What new console should I get? (controller concerns)

[Pr0d1gy]

You're kind of a dumbass

Thanks.

OP, I understand the desire to play a certain game, but do you not already own a PS3 or 360? This game is releasing on both of those platforms and you could save a ton of money by going that route.

 

[cmdrdredd]

If you only care about the controller and absolutely nothing else, get the Xbox One. The Xbox360 controller is perfect to hold and use (and I have a PS3 and PS4... had an Xbox360, sold it). Meaning Xbox One controller is perfect too

While the PS4 controller is greatly improved from PS3 (my hands were getting numb from that POS!), it's not as good as the Xbox360 one, let alone the Xbox One. I do enjoy playing games on the PS4, but I miss the Xbox 360 controller.

You can play and charge the PS4 controller (I do that when I forget to plug it in after playing some games and the battery dies). The battery will last you for a few hours (I did not manage to kill it in one day yet...) but it's noticeably shorter than my Xbox 360 controllers.

So my vote goes to Xbox One (again, if you only care about the controller).

No, the controller is not the same as the 360 /facepalm

It is narrower(the 360 controller is wider), not as rounded off on the edges, has taller analog sticks, different triggers which are softer, and harder (for me) to hit RB and LB buttons.

 

[cmdrdredd]

thanks for all the feedback! So what I actually ended up doing is just buying both controllers to test out (gift card) - they both do work on PC right? (Im pretty sure with some tinkering I can try them out in some games.) Once I choose one, I know a few people with systems that could use either a XBONE or PS4 controller.

Im really hoping the PS4 wins out, or at least is as good as the Bone, because if I have to give anyone money I think Id rather have it be Sony than MS.

And yes I actually am buying this for pretty much ONE game. (we played this game almost every day) I mean im sure if a few of my friends pick up some dumb game we can all play together ill give it a shot, but hockey is the only reason im buying a system. Id love to just not buy either because Id rather just strictly play on PC, and put my money where my mouth is, but im caving on this one. Too bad nintendo's system is so underpowered. I would have no problem at all getting behind them.

Does anyone know the state of getting these two controllers to work on PC?

And also - can you play and charge with the ps4 controller at the same time? Im a little worried about the battery issue someone mentioned.

The ps4 controller needs a small utility called DS4 tool for the pc. You plug the controller into your PC, run the utility, set your options, minimize the utility and go. The utility will force the DS4 to emulate a Xbox 360 controller so as far as windows and games are concerned it thinks you have a 360 controller plugged in. It is supposed to work over bluetooth as well but I have not tested it, it works perfectly when plugged in though.

The XB1 has native drivers available.

This is the link to the DS4 tool to get the ps4 controller working on PC.
http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-DS4-To-XInput-Wrapper

 

[Qbah]

No, the controller is not the same as the 360 /facepalm

It is narrower(the 360 controller is wider), not as rounded off on the edges, has taller analog sticks, different triggers which are softer, and harder (for me) to hit RB and LB buttons.

I played with the Xbox One controller and it felt just as awesome in my hands as the Xbox 360 one... so as far as I'm concerned, they're perfect the same way

 

[cmdrdredd]

I played with the Xbox One controller and it felt just as awesome in my hands as the Xbox 360 one... so as far as I'm concerned, they're perfect the same way

Fine but it is noticeably different. Saying it is good because the 360 controller was good is not always going to be true for everyone because of the changes.

 

[TeknoBug]

I really like the DS4 controller, it's super light and small, I liked the 360's controller but hate the XB1's controller because it feels so large. With the DS4, just turn off vibration and turn the speaker volume down to zero and you're good for a day's worth of gaming on a full charge- I also bought a extended cell phone battery pack (2800mA?) and have used it a couple times so far. I bought one of those Nykos packs you attach to the controller as well but it didn't fit so I took it back.

I'm in the same boat as OP, I hate EA but NHL series is the only way to play hockey games (I love hockey and football games), part of why I got myself a PS4, other reasons is Gran Turismo and formally Driveclub (kind of lost interest in that now).

I have used the DS4 SCP driver for Windows, works perfectly.

 

[gorcorps]

I like the DS4 much more than the DS3, but still have some problems with the analog sticks. They're still a little too smooth and I have to adjust my thumbs at times. I've been meaning to get some of those aftermarket caps that help this, but I shouldn't need to. Battery life is also an issue, but I have a charging dock so it really isn't a dealbreaker IMO.

