Preferred controller: PS3 vs. Xbox360

[Geekosaurus]

Years ago I would have sworn that the PS2 controller was perfect and nothing could ever beat it. But now that I don't have the hands of a toddler I find that the PS3 controller just feels tiny in my hands. My hands just swamp the small handles and it's just awkward to hold. I maintain that controller preference should be taken into account if you cannot decided between the two consoles.

 

[Wuffykins]

Wow. Totally forgot about this thread as I spent most of the day afterwards layed out trying not think about pain, but definitely a big thanks to you all for chiming in. Granted, I'll admit I skipped most posts that were one liners, but I did get a lot of help here from you guys.

Cheers.

Regardless, I don't believe that you take your gaming seriously enough to buy a controller for those games where the mouse and keyboard isn't sufficient, but not quite seriously enough to go out an test the damn things. Shame on you for starting a console war.

Just for the record I'm mainly interested in the comfort and quality of the controllers after extended amounts of play (either in one sitting or over a month or so), which you can't really get by holding one for thirty seconds in a store.

Thankfully though I'm seeing people here have posted a decent amount of factual opinions on the controllers themselves that it's not a *pure* console war, though my bad if you think that's what I've caused.

Although, another good question might be what is the last game controller you used? Similar is usually better (I like the PS3 controller because I got used to the PSX controller, and the PS2 controller). I realize from the OP that it's probably a computer controller, but if you have name and brand (or a link to a picture) it might help us give better advice besides what we personally prefer.

Technically the answer would be 'PSP' to your question, but I did get used to the ol' PS1 and Xbox S-controllers (that's the non massive one, right?) years ago. Though I saw (and felt) the advantages of both controllers I'm just not sure on what changes have happened in the generation shift, ie: weight of PS3 dualshock from added battery, form factor change of Xbox360 over extended use, 'clickiness' of buttons, etc.

snip

That... that just looks damn gorgeous.

Xbox360. Use a poll next time to see the results in an eye-blink.

I take it you missed the part of the OP where Wuffykins said:

(Thought of doing this like a poll, but I'm looking more for proper argument than just controller popularity to be honest)

 

[Ghhostface]

I was always annoyed by the Playstation 3's lack of bumpers for the triggers on its controller. it would go nuts if i was watching a movie down or playing a game.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

Although, another good question might be what is the last game controller you used? Similar is usually better (I like the PS3 controller because I got used to the PSX controller, and the PS2 controller). I realize from the OP that it's probably a computer controller, but if you have name and brand (or a link to a picture) it might help us give better advice besides what we personally prefer.

Technically the answer would be 'PSP' to your question, but I did get used to the ol' PS1 and Xbox S-controllers (that's the non massive one, right?) years ago. Though I saw (and felt) the advantages of both controllers I'm just not sure on what changes have happened in the generation shift, ie: weight of PS3 dualshock from added battery, form factor change of Xbox360 over extended use, 'clickiness' of buttons, etc.

Okay, so you like smaller controllers (like the PS1). The PS3 controller is almost identical to the PS1 controller, so if you liked it, you should like the PS3 controller.

 

[GeorgW]

360, hands down. Fist off, you won't slid off the R2 and L2 buttons like you will with the PS3, there is no excuse for such a horrible design. It is also easy to glide off the analog sticks, and I like the placement of them more on the 360. I like the handles better on the 360 as well. The 360 control is big, burly, heavy and has less features, but it's so much better designed for longer gameplay. Also, it's more compatible for the PC and cheaper. So 360's easily the way to go.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

I always get the triggers messed up for the PS3. I'm going XBox, even if it does have funky analog sticks.

 

[Baneat]

Thread needs poll.

For racing: 360>PS3
For fighting: Arcade stick>Fightpad>PsOne>Ps2>PS3
Classic 2D Platforming Fightpad>SNES>PSone>Ps2>Ps3>xbox

Pick which applies. PSOne with the USB adapter's a great choice for most platforms. Fightpad's also nice.

