In the console market, there have always been fans of different manufacturers and systems. An XBOX fan will probably always prefer the XBOX console, while this is no different for Sony with the Playstation or Nintendo and their fans. But while Nintendo has been going its own way for many years in terms of controllers and the technology of their game consoles, Microsoft and Sony hardly differ from the technical aspect.
The technical specifications of the XBOX One or PS4 are very similar on paper. The so-called multi-platform games hardly show any differences in looks or sound on the TV. However, one crucial aspect remains and that is the controller. If you are not a fan of Microsoft or Sony, you will make your purchase decision based on the game selection and especially the type of game control. While the point clearly goes to Sony in the game selection, especially of exclusive titles and indie titles, Microsoft can score especially in the control with high-quality and sensibly designed controllers.
Differences between XBOX and Playstation controllers
Microsoft developed the first XBOX controller based on the controller of the SEGA Dreamcast. This can be clearly seen in the button layout and the designation of the buttons. This is basically a decent starting point, after all, SEGA was one of the biggest console manufacturers in the 80s and 90s. However, the original XBOX controller, which was known as “Duke”, was considered too large. It was already considered clunky when it was released. Nevertheless, Microsoft was already convinced of the quality of workmanship and general control when it was first tested in 2002. Sometime later, the XBOX controller was replaced in a revised form as the Controller S. This smaller version of the XBOX controller already had a very large similarity to Microsoft’s current controllers in terms of the arrangement of the buttons, the layout of the control crosses, and the essential features.
Sony does a lot differently than Microsoft in the controller layout
Sony, in contrast to Microsoft, has already had experience in the console market since the mid-90s and has meanwhile brought the 4th version of the Playstation and thus also the Playstation controller onto the market. The main difference of the Playstation controller is the unusual digital directional pad, which feels like buttons. In fact, it is connected under the bezel of the controller. Also, the two analog sticks are parallel to each other for both thumbs left and right. There are fans who swear by exactly this arrangement of the analog sticks, while others call it uncomfortable and unnatural. This is one of the reasons why even long-time Sony Playstation gamers eventually switched to Microsoft and the XBOX. The layout of the left analog stick and digital directional pad is swapped vertically here, and for many feels more comfortable overall during hours of gaming. Despite the differences, in the end, it remained a matter of personal preference and taste. Objectively, both Microsoft and Sony have developed high-quality controllers, the differences of which everyone should weigh for themselves and select as the perfect controller, according to thegruelingtruth.com.
Why the controller is so crucial for the gaming experience
The controller is the interface between man and machine. Or in other words, the controller conveys the gameplay of the screen to the body. Through modern techniques such as built-in motors, the smallest touches in games are transmitted as vibrations. What began as a simple shaking in the first versions of force feedback has now become an extremely fine way to experience the game. A controller provides the feeling of having everything firmly under control at all times. That is literally the case here, as you actually have the controller in your hands. Depending on whether you play as a right- or left-hander, the XBOX or Playstation controller can be perceived as differently comfortable or pleasant due to the different arrangement of the analog sticks. In fact, it’s probably more a matter of getting used to it. Nevertheless, you have to get the impression that you really get along with the controller. There are questions of faith about this for a reason because it is not only decided objectively but also subjectively what really seems more comfortable. Technically, both the XBOX and Playstation controllers offer very similar features. The Playstation 4 controller also has a touch area, which we will disregard for this comparison. In fact, this is a feature that very few users and even fewer games actually make good use of.