That said I think the 360 controller was actually better than the XB1. The new controller seems overly bulky and just doesn't feel as good, but I haven't spent much time with it.

Overall I picked the PS4 for the games alone, both exclusives and the cross-platforms that run better on PS4. There aren't a lot of games still, but the ones I've played have made me happy I went the PS4 route.

 

[mnewsham]

It is supposed to work over bluetooth as well but I have not tested it, it works perfectly when plugged in though.

Just to add, from my experiences it works just fine over bluetooth as well, though I have only messed around with it briefly.

 

[Bman123]

I will say this about the ds4 controller. The material on the thumb sticks is very cheap, it feels good but wears out. I had to send my controller in to Sony last Thursday. I did buy a set of grip itz, it was $8 at GameStop for 4 pieces but if they keep my sticks from wearing out its worth it

 

[cmdrdredd]

I will say this about the ds4 controller. The material on the thumb sticks is very cheap, it feels good but wears out. I had to send my controller in to Sony last Thursday. I did buy a set of grip itz, it was $8 at GameStop for 4 pieces but if they keep my sticks from wearing out its worth it

Supposedly all the new controllers have a revised rubber compound to prevent them from wearing down and ripping. Mine got slick so I bought the gel tabz from gamestop. Probably the same ones you got. They work fine for their purpose.

 

[Drako]

Another vote for the Xbox One controller.

The DS4 is much improved over the DS3, but I still prefer the feel of the Xbox One controller.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

Got my DS4 in today. Played about 20 mins of borderlands 2 so far.

I will say it is still gonna take some adjusting to. I think I have to grip the controller a little differently, which seems less comfortable at the moment, but it could just be because im used to 360 controllers.

I kind of wish the controller were shaped more like this /-\ and less like this |-| if you know what i mean. I kind of have to keep my elbows closer together to hold it correctly.

I also have to use a different part of my finger to hit the bumpers. I think the 360 controller has a huge advantage here. On the 360, you use the fattest part of your finger, and barely have to do any work to click it. The DS4, you have to actually press with either the middle or top of your finger - which isnt as nice. The triggers still feel better on the 360 controller as well.

Again all this could just take some getting used to, but these are just my first impressions. Have tried the bone controller yet (coming in this week), but I do remember it also feeling kind of awkward in store.

Anyone know the plans for both on PC? Will official drivers be released for either for sure? Does MS plan on releasing a dongle? I know both are kind of half-baked right now, but one reason why I prefered 360 over DS3 is because of how great it works on PC. Ive heard a ton of rumors over the last year, but nothing for sure as far as i know.

EDIT: Also just read a few things to consider (not controller related).
Sony - shareplay will be coming out soon, which lets you invite a friend to play a game with you even if they dont own the game
MS - allows playback of mkv files - which would be really sweet for a media center setup, but I have a computer hooked up to my TV, so kind of pointless for me.

 

[ImpulsE69]

For the DS4 will it charge over a regular USB cable or does it need the special charger?

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

For the DS4 will it charge over a regular USB cable or does it need the special charger?

Regular micro USB cable - which ISNT included if you buy the controller by itself. Good thing I have a bunch lying around.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Got my DS4 in today. Played about 20 mins of borderlands 2 so far.

I will say it is still gonna take some adjusting to. I think I have to grip the controller a little differently, which seems less comfortable at the moment, but it could just be because im used to 360 controllers.

I kind of wish the controller were shaped more like this /-\ and less like this |-| if you know what i mean. I kind of have to keep my elbows closer together to hold it correctly.

I also have to use a different part of my finger to hit the bumpers. I think the 360 controller has a huge advantage here. On the 360, you use the fattest part of your finger, and barely have to do any work to click it. The DS4, you have to actually press with either the middle or top of your finger - which isnt as nice. The triggers still feel better on the 360 controller as well.

Again all this could just take some getting used to, but these are just my first impressions. Have tried the bone controller yet (coming in this week), but I do remember it also feeling kind of awkward in store.

Anyone know the plans for both on PC? Will official drivers be released for either for sure? Does MS plan on releasing a dongle? I know both are kind of half-baked right now, but one reason why I prefered 360 over DS3 is because of how great it works on PC. Ive heard a ton of rumors over the last year, but nothing for sure as far as i know.

EDIT: Also just read a few things to consider (not controller related).
Sony - shareplay will be coming out soon, which lets you invite a friend to play a game with you even if they dont own the game
MS - allows playