PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S have been available on the market since the end of 2020, but the dispute is obviously not over yet. As with previous generations, obviously Sony and Microsoft’s current consoles are great rivals and targets of numerous comparisons, with fans on both sides trying to justify the reasons they took into account when choosing one of the platforms.
Exclusive games, subscription services, hardware… there are many points taken into account when making a comparison, and each fan finds different reasons to justify their choice. In this rivalry scenario, the controls also wage their own confrontation. But after all, which is the best between DualSense and Xbox Controller?
What changes in DualSense (PlayStation 5 controller)
DualSense emerged as one of the great novelties of the generation, and it is certainly one of the most prominent points in Sony’s current console. Being a complete reimagining of what gamers had before, the joystick was given a new name to start a new era, marking the farewell of the DualShock.
The DualSense changes already start with the look of the control itself, which now has white as its main color and has a different design from its predecessor. With the standard design of the DualShock being abandoned by the company, the new look of the DualSense gives a new touch to a control that has much more to offer.
Less rounded than its predecessor, the DualSense is also more ergonomic despite being larger. Being a great evolution of the DualShock, the DualSense retains a similar feel for gamers but stands out even with the new features that make it unique.
With haptic feedback, the PS5 controller makes experiences much more immersive by responding to actions with extreme fidelity. Also, the resistance system of the L2 and R2 triggers is great too.
What changes on the Xbox Controller?
Following a different path from Sony, Microsoft did not promote so many changes in its control with the change of generation. The Xbox Series X / S controller follows the same pattern that was already seen on the Xbox One, with few changes.
When creating the new controller, Xbox intended to make it more inclusive, which meant that the design was smaller to become more adaptive. The idea was to make the controller comfortable for people with bigger and smaller hands, pleasing all players.
In addition, Microsoft has also made changes to the buttons to give them a finish that improves contact with the hands, in addition to making the trigger buttons more textured with tactile dots to help players.
Xbox controllers have more connectivity
Something that appears as an advantage on the Microsoft side is connectivity. Xbox One controllers work perfectly on Xbox Series X/S, just like the new generation console controller works on Xbox One, just sync them to play. The Xbox Series controller is still fully compatible with smartphones and computers.
While DualShock does not work on PlayStation 5, as well as DualSense does not work on PlayStation 4, limiting Sony’s Console owners, Microsoft offers much more freedom and ease to its players.
Batteries can be annoying on Xbox
While Sony’s controller again relies on a rechargeable battery, Microsoft’s controller still needs batteries, which has been bothering gamers for some time. On PlayStation 5, with the new features, the DualSense battery can last between 6 to 12 hours according to the amount of vibration in the controller.
The standard battery life, which comes with the Xbox controller, is about 20 hours, with this also being similar to rechargeable batteries. At this point, many players can interpret that the batteries end up taking away some of the practicality, with the DualSense being an easier control to recharge.
Comfort is greater on Xbox
Despite the DualSense being a much more comfortable control than its predecessor, it still loses to its biggest rival, which looks more ergonomic and has a better size.
It is simpler, more practical and more pleasant to hold the Xbox Controller if we make a direct comparison, even though the DualSense is far from having comfort as a real negative point.
DualSense features are superior
Although the Xbox Series controller manages to create sensations during gameplay with vibrations, the DualSense offers a much greater level of immersion, as the haptic feedback allows the player to feel different and very varied types of vibrations that accompany what is happening in the games. You can faithfully feel impacts, as well as tell the difference between different terrains. In addition, triggers also make experiences more complete, being able to become lighter, heavier or even brake depending on the situations.
In addition, DualSense still has the advantage of having a built-in microphone, something that is not present in Microsoft’s control and can make a difference for players who do not have a headset.
Which one is the best?
Both the DualSense and the Xbox Controller have their good points, and one controller can outperform the other in different ways. However, by offering a much more robust and complete experience with regard to gameplay, Sony’s control is ahead as one of the great novelties of the current generation of consoles.