Anew era means a brand new wave of controllers, and this time, the variations between the PS5 and Xbox Collection X’s controllers are fairly dramatic. Selecting the controller that’s best for you will be the resolution that tilts you in the direction of one console over the opposite. That will help you determine, we’re breaking down the DualSense and the brand new Xbox controller to see which has the sting.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH CONTROLLER IS CHEAPER?
We’ll begin with a simple one. Whereas each the PS5 and Xbox Collection X consoles include a controller, shopping for extra controllers will value you. A brand new PS5 Dualsense controller will run you $69.99, whereas the brand new Xbox controller prices $59.99. This worth distinction will grow to be clear as we dive into the options of the brand new controllers.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH CONTROLLER IS MORE COMFORTABLE?
This may actually come down to non-public choice. At current, the one individual at Polygon who has used each of the brand new controllers is, uh, me. Personally, I discover the PS5’s DualSense extra comfy to carry for lengthy intervals of time, because of its longer handles and triggers that match extra naturally into my resting index fingers. The brand new Xbox controller’s smaller handles are an enchancment on the outdated design, however I’m unsure concerning the new, stiffer triggers, which appear to require far more pressure than the outdated Xbox One triggers did.
That stated, different members of the Polygon group have reported some hand cramping with the PS5 DualSense, so it’s closely dependent available measurement and luxury preferences. Laborious to say, however should you pressured me to choose, I’d go together with the PS5 DualSense.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH CONTROLLER LOOKS BETTER?
One other subjective one, however hey, you’ve come to me. I’ve overtly stated I despise the PS5’s big white and black tower of a console. And but, the design of the DualSense controller works for me. The white and black, combined with the delicate glow from the touchpad, seems to be barely furitistic with out being overwhelmingly so. It’s additionally received some nifty particulars, like a teeny tiny sample of the acquainted “form” buttons appearing because the grip on the handles.
The brand new Xbox controller’s aesthetics aren’t dangerous by any means. Just like the black dice of a console, the brand new Xbox controller does a greater job of disappearing into the background of your residing area than the DualSense does
However not like most of the different information factors right here, you possibly can simply determine this one for your self, because of our beautiful pictures.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH CONTROLLER HAS MORE FEATURES?
This isn’t even a contest. The PS5’s DualSense provides a number of main options that its predecessor didn’t have. The adaptive triggers, which alter the stress of the triggers primarily based on what’s taking place on display screen, are unbelievable. As are the brand new haptics, which make the controller’s vibrations way more correct and various. The DualSense additionally has a returning touchpad, a gyroscope for movement controls, and a built-in speaker.
The brand new Xbox controller brings with it all the options that the Xbox One controller had and provides a Share button and an improved D-pad. However many of the internals are just about the identical as what was within the Xbox One controller.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH CONTROLLER HAS BETTER BATTERY LIFE?
One more no-contest class, however this time it’s the brand new Xbox controller that takes it (with some caveats). Dropping two AA batteries into it ought to grant you between 30 to 40 hours of gameplay time. This may differ considerably, however general it’s fairly good bang on your buck. Should you’d moderately not blow via disposable batteries, Microsoft does make a Play and Cost Equipment for the brand new controller. We haven’t used it, but when it’s something just like the final one, it ought to offer you 20-30 hours per cost (with diminishing expenses over the course of a number of years).
The PS5’s DualSense comes with a battery pack inbuilt (another excuse for the upper worth). We haven’t achieved in depth battery testing, however early teardowns have proven that the battery pack has about 50% extra capability than the DualShock 4’s battery pack. The DualShock 4 was rated for round six hours per cost, which might put the DualSense within the nine-hour vary. However, due to all the new bells and whistles contained in the controller, this battery life may very well be a lot much less, relying on how a lot is getting used. A sport like Astro’s Playroom, which always makes use of the fanciest DualSense options, is liable to empty your battery a lot sooner, for instance.
It’s additionally price remembering that DualShock 4 controller batteries tend to peter out after a number of years of use, providing dramatically much less time per cost. And, just like the DualShock 4, the brand new DualSense’s rechargeable battery isn’t detachable, so you might have to plunk down one other $69.99 if yours dies an early loss of life. That will not be splendid.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH CONTROLLER IS MORE VERSATILE?
Again within the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 days, having a Microsoft controller round was a boon because it meant you might use the Xbox controller on each your PC and your console. Sony’s controller, in the meantime, was a lot much less pleasant to different gadgets.
Occasions have modified since then, with the Xbox and PlayStation controllers taking part in good with all kinds of gadgets, from PCs to tablets to telephones.
However, by way of instant ease of use, the brand new Xbox controller is the best way to go on PC, simply due to its ubiquitous help there. You gained’t have to fret about messing with drivers or different settings with an Xbox controller on PC. It ought to simply work. Sony’s DualSense, in the meantime, will possible want distinctive drivers to work correctly. Video games that labored positive with a DualShock 4 don’t appear to perform in any respect with the DualSense, and should must be patched (an issue for older video games which will by no means see patches). These points might easy out over time, but it surely’s arduous to say when or if the DualSense will simply “work” on PC and different platforms.
PS5 OR XBOX: WHICH IS THE BETTER CONTROLLER?
Oof, man, actually placing me on the spot, huh? As you possibly can see from the above, there are advantages to each controllers. For versatility and battery life, you actually can’t beat the Xbox controller. In the meantime, the PS5 controller packs in fashionable options that may make taking part in sure video games much more participating (as long as issues like haptics and adaptive triggers are supported by the sport). For sheer audacity and ambition, it feels just like the PS5’s DualSense has the sting right here, however should you’re searching for a multi-platform workhorse, go together with the Xbox controller.
