DualShock 4 vs XBOX One S Controller: Which Is Better For Gaming?

DualShock 4 vs Xbox One S Controller- Quick Answer

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One S have been put into many rings of comparison to slug it out considering that they are the dominant consoles out there. While in some aspects you will find one performing better than the other or without a clear winner, the DualShock 4 vs Xbox One S controller debate is one that has many gamers interested and it is one without a single ending.

There is no denying the fact that these controllers are the best that you can get. Still, when you are looking at things like their design, features, customizability, and feel among other things, they both have their great sides and sides in which they are not all so impressive. Because of this, the better one for gaming for one person may not necessarily be it for someone else, and as such it will all depend on your preference. But from a general eye, let’s look at them one against the other:

Design and Comfort

Without changing its design significantly since it hit the stage decades ago, the DualShock 4 is aesthetically pleasing and it still leans on as a futuristic controller. Well, so also is Microsoft’s Xbox One S controller. In addition to their nice looks, both are well built and sure to last long.

In the line of comfort, however, the feel of the Xbox One S controller seems to be a little bit better than what you get with the DualShock even though the latter also has great comfort. In fact, based on your hand, you may find one completely comfortable and the other with no comfort whatsoever. The texture of the Xbox controller has an edge over the texture of the PS controller as it doesn’t feel tiring to the hand even after using for a very long time.

One important thing to know about the two controllers is that they are both significantly improved upon when compared to the previous controllers of both PS and Xbox.

How they Feel

Dual Shock 4 Controller

The Sony DualShock 4 has 18 buttons with analog sticks that are asymmetric. The sticks are a little stiff and very responsive.

With the D-pads of this controller, the fact that it is not all joined together makes it easier for transitioning and it produces less sound when pressed.  More so, the D-pads happen to be bigger than what came with the PS 3.

There is nothing to complain about the shoulder buttons on the Sony controller, but it has a less nice feeling when placed against the Microsoft controller. Again, the clicks of the bumper make less sound than the shoulder buttons of the One S.

If you look at the Dual Shock 3 controller, you will realize that Sony has worked on the trigger of the 4 to be very comfortable and have a better design. But then, it will still be found wanting when Xbox One S is brought forward.

Xbox One S Controller

With a much bigger feel than the Dual Shock, this is also heavier and it comes with 17 buttons. More so, it features a few differences from the 360 although a lot has still been maintained.

The Analog sticks of the Xbox One are well placed and comfortable but may not necessarily be as responsive as you will get with the PS4 controller.

See Also: PC Gaming vs Console Gaming – Which One Should I Choose?

In addition to that, the directional pads of this controller are very responsive and you get to hear as it clicks but the transitioning may not be as smooth as you get with the other. The shoulder buttons do not offer anything that is significant on this controller. The S controller is quite clicky and it has a good shape that complements its responsiveness.

Looking at the trigger, the One S controller has more dominating triggers that are good to the hand and comfortable. More so, the good thing that Microsoft has done on the trigger of its controller is to give it a haptic feedback function which gets you involved in the game.

Battery Life

While there are some that may ignore this, we think that because the Dual Shock 4 has a rechargeable battery of 1000 mAh, it has an advantage in that department over the Xbox One controller that requires two AA batters that are removable. The only good thing here about the Xbox controller is that the battery life is very good.

Extra Features

You can go either way if what you are looking for is a headphone jack as both the controllers come with it.

But more than just that, the DualShock 4 vs Xbox One S Controller comparison has to favor Sony’s controller over Microsoft’s in this department if you are also looking at other features. This is because of the Touchpad which is one of the big innovations that we have seen in the controller market. In the same way as it is with your laptop touchpad, you can swipe this or touch it down and it also functions as a button.

Other extra features that you get with the Dual Shock 4 are the speakers, the lighting which lets you know your in-game health showing you red when you are injured and not in good health. There is also the share button that allows you to get quick screenshots or even video clip you may want to share.

DualShock 4 vs Xbox One S Controller

Conclusion

So when it is all said and you get to have the gaming pads in your hands, you will realize that these two powerful pads stand too close in almost everything to call and at the end of the day, it will have to ball down to one’s own preference and which is more comfortable to play with, as both Sony and Microsoft have taken their time in the making of their controllers.