PS3 DualShock VS PS4
Everyone knows PlayStation with their famous DualShock controller. These gamepads are improved from time to time following the console they are paired with but also have fans of their own due to the comfort and familiarity, as well as extensive features so each model is also different such as with the PS3 DualShock Vs PS4. The newer controller is upgraded a little for better performance and if you want to know what, let’s see what they can offer below.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- How to Choose a Gaming Controller
- What are PS3 DualShock and PS4 Controller
- How are the Design of PS3 DualShock and PS4 Controller
- How are the Buttons in PS3 DualShock and PS4 Controller
- What are the Features in PS3 DualShock and PS4 Controller
- How are the Experience with PS3 DualShock and PS4 Controller
- PS3 DualShock Vs PS4
Buying a Game Controller
We are in the era where video games can be played on so many different devices making them not exclusives to consoles or handheld consoles and dedicated devices anymore. However, many of us are still fond of gaming the old school way, in front of a large monitor like TV and with a console. Of course with the increasing amount of online PC games and how powerful computers are nowadays, the system is no longer without competitors but interacting with the game this way is more preferred by many people.
With the amount of options you can choose, while the main consoles are only Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, the controllers are more than what you can connect to all of these machines. Controllers will come with your console and we can buy them separately whether it is for a certain console, computer, or classic games where you can install on Raspberry Pi. The options are abundant and it can get confusing but it is great to let you choose freely and decide on which will be the best option.
The best options will be from well-known, high-end controllers such as the DualShock, Xbox One Controller, and Xbox Elite Series 2. Each one of them are well-made, designed for the console, and also boast some features to interest players. For example Elite Series 2 is compatible with Windows and Xbox One as well as compatible with the next gen consoles. It comes with swappable buttons and controls, adjustable triggers, rear inputs, and many more. It also has textured grips and magnetic charging dock that makes it an “elite” option.
If you are opening the possibilities to a wider choice such as third party controllers like Logitech F710 and MSI GC30, the connection type is necessary too. In 2022 there will probably be no larger companies making wired controllers anymore since wireless is for every device but aside the tech factor some people prefer one system over the other. For example with wired connection we don’t have to worry about the battery because they are powered from the main device itself.
The battery type is also very important because currently we have an internal battery that can be charged or the AA batteries which are replaceable and are more convenient if you often forget charging the device. Overall charging is more efficient because it doesn’t require you to buy another set of batteries every once in a while and since most controllers can work in wired mode, we don’t think it is such a deal breaker.
| PS3 DualShock | PS4 DualShock | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 6.29 x 2.36 x 3.93 inches | 2.5 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 7.41 Ounces | 4 Ounces |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About PS3 DualShock and PS4
If you are here then we assume that you are liking the DualShock by Sony. Everyone who owns PlayStation or familiar with the controller will like how this gamepad feels on their hand. When it comes to gamepads, comfort and overall familiarity are the most important just like with a mouse or gamepad for computers. DualShock has been developed along with PlayStation to accompany their system and always renewed from time to time up to DualShock 4 which was launched in 2013.
It is quite an old system, as now we already have the DualSense but many are still loving the ergonomics of older gamepads such as the PS3 DualShock and PS4. These controllers are very similar to each other and different at the same time. If you are seeing them from the PS5 era, the two will look like an item from the last decade and while it has some truth to it, both controllers are still very much capable today, especially if you want to spend less.
Many people seem to buy these controllers for their RetroPie classic games but the two are probably still a bit more on the expensive side. If you are buying for classic games and a self-built system, we recommend the older model or alternative that you can check in our PS3 DualShock Vs SIXAXIS here. In comparison, these controllers are perfect for PlayStation consoles yet, while DualShock 4 can connect to PlayStation 3, the DualShock 3 is not compatible with newer machines.
If you will be using these controllers for computer or Steam Games, the two are actually compatible and should run without any issue as long as you installed it properly but in comparison the DualShock 3 will be the more complicated to install in computer compared to the newer controllers. Another difference in our opinion is the features and redesigns happening in PS3 DualShock and PS4 controllers. Overall, the DualShock 4 is better and has more features than the older controller.
PS3 DualShock and PS4 Design
DualShock is not a cheap controller so build quality is great on these options. The look is not changing much like with DualSense but the DualShock 4 is a bit wider and the handle is also thicker. This way we feel it distributes weight more evenly as well since there is more surface to hold. The two still feel good on hand and now DualShock comes in a matte finish instead of the glossy one. Weight wise they are about the same to each other.
Both PS3 DualShock and PS4 controllers are wired and wirelessly connected to your PlayStation or computer if installed properly. The battery is not made to be changed or replaced often but can be removed if needed. You will also notice that in DualShock 4 there is a panel above its USB port which is an LED that lights up according to your game. Unfortunately, just like with DualShock 3, we don’t get anything in the box but the gamepad itself meaning cable/charger need to be purchased separately.
PS3 DualShock and PS4 Buttons
Now for the most important part, let’s see what the PS3 DualShock and PS4 can offer starting from the buttons and as you can see they retain the same layout but not identical as well. Starting with the joystick, DualShock 4 is coming with divots center and raised rims instead of just round and smooth so it keeps your thumb on the stick. The new controller also removes start and select buttons with share and options buttons instead which are placed further up and smaller.
Another meaningful difference is on the shoulder because the shape is changed slightly. Sony made a great decision when making L1 and R2 shoulder triggers analog so we can play racing or shooting games more properly. The new shapes of triggers and buttons are helping our fingers to stick on the surface while playing and this is subjectively more comfortable than DualShock 3. Some slight changes are on the D-pad which is now more comfortable and also the joysticks being slightly further from each other.
PS3 DualShock and PS4 Features
Next for the additional features missing on the older controller, this is where DualShock 4 is coming beautifully. First is it comes with this touch-pad which is actually a huge button as you can press it. It is about 2-inch wide and is supporting motion like Apple’s touchpad so we can swipe on it and pinch like when doing gesture function. When it was new the developer still didn’t use it optimally but over time more functionalities on games can be paired with this feature.
DualShock 4 also has this light bar or panel above its USB port. It is RGB and can show many colors which makes it look even fancier. This LED can be used as player identification and interact with the PlayStation Eye so it can change patterns during gameplay in order to deliver messages if it is in low health and minor damage. This newer controller is also featured with a headphone jack at the bottom of the device.
PS3 DualShock and PS4 Experience
Lastly on the experience, both PS3 DualShock and PS4 are actually good and the differences are not affecting the gameplay especially if you are used to the older controller. The comfort is probably the most noticeable as our hand feels better when pressing DualShock 4’s buttons and operating the gamepad in general. It is certainly fancier and looks better while for computers the newer controller is easier to install but since Sony uses direct input instead of X input like Xbox, they are overall more complicated than the Xbox controller.
PS3 DualShock Vs PS4
Both PS3 DualShock and PS4 controllers are good options whether you are buying them for console, Retro games, or computers. The main differences are on features because DualShock 4 is coming with renewed buttons design, touch panel, and also LED light at the top. The feel on hand is very similar however with DualShock 4’s weight being more evenly distributed and slightly bigger on hand. It is also easier to install on computers.
Conclusion
The decision is all yours because both are good options but depending on what the controller will be paired with, we do think DualShock 4 for PS4 is a better choice because it comes with better ergonomics and has more features to play with.