DualShock 4 VS Xbox Wireless Controller
Video games are fun, and your accessories, such as DualShock 4 Vs Xbox wireless controller, will also play a role in deciding the experience. There are plenty of gaming keypads, and these are a few best to game with on console or your PC. While having their loyal fans, these controllers are quite different, and to know which you may like better, let’s see the differences here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Look for in a Controller
- What are DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
- How is the Design of DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
- How is the Layout of DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
- How are the Buttons in DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
- What are the Features in DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
- How is the Battery Life of DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
- DualShock 4 Vs Xbox Wireless Controller
Game Controller
Video games are one of the most popular forms of modern entertainment we enjoy today. They can be played almost on any smart device from a game console, computer, smartphone, and other traditional handheld systems. It is necessary for those playing on consoles or computers to consider which platform you like better. Especially for computers because we have wider options to consider, not only the games but also the method to interact with the game. With a PC, you can choose which controller to install.
The controller affects the gaming experience because we use it to interact with the game and the character. Unlike console that works only with their native controller, we can install different controllers to the computer. When buying a controller for your computer, what to look for are compatibility, comfort, built, and ease of use. Compatibility is an issue because not all controllers can work seamlessly with your computer, and often we need to install software to help the pairing process.
Comfort is subjective to the player, but it is also a huge factor. If you have access to the controller, it is wise to try the options first and see which feels the most comfortable based on the design. We also recommend considering their build quality because gaming can sometimes become frustrating, and the last thing we want is to damage our devices. Ease of use is subjective; usually, you will be more familiar with a specific layout based on experience.
| DualShock 4 | Xbox Wireless Controller | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches | 6.89 x 2.87 x 6.97 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 4 Ounces | 1.2 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller
There are more than plenty of gaming controllers to pair with the computer. You can choose the affordable alternatives or third-party options to save some budget, but if budget is not an issue, we recommend spending on Pro controllers from Xbox or PlayStation. These are the main options for gaming keypads because theirs are made to work with the native system. The DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller are still two of the most popular options to consider.
Their native system has launched a new console along with a new controller, but these two are still more than good to opt for, especially if you are playing on PC. One of the main differences between DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller is the ease of installation. Because Microsoft makes Xbox, this controller will be a breeze to pair with a Windows machine. On the other hand, we need to spare more time working with the PS controller, including the DualShock 4.
Another difference between DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller is their design. It can be subjective to the players, but it seems most people favor the shape and size of the Xbox controller. However, both controllers are the same for the basic functionalities, and we think you can play without any issue. Being wireless also doesn’t make these controllers suffer from lag because it is rarely an issue. What to note is these controllers run on battery.
Like any battery-powered device, we will need to mind their capacity and chances of losing power mid-play. Besides the differences above, some features set the DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller apart. Comparing the feature, Sony’s DualShock 4 will be the richer one. But, whether this feature is attractive enough for you is highly based on whether you will be using it or not. Read also: PS3 DualShock Vs PS4 here.
DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller Design
First, let’s take a look at the controllers. At a glance, the DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller are about the same size-wise, but upon further inspection, the Xbox controller is slightly smaller or more compact. The DualShock handle makes this controller wider than it needs to be. The material is good, they are made of hard plastic, and there is no rattling noise. The most noticeable difference from the design side is the battery because Xbox uses a replaceable battery while PS uses a rechargeable battery.
Unfortunately, when you buy DualShock 4 as a controller only, there is no USB cable included, which means we need to buy it separately for charging. The battery of DualShock 4 is not designed to be removable by the user, but we can disassemble the controller to remove it; some people have done this, but it will void the warranty. The Xbox doesn’t come with a cable, but they sell a rechargeable battery pack if you want to avoid using the standard AA batteries.
DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller Layout
Coming from the most popular or main platforms, PlayStation and Xbox have their style when arranging their buttons. Both DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controllers have the same amount of main buttons, but the main difference is their layouts are slightly different. With Xbox, instead of symmetrical, the joystick is placed at the top while its D-Pad is at the bottom. It may not sound like a big deal, but having thumbs on both joysticks makes it challenging to access Xbox’s D-Pad.
We have seen some people use “claw” style or similar terms where the pointing finger is holding the joystick, and the thumb is holding the D-Pad. It works, but it is not as comfortable as having both joysticks on your thumbs, and we will need more time to get used to it.
DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller Buttons
Next, we want to talk about the buttons in DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller because while they have the same amount of buttons, the feel of almost each one of them is different. We are starting with the action buttons or the ABXY on Xbox, which is noticeably rounded and taller than the buttons of DualShock 4. It feels more robust and pleasant to press, but our fingers often find it difficult to slide on top of it because of the shape.
DualShock 4 has flat action buttons that are easier to press quickly, even by the side of our finger. The D-Pad is better on the PS controller, probably because it is separate buttons. Being separated makes the pressing more accurate unless you use the finger’s side. The joysticks are fine; we have no complaints on how they feel or work; they feel good to press and navigate with texture on the top surface.
Another difference is on their shoulder buttons. There are two buttons and two triggers here, with the Xbox controller having a larger size. We think this makes Xbox feel better to play because its surface is wider, making it easy to press. In addition, the curve is also more prominent than DualShock 4, so our finger is resting nicely on top of it. The shoulder buttons are also more robust, not stiff like the PS controller.
DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller Features
Next, we want to talk about the DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller features, but as mentioned above, this is where DualShock 4 will show its value. You guess it right. It is the touch surface or panel on the middle of the controller. This panel is replacing the Select and Start button on DualShock. There is very little to do with the feature when it was first incorporated, but it has become handy now. It acts like a touch bar where players can swipe with a trackpad.
DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless Controller Battery Life
Last, we want to talk about the DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller battery. Both of them are wireless, so we can buy the dongle for PC or USB cable for wired connection. Xbox controller with its AA batteries will usually last for 40 hours of continuous use, so it should last for a week or so with moderate play. The rechargeable battery of DualShock 4 only lasts for up to 8 hours per charge, but we can use the cable for either controller.
DualShock 4 Vs Xbox Wireless controller
Both DualShock 4 and Xbox Wireless controller are great options if you play the games on PC. The main difference besides ease of installation because Xbox will be easier to pair with PC is user experience. We like the buttons of the Xbox controller more than DualShock, but its layout makes the controller not as easy to get used to. The Xbox also uses a removable battery and lasts longer, but build quality-wise PS controller is better. DualShock 4 also has an additional feature and rechargeable battery for a higher value.
Conclusion
There is no wrong option, but it is probably subjective to the player. We recommend PlayStation DualShock 4 because the layout is better and lasts longer. The price is currently about the same as to Xbox wireless controller, and they are equally compatible with PC.