Controller Wars: 360 vs. PS3

[Viper007Bond]

First off, this is not a comparison of the systems, games, or anything other than the controllers themselves.

So I've been playing with my new 360 controller for about 6 hours now on my PC and there's definitely some things I like about it. The feel of it -- the longer... fins are nice for my bigish hands and the triggers aren't as spongey.

However, the left stick and the Plus pad really should be switched like it is on the PS3. I think it's a lot better. The springs are also kinda stiff on the 360 controller, so it wears out my index finger after many hours of holding it down. The start and select buttons are also a bit small, but at least they are easier to get to. Oh, and don't get me started on the bumps on the 360 controller (the texture on the PS3 controller is much nicer).

So overall, the 360 controller is quite good and I'm very happy I bought one, but I think I prefer the PS3 controller to it (it's much more natural feeling).

What about you guys?


EDIT: Clarification here -- I'm talking about the DualShock3, not the shitty original Sixaxis.

[Hidden_Hunter]

I hate the ps3 controller, i've got both a normal sixaxis and a dualshock for my ps3.

I like the layout on the 360 controller far more than the ps3 one.

[teeb]

I'm not a fan of the PS3 controller. I'm not a fan of the PS2 controller either, oddly enough.

Having said that the 360 pad isn't exactly perfect either.

What really annoys me though is racing games when you're made to use the stick to steer. I like steering with the D-pad, damn you!

[jeffy777]

The 360 controller, definitely.

I think the more you use it, the more you'll like it. The placement of the analogs and such may seem a bit awkward at first, but after awhile you may realize (like I did) that you wouldn't really want it another way as your fingers get used to it And you just need to break it in a bit as far as the stiffness goes.

P.S The D-Pad sucks on any controller for racing games

[Viper007Bond]

Originally Posted by jeffy777

And you just need to break it in a bit as far as the stiffness goes.

Yeah, I figured as much.

[chilicoke]

Both great controllers, each has as its strength and weakness. I feel 360's controller is more focused towards FPS games, while PS3's controller suits slightly wider variety of games.

I'm not a fan of FPS games (in fact, most shooter games) and PS3's controller layout definitely feels more natural to me. I like it's size, round-top joysticks, wider triggers (distributes pressure more evenly across fingers), flat-faced buttons and the fact that all buttons (except for start/select and R3/L3) are pressure sensitive.

However, material quality is definitely lacking on the Sixaxis, not an issue on DualShock3/360 controller. Although I really like the integrated (and included) rechargeable lithium battery in PS3's controller, I really wish they are removable and user replaceable.

Viper, you can use Sixaxis/DualShock 3 on PC (less pressure sensitive buttons), you just got to look for the driver for it.

[Viper007Bond]

Originally Posted by chilicoke

Viper, you can use Sixaxis/DualShock 3 on PC (less pressure sensitive buttons), you just got to look for the driver for it.

I know, but the triggers are treated as buttons rather than axis which kinda defeats a large point of using a controller.


Oh, and I just remembered something else -- the rumble on the 360 doesn't seem nearly as good as the PS3's. Although it may just be GRID as I think it may have sucked ass on my PS3 too.

[chilicoke]

That's a bummer

Pretty much the only games I play on my computer are SNES emulator/ROMs, and PS3 controller is perfect for them.

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Oh, and I just remembered something else -- the rumble on the 360 doesn't seem nearly as good as the PS3's. Although it may just be GRID as I think it may have sucked ass on my PS3 too.

I think it does vary by game. Some 360 games have pretty good rumble (Gears of War comes to mind), but I can't recall if it's as good as the PS3 rumble or not.

[Speedtouch]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It never was, so Sony never did. PS3s is so much better.

[swek]

It's a no-brainer for me. The basic PS gamepad design was thought of when gaming was just about to become 3D exclusively. It still features the button layout that was best for playing 2D games.

If you ask me the analog stick placement on the Dualshock is a nightmare for modern games. It's an afterthought, a compromise. Something slapped on to to the thing, whereas the 360 controller is designed around them. It just doesn't work on modern 3D games where you have large open areas to explore. If you ever played a FPS on the thing you'll know what I mean.

Fighting games on the other hand work much better with the Dualshock. Since they feature 2D gameplay with a 3D look. In fact all games that feature 2D gameplay play better on the PS3. The 360's D-Pad on the other hand is a nightmare. Which for me isn't a big deal since I never play games that feature 2D gameplay anymore. It's 2008 afterall.

[Greatgraddage]

Not in poll but clear winner. Best pad ever.

[jeffy777]

Originally Posted by swek

It's a no-brainer for me. The basic PS gamepad design was thought of when gaming was just about to become 3D exclusively. It still features the button layout that was best for playing 2D games.

If you ask me the analog stick placement on the Dualshock is a nightmare for modern games. It's an afterthought, a compromise. Something slapped on to to the thing, whereas the 360 controller is designed around them. It just doesn't work on modern 3D games where you have large open areas to explore. If you ever played a FPS on the thing you'll know what I mean.

Fighting games on the other hand work much better with the Dualshock. Since they feature 2D gameplay with a 3D look. In fact all games that feature 2D gameplay play better on the PS3. The 360's D-Pad on the other hand is a nightmare. Which for me isn't a big deal since I never play games that feature 2D gameplay anymore. It's 2008 afterall.

There you have it folks

[Viper007Bond]

Originally Posted by Greatgraddage

Not in poll but clear winner. Best pad ever.

Meh. Good for it's time, but it doesn't hold up well. The stick quality is shit and it's a bit off having to use the right two handles 99% of the time.

[Greatgraddage]

The stick definately doesn't wear well, that's true. Mine are almost unuseable now. But the 3 prong design was perfect for when the games that used the D pad were still being reguarly made, effectively made it two controllers in one.

[Speedtouch]

Originally Posted by swek

If you ask me the analog stick placement on the Dualshock is a nightmare for modern games. It's an afterthought, a compromise. Something slapped on to to the thing, whereas the 360 controller is designed around them. It just doesn't work on modern 3D games where you have large open areas to explore. If you ever played a FPS on the thing you'll know what I mean.

I couldn't disagree more. I find the 360's left analogue stick to be in a stupid position - the right one is fine - and it allows even less control over the PS3's which (for me at least) is perfectly positioned. And also, I find that playing FPSs on either the 360 or PS3 is equally terrible, because of the analogue sticks, not their positions, but just that fact that they allow much less control over where you are pointing than a mouse.

[GraemeH]

Used both 72 hours a week, here's my thoughts;

360
+Sticks have a more tacticle feel, are shorter/more recessed into the body
+Triggers have better feedback, better sprung
+Sticks are positioned better
-Sticks aren't in the right position. The left should be a little lower.
-Too big
-Too heavy
-All the clip on accesories like the keyboard and wireless stuff make it more uncomfortable to hold
-Dpad is completely unacceptable

PS3
+Face buttons feel better and are analogue
+Sticks have a better texture, even if they don't feel as good to move
+Correctly sized for non-gorillas
+Comfortable weight
+Wireless is built right in
+Usable d-pad
-Sticks don't feel as good in movement
-Triggers don't feel as good in movement

Overall, I prefer the 360 controller once I've been using it for a while (even though I'm a PS man). The tactility of the sticks and triggers is just the most important thing, and it does them better.

[Donington]

I've always hated the Playstation controllers. I don't find them in the least bit ergonomic.

Shame because I love the system itself.