

slipknot0129

As for me, and with the d-pad out of this discussion, 360 controller = DS3.

PS3 controller, with the exception of its trigger design that, by default, makes putting the controller down likely to depress a trigger. The shape of the trigger never bothered me, but I use the real trigger add ons.

A frustrating thing about the other controller? The shape of the 360 pad is more form fitted to palm, so it just feels like I have less room to move around on the pad if that makes any sense. Also, the sticks are 20% less sensitive than the ps3 sticks, and it really shows when you play a lot on PS3 than move to a 360 game. The difference can be difficult to get used to even on different versions of the same game.

Also, the shoulder buttons on the 360 pad never felt right to me.

PS3 controller fits in my hand better -- but 360 controller has a better layout and everything aside from the D-pad feels right. The PS3 sticks and L-R triggers felt way too sensitive and flimsy. 360 has the better controller.

360.

PS3 controller is better for fighting games and actuiona adventure games. It has a better d-pa and the PERFECT button layout.

360 is better for FPS's and Racing games because of the anolog layout.

So take your pick.

All of the 360 controller (analogs, buttons and shoulders) feels too stiff for my taste.

[QUOTE="GamingGod999"]

PS3 controller for me.

I have small hands. :(

BPoole96

360 controllers cannot defeat Screaming Mantis from MGS4hippiesanta

I would choose the current Xbox 360 Controller that comes with Xbox 360 S consoles. Microsoft has improved the D-pad. But Overall the Sony DualShock 3 which is more or less the same as DualShock 2 and the original DualShock controllers. The design has changed little with each Playstation.

So Xbox 360 wins for current 2012 controller for better comfort. I've done an long gaming session "All nighted" with both controllers. Xbox 360 controller ver 2. is more comfortable. However for overall design goes to Sony DualShock 1/2/3 which debuted in 1997. So 1997-2012 and continuing to PS4 presumingly with the DualShock 4.

So if it is not a broken design why change it. But for long sessions of gaming MS Xbox 360 S controllers with improved D-pad are the best.

I'd take the Dualshock overall, with the triggers being its huge flaw. When I use a controller anymore though, it's the 360 pad since it's plug n play with controller supported PC games, and I like it as well.

There are arguments that are subjective, and arguments that are objective, based on facts.

The only arguments I ever hear concerning the supposed advantages of the 360 controller are subjective, take for example the notion that the controller is more comfortable than the DualShock 3. That's in the eye of the beholder, no facts to back it up.

Take me for example, I think the DualShock 3 controller is more comfortable to hold than the 360 controller. There's a common misconception that the DualShock 3 is designed for small hands. I have larger than average hands. I can grip an NBA sized basketball without issue using one hand, and the average male can't do that based on what I've seen at the gym. Despite having larger than average hands, I find the DualShock 3 to be the more comfortable controller to hold, but I realize that is a subjective argument, and it holds absolutely no weight. It's merely an opinion takingplace within the mind which is modified by individual bias.

Now that we have that factual part of the argument out of the way, lets focus on the objective differences between the controller, taking every component into consideration. These are the real differences that matter, the differences based on actual facts, undistorted by emotion or personal bias.

Battery:

The DualShock 3 comes standard with a Lithium Ion battery, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. The charging cable is a standard universal USB cable, not proprietary.

The 360 controller does not come standard with a rechargable battery. You can purchase a nickel metal hydride Rechargable Battery Pack, which provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. The charging cable is proprietary.

Sixaxis:

A major feature of the Sixaxis controller, and from where its name is derived, is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing six degrees of freedom.

This feature is absent in the 360 controller, and it doesn't offer any alternative.

Face Buttons:

There are 8 pressure sensitive buttons on the DualShock 3. Triangle, Circle, X, Square, L1, R1, Select and Start.

The Xbox 360 controller does not have pressure sensitive buttons.

Analog Sticks:

The DualShock 3 features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2. The controller also uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times during gameplay.

The Xbox 360 controller uses 8-bit precision, the same used in last generation controllers, such as the DualShock 2, Gamecube and original Xbox controllers.

Wireless Connectivity:

DualShock 3 uses Bluetooth connectivity.

The 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4GHz protocol for connectivity, which is of less quality than Bluetooth. The differences are minor, but I have about a 10 to 1 ratio in use of my PS3 over my 360, and I have experienced many more controller syncing problems on the 360 in a fraction of the time.

D-Pad:

I don't think this one really needs an explanation. The DualShock 3 has a fully functional D-Pad while the 360 controller doesn't.

Triggers:

The PS3 has 2 convex analog triggers, while the 360 has 2 concave analog triggers. They both have identical functionality, while preference of shape is purely subjective and comes down to personal bias.

So there you have it. Look, I know that Lemmings latch on to the controller debate with a sense of urgency like flies on horse ****. The Xbox 360 doesn't have a single hardware advantage over the PS3, so they grasp onto the controller debate in an attempt to try and 1 up the PS3 in some way, shape or form, regardless of how insignificant it may be. Well, the only argument I've ever heard from a Lemming concerning the 360 controller has been about comfort, which is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. That is influenced by personal bias, and there is nothing factual to back it up.

When it comes down to facts and funtionality, the PS3 DualShock 3 wipes the floor with the 360 controller in every department. How could a controller be considered so great when it lacks something as significant as a D-Pad? All things considered, the 360 controller is basically a last generation controller. Last generation analog stick precision, last generation digital face buttons that lack analog pressure sensitivity, disfunctional D-Pad which is the same design from last generation, old wireless technology, no Sixaxis support or anything even similar, AA batteries as the standard which is what the Wavebird used last generation....

You can argue comfort and go around in circles all day about it. It's an argument you can't win, because it's purely subjective. These things I just listed however, aren't subjective, they're objective, they're facts.

arkephonic

[QUOTE="slipknot0129"]

That stuff makes no difference,their both pretty much the same gameplay wise. Where it counts is the comfortabilty and looks. 360 has both of those won. Most people will agree the 360 controller is better.

arkephonic

I disagree. I can't play fighting games or games like Rayman Origins on the 360 because of the d-pad. I also can't play first person shooters or racing games on the 360 because of the stiff joysticks. I was liking Forza 4 so much, but the controller really killed it for me. Plus, games like Metal Gear Solid HD Collection are not nearly as cool on the 360 because the 360 controller lacks the pressure sensitive analog buttons.

PS3, the 360 one feels bulky and uncomfortablekuraimen

PS3, just for the rechargeable battery. meetroid8