If you have a PSOne or PS2 controller, you can very cheaply make it available for use with PC by purchasing one from this site

http://www.dealextreme.com/ (If they have a blue one, I can vouch for its build quality, very nice. I can't say anything for the others, I do not own them)

And use XPadder Software (freeware) to bind the keys.

I got 2 psOne controllers and a console (good for smashin' ^^) for £1 out of a junk sale.

thrifty... though I own all the other controllers I mentioned.

PostScript: Some do find the analogue stick on the 360 controller very nice for 2d platformers, myself included. You'll do fine with it if you go for it.

 

[Fooz]

Easily Xbox 360 controller, as i have had both i would say the 360 controller is much more form fitting and ergonomic, PS3 is too small and delicate, also as others have mentioned some game are designed with it in mind

 

[Treblaine]

If nobody has linked this to you man... THIS THIS!
http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/pd/productID.218523900/categoryId.54297600

Do you want sticks and triggers like a 360 but a d-pad with individual buttons like a ps3? Look no further.

BEHOLD THE CHIMERA! RAZER ONZA!

Pictured is the Chimera Tournament edition for Xbox 360. Those dials you see under the sticks are tension adjusters allowing you to customize your sticks for rapid movement or fine precision on the fly, If they're not your thing however the standard edition does away with them and you still get the improved upon d-pad and the 360 style triggers and sticks. Speaking of that D-pad please take a moment to observe it for yourselves ladies and gentlemen, you'll note that each direction has an individual button, no more of that nasty see-saw action. And while I've got your attention on those buttons I might add the face buttons are hyper-responsive, with a tactile feedback more akin to a mouse click than a traditional rubber-peg button. It's corded and works for PC, Standard's 40 dollars and TE's 50.

So do you get paid on commission or is it by contract? jk XD

 

[Wolfram23]

I am amazed nobody knows how to hold a PS3 controller, you don't move your fingers to press L2 and R2 you roll them up or down from the groove between them.

"The PS3 controller is made from flimsy plastic", stop throwing it and raging with it! It's not meant to be unbreakable, it's meant to be lightweight so you can play for longer without feeling the weight.

I agree. Seriously, all the people who find it uncomfortable or too small are holding it wrong. They hold it like an Xbox controller, with an Ape Grip. GAH CONTROLLER MINE!! *MASH MASH MASH*

I already mentioned it but my hands are as big as anyones and I find it extremely comfortable for long haul gaming sessions. Cradle it in your fingers, barely touching your palm (except near the pinky). Basically you're only holding onto it with 2 fingers which means you have exceptional ability to hit any and all buttons when needed with the rest of your fingers. I've done the index-finger-on-triangle thing many times while using the thumbstick and triggers. PS3 controller is just more versatile that way.

 

[Ghengis John]

So do you get paid on commission or is it by contract? jk XD

Lol. It's a commission based position. jk. I just realized I was sounding a bit like a snake oil salesman or infomercial, or a snake oil infomercial, so I ran with it. I used to be a salesman. First phones then computers. Maybe sometimes it slips lol. I was not a pushy salesman though. I wrote a big long post on it with advice in that field but it would probably bore you guys to tears. Sufficed to say most other salesmen were not honest. So take what they say for a grain of salt, ask for printed material. If anyone wants to see the rest I'll pop it back up if not it's cool.

 

[migo]

why are you so blatantly attacking the controller/my opinion? which in that, i never said that non symmetrical joysticks were better, never once did i say that or even assume that, so i have no idea what that rant was about right there.

The default 360 controller is just horrible. I had to stop playing 360 until I got a different 3rd party controller it's that bad. I know people who stubbornly defend the 360 controller despite getting numb fingers from playing it, it's just silly.

oh and also, nearly everyone i know loves the game cube controllers, in fact we have about 12 of them laying around the house so when we play super smash or mario kart we have those at the ready.

The gamecube controller was actually well thought out - it has fat shoulder buttons (like the Duke), thought was put into the face buttons (like the duke), and the left and right analog sticks actually had different designs (like the duke) to account for their different placement. The 360 controller almost entirely copied the DualShock, even moreso than the Xbox S controller, but used narrow triggers and identically shaped, but staggered analog sticks.

The Datel/Intec Turbo-Fire is a much better design, as it fixes a number of the issues with the 360 controller, although it could have gone further by using different analog sticks.

 

[Torrasque]

360 controller all the way.
It fills your hand, the buttons are in very good positions, the joysticks are concave instead of convex (cuz thats a good grip, derp), and the signal strength is much stronger.

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

The default 360 controller is just horrible. I had to stop playing 360 until I got a different 3rd party controller it's that bad. I know people who stubbornly defend the 360 controller despite getting numb fingers from playing it, it's just silly.

oh really? well i know this one person who stubbornly defends the ps3 controller when no one was attacking it in the first place, and has to attack other peoples opinions on command, Its just silly.


I'm not going to sit here and argue, when i simply pointed out that you are not in the majority, and you blatantly, i could point it out quite a few times, are the a fanboy of the dualshock, and seeing as why you were put on probation i'm refusing to debate with someone who refuses to listen to others opinions.

 

[Archangel768]

PS3 controller. The 360 one seems to hurt my hands easier for some reason. The D pad is rough on my fingers, also the action buttons. I do admit the triggers are nicer on the 360 tho but overall in the long run the PS3 is more comfortable for me.

At first the 360 controller feels great but then soon becomes an issue for me.
The PS3 controller at first feels a little weird but soon feels just right and stays that way.

 

[Goody]

Aren't the drivers there free anyway? I thought motioninjoy ran on donations.

I prefer the ps controllers for the same reason: neat, symmetrical, and aerodynamic. Also it's more shapely: tapers out where it should and rounded where it should like a tiny hot chick. The 360 controller feels a bit too knobby and bulky like it's a tiny obese man made out of knuckles... it kind of reminds me of the Dreamcast controller which I didn't like much either.

Yes there are free, I'm just making sure my intentions are clear, and look up the similarities between a dreamcast controller and an original xbox controller, it is ridiculous how similar they are.

 

[Bocaj2000]

PS3 is easily a better controller. Don't even get me started on the shitbox d-pad on the 360's controller. I can see where it might be small for huge people but it fits me superbly and feels all around better.

I have never used the D-pad for anything other than weapon selection. Few if any games use it for anything else. The complaint about the dpad is inane to argue since it is never used.

Personally I like the setup of the 360 controller because the the thumbsticks feel more natural than than the symmetrical style. That's probably because it feels like an N64, the system I grew up on.

 

[GonzoGamer]

Aren't the drivers there free anyway? I thought motioninjoy ran on donations.

I prefer the ps controllers for the same reason: neat, symmetrical, and aerodynamic. Also it's more shapely: tapers out where it should and rounded where it should like a tiny hot chick. The 360 controller feels a bit too knobby and bulky like it's a tiny obese man made out of knuckles... it kind of reminds me of the Dreamcast controller which I didn't like much either.

Yes there are free, I'm just making sure my intentions are clear, and look up the similarities between a dreamcast controller and an original xbox controller, it is ridiculous how similar they are.

Yea.
All it's missing is the knob on the right and a couple of triggers. All the 360 controller is missing is the huge slot for the Tamagotchi style memory card.

 

[GundamSentinel]

I don't like the bulkyness of the Xbox controller. Give me small and light. That's more comfy to me.

 

[Awexsome]

The only one I think anyone can prefer is the one they get used to honestly. Right now the 360 controller is the one that felt most natural except for maybe the Gamecube (I loved that thing)

They're both just fine IMO and the only one people like is probably the one they chose then got used to using.