Revolution PS5 DualSense controller Evolution Xbox Series X/S Controller Although it doesn't totally depart from the DualShock line, DualSense is Sony's most significant departure in design for well over a decade. It has more ergonomic handgrips than the DualShock 4's and offers adaptive triggers and haptic feedback to increase tactile sensations and immersion. $69 at Amazon Pros Light bars moved
Adaptive triggers
Haptic feedback
USB-C charging
Built-in microphone
Make a button Cons Symmetrical thumbstick layout
Microsoft's motto, "If it isn't broken, don't fix It", may not be as true for triggers. Except for a few upgrades, the Xbox Series X controller looks almost identical to its predecessor. To give players the option of rechargeable or AA batteries, it still uses AA batteries. It also works with the Xbox One. Microsoft Pros: Improved ergonomics starting at $50
Impulse triggers
Use the Share button
Layout of thumbsticks in an asymmetrical fashion
Hybrid 8-directional D -pad
Compatible with Xbox One Cons AAA batteries
Many console owners are keen to purchase the best Xbox controllers and PS5 controllers. This accessory is the most important and the one you will spend the most time using. Controllers should feel comfortable to hold and provide quick response times. They are the ideal example of form and function meeting. Microsoft and Sony have both improved their controller designs for each generation of consoles.
We've done the research to help you decide between the DualSense vs. Xbox Series X Controller. The PS5 DualSense controller has a distinctive aesthetic that is different from older PlayStation controllers. Microsoft has also fine-tuned its proven formula to give the Xbox Series X minor but not less important tweaks over its Xbox One controller, while maintaining its familiar form factor.
Xbox was for evolution, while PlayStation went for revolution
The Xbox Series X controller doesn't look very different from the Xbox One at first glance. This contrasts with Sony's DualSense design which redesigned the DualShock line to modernize it. Although the Series X controller appears to be a minor step forward for Microsoft, it still shows how well Microsoft originally designed the Xbox One controller.
Sony made a bold move. DualSense now has haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and tactile thumbsticks. It also adds textures to the triggers, thumbsticks and grips. The DualSense also features face buttons and D-pads that look more tactile than the soft buttons on the DualShock 4.
PS5 DualSense controller Xbox Series X controller Buttons PS Button, touchpad, four buttons (X O, Triangle, Square), two triggers and two bumpers. Create, Options, Price $60 MSRP USB C Yes. Share button Yes (Create), four buttons Xbox Home button, Menu, View, four buttons (A,B,X,Y), four buttons (A,B,X,Y) Compatibility PS5, Android, iOS Xbox Series X. Xbox Series S. Weight 280g 287g
Double the number of content creation and sharing
Source: Microsoft
In the next few years, content creation will become more important than ever. Online streaming has become a hugely popular feature of the last generation, with Twitch and YouTube becoming very popular. It's now easier than ever to share screenshots or gameplay clips to social media. This was pioneered by Sony with the DualShock 4's Share button, and the DualSense's Create button.
We've seen the Share button on Microsoft’s controller allow you to share and access content via social media. To capture screenshots or to record gameplay, you won't need to navigate through multiple menus.
What is the difference between Adaptive and Impulse triggers?
Microsoft and Sony are working together to make gaming more immersive using adaptive and impulse triggers. These motors can communicate what you are feeling in-game via rumble and tension, giving gamers a deeper sense of depth. However, they work in different ways.
The DualSense's adaptive triggers are better than Microsoft's impulse trigger technology. These triggers allow players to feel tension in their actions like when they draw a bowstring. You can feel the tension in your actions and haptic feedback to create an immersive experience that is impossible otherwise.
Xbox's impulse triggers can emit different vibrations depending on what you do in-game. This is combined with the rumble engines in the controller's chassis enhances the experience.
Immersiveness is improved by haptic feedback
Source: Android Central
DualSense for PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X controller utilize haptic feedback, a higher-tech type of rumble technology. Although it is distinct from the adaptive or impulse triggers on any controller, it works in conjunction with those technologies to create a deeper sense of touch and a more realistic simulation. Sony states that haptic feedback can bring "a variety powerful sensations to your experience when you play," such as the slow grittiness experienced while driving through mud.
You feel more feedback with haptics than you do when driving on the football field. For example, crashing into a wall as a race car goes up against a wall feels different to crashing into one. Even running across grass fields or through mud can give you a different feeling of texture.
USB-C vs. AA batteries
Source: Sony
While Sony and Microsoft both chose to use USB-C ports for their controllers respectively, Microsoft decided to keep the AA batteries. While you can still purchase rechargeable batteries separately for the Xbox Series X controller, many will need to replace the AA batteries as they are just like the previous controllers.
The DualSense has an internal battery, which can be charged via USB C. This speeds up the connection speed and takes less time to fully charge. USB-C is now the norm. There were no surprises. Even more amazing is the fact that you can still use AA batteries.
Design changes
The PS5 DualSense is a radical departure from its predecessor. The whole chassis has been reshaped to improve ergonomics. New thumbsticks and textured grips have also been added. Although the angles of the triggers have been slightly altered, they don't seem to be as angled as those on the Xbox Series X. They are more in line with your natural finger resting place. Also, the bumpers are larger than expected, which gives players more surface.
The buttons are also different. The buttons on the DualShock 4 felt more squishy than tactile. DualSense buttons provide better feedback.
The textures on the Xbox Series X controller have been modified to give a better grip, no matter where you are.
The bumpers and triggers now have a tactile dot pattern. This provides grip and improves performance. This feature is a special edition controllers exclusive, and our fans love it. It's now the standard. Grips have a similar pattern but are subtler. To maintain a consistent, smooth feel in all conditions, the bumpers, triggers and D-pad now have matte finishes.
The new D-pad now has an 8-directional faceted dish instead of the previous 4-directional D-pad. It is more like the Xbox 360 D-pad, but with greater precision. This design is a mix of the one on the Xbox One Elite controller.
Bottom line
Sony has many new features. Microsoft, however, created a formula that was nearly perfect to begin with. Both feel at home in the new generation, regardless of their differences. The DualSense will provide an immersive experience for those who are looking for a more personal touch with adaptive triggers and precise feedback.
The DualSense Wireless Controller is a strong upgrade. If the DualSense is the console that the PlayStation 5 will be, then I am incredibly excited. Sony has added key features that make gaming more immersive and retains the best parts of the DualShock 4. Amazon: $69
Best Buy: $70
Walmart: $69
Minor design changes for a better feeling Xbox Series X/S controller Immersion Microsoft took a different approach to Sony. They only made minor tweaks to the Xbox Series X controller but that is only because the predecessor was so great. Microsoft $50
Amazon: $50
$43 at GameStop
