Comparison Pics - Dualshock 3 vs Dualshock 4

[American Gunner]

Great review Fulle. I have always wanted to play the Uncharted games but got frustrated when the sticks, so I have never finished one. If I do get the controller tomorrow, I may play that since all my friends will be getting cod next week and I am in no hurry to grab the game.

 

[Krioni]

Damn that sucks. Maybe I can by an extension that I can plug one of my old cell chargers into so I can play it from my recliner and not have to worry about my kids or dog kicking it. Thanks Krioni.

You're quite welcome!

In a way, I don't like that they switched, but the Micro USB is certainly a better, more compact form factor. So, I understand the decision and think in the long run it's the better way to go... just stinks for now since it means new cables.

I went ahead and ordered a 10' Micro USB from eBay so that I can use the controller on the PS3 from a little farther back.

You'll probably be just as cheap finding a longer cord versus finding an extension cable. But who knows.

 

[American Gunner]

You're quite welcome!

In a way, I don't like that they switched, but the Micro USB is certainly a better, more compact form factor. So, I understand the decision and think in the long run it's the better way to go... just stinks for now since it means new cables.

I went ahead and ordered a 10' Micro USB from eBay so that I can use the controller on the PS3 from a little farther back.

You'll probably be just as cheap finding a longer cord versus finding an extension cable. But who knows.

Yeah, I will be in the city tomorrow, so maybe I can swing by a couple stores or a best buy and find a 10 foot micro, that way I can use it right away. If not, then I am sure I can get a cheap one online somewhere.

 

[KentState]

You're quite welcome!

In a way, I don't like that they switched, but the Micro USB is certainly a better, more compact form factor. So, I understand the decision and think in the long run it's the better way to go... just stinks for now since it means new cables.

I went ahead and ordered a 10' Micro USB from eBay so that I can use the controller on the PS3 from a little farther back.

You'll probably be just as cheap finding a longer cord versus finding an extension cable. But who knows.

I believe the cycle rate for micro USB connectors is much higher. Should mean that the socket on the controller is less prone to wearing out over time.

I'm still up in the air on the DS4. I got mine earlier this week and while things have improved, so areas are very questionable to me. The biggest gripe is the textured plastic which I would rather be more rubberized. I also don't like how the triggers are finished and the rough edge where my middle fingers rest below them. I would rate it a 7/10, 8/10 for the DS3 while the 360 is a solid 9/10

 

[futurefields]

As long as Sony keeps the analog sticks on an even plane like that the control will always lose out to the Xbox controller. Offset analog sticks is the way to go.

 

[American Gunner]

As long as Sony keeps the analog sticks on an even plane like that the control will always lose out to the Xbox controller. Offset analog sticks is the way to go.

I don't know man, I look at my hands and they look pretty identical, so you may be wrong there.

In all seriousness, I picked up the controller this weekend and played around with it, and it is a huge upgrade to the ds3. I still don't think I like it as much as the xbox controller, but I don't hate it like I do the ds3.

 

[purbeast0]

As long as Sony keeps the analog sticks on an even plane like that the control will always lose out to the Xbox controller. Offset analog sticks is the way to go.

it's funny you say this. i was playing killer instinct on xbox1 this weekend at the tour, and i hate playing fighters on pads but i had no option. and when i don't have an option, i have to go for the dpad and i can't use analog sticks for fighters at all.

i noticed like 1/2 the matches i played, at the beginning of the match my left thumb would be on the analog, not the dpad. and it was just because that is where the "primary" spot for the controller is for me. then after like 2-3 seconds, i conciously thought about how i was using the wrong control for the task at hand.

but since the location of it is in the prime position, i just had my thumb there out of habit. resting my thumb where the x1 dpad is (same spot as the left analog on ps controllers) just doesn't feel natural.

 

[smackababy]

Because it isn't natural. The natural resting position is where the analog stick is. Sony is just too stubborn to change their design and look like they are copying MS though.

 

[Fulle]

Left and right human hands are symmetrical. Asymmetrical thumb sticks don't correct anything ergonomically.

 

[Krioni]

Left and right human hands are symmetrical. Asymmetrical thumb sticks don't correct anything ergonomically.

Left me preface by saying I'm in the Sony/Playstation camp.

However, I think the argument is, given that the analogue stick is used as the primary left hand input on *most* games (particularly FPS), the offset configuration actually is the more ergonomic setup.

I personally prefer the symmetrical sticks on the Sony line, however, I can appreciate the logical argument that others make for the asymmetrical setup.

 

[smackababy]

Left me preface by saying I'm in the Sony/Playstation camp.

However, I think the argument is, given that the analogue stick is used as the primary left hand input on *most* games (particularly FPS), the offset configuration actually is the more ergonomic setup.

I personally prefer the symmetrical sticks on the Sony line, however, I can appreciate the logical argument that others make for the asymmetrical setup.

It isn't even about them being asymmetrical, just the left hand is primarily used on the thumb stick and the most natural position is in the upper most slot. The right hand stick isn't the in most comfortable, but many games have you switching between the stick and the buttons. Given that logic, having the buttons in the most comfortable position does help, because you can easily move to and from it with ease.

 

[Fulle]

It's not a logical argument.

The reason why the 360 controller is more comfortable on the left analog, is because the left analog's positioning is closer to what would be natural. It's not ideally placed, since it would completely murder D pad placement, but it's pretty good. The Left analog stick is just a tad high on a 360 controller.

Meanwhile, Playstation analog sticks were just taped onto a design that originally didn't have analog sticks, with minimal adjustments, and were TERRIBLE ergonomically.

I think how bad the DS3 is, vs the Xbox360 controller, has people getting the wrong idea on asymmetrical analog placement being some kind of secret sauce, when it's not.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Because it isn't natural. The natural resting position is where the analog stick is. Sony is just too stubborn to change their design and look like they are copying MS though.

Stubborn to change the design? It's worked fine for 20 years.

The natural resting place is on the analog stick for games that use analog movement. I have absolutely no issue transitioning between Xbox and Playstation controls whatsoever.

In fact when I grab a controller the most natural position has my thumbs pointed inward toward eachother so that places my left thumb cleanly on the xbox d-pad. I have to actually adjust where my thumb rests on the xbox controller. Like I said though, I have no problem making the transition seemlessly. The reason I would argue the xbox design isn't as natural is it has your thumbs pointed in different directions. When grabbing a handle with either hand your thumb tucks around and rests right under your fingers naturally. Between the two setups it really isn't much of an issue at all to me.

 

[purbeast0]

Stubborn to change the design? It's worked fine for 20 years.

The natural resting place is on the analog stick for games that use analog movement. I have absolutely no issue transitioning between Xbox and Playstation controls whatsoever.

In fact when I grab a controller the most natural position has my thumbs pointed inward toward eachother so that places my left thumb cleanly on the xbox d-pad. I have to actually adjust where my thumb rests on the xbox controller. Like I said though, I have no problem making the transition seemlessly. The reason I would argue the xbox design isn't as natural is it has your thumbs pointed in different directions. When grabbing a handle with either hand your thumb tucks around and rests right under your fingers naturally. Between the two setups it really isn't much of an issue at all to me.

totally depends on the game you are playing. most games i'm playing on the 360 my thumbs are both in the same resting place on their respective side, pointing in the same direction. 1 on the left analog, one on the face buttons on the right.

 

[cmdrdredd]

totally depends on the game you are playing. most games i'm playing on the 360 my thumbs are both in the same resting place on their respective side, pointing in the same direction. 1 on the left analog, one on the face buttons on the right.

I seem to always put my right thumb on the analog stick on first pick up. After that I have my bearings and I go.


I don't really see an issue with any controller design out there today, except for the WiiU being slightly heavy.

 

[purbeast0]

I seem to always put my right thumb on the analog stick on first pick up. After that I have my bearings and I go.


I don't really see an issue with any controller design out there today, except for the WiiU being slightly heavy.

the fact that your thumbs can touch when using both analog sticks shows that it's a poor design. when i used to play stardust hd often, my thumbs would touch regularly during that game, as well as slide off of and convex analog sticks, which i'm glad are now gone.

 

[exdeath]

I'm fine with both. Making a big deal out of nothing.

 

[American Gunner]

I didn't have any problem with thumb placement on the ds4. It is a little more spread out now, so I didn't have issues with my thumbs touching. It is a really good controller, and I am liking it the more I use it.

 

[Fulle]

I was thinking about this, and the car analogy where they'll all start looking the same due to aerodynamics, applies here. The human hand isn't going to change, so controller designs are starting to look similar.

You can't have ideally placed analogs, since it would take too much away from comfortable button and D pad placement. So, you need to move a little up or down from the analog stick placement "sweet spot" on each side.

Nintendo's Wii U Pro controller has analog sticks that are a little high from the sweet spot on each side. High left High right.

The DS4 is a Low left, Low right.
The Xbox360 is a high left, low right.

The new Valve controller has it's trackpads set in the sweet spot on each side, but needed to sacrifice face button access to pull it off.

The DS3 had analogs that were low on each side, but ALSO too far to the center of the controller, making them worse than if they were just a bit low. The controller was also too small, made of a slippery plastic, the analogs also lacked grip, and the triggers were not shaped correctly. All adding up to terrible ergonomics in games using the analog sticks.

Meanwhile, in the Xbox360 controller, DS4, and Wii U pro controller, they all have analogs close to the sweet spot, just adjusted to be a little bit low or high, for access to face buttons and the D pad. And they all feel acceptable ergonomically in games using the analog sticks, they're just handling the problem a little differently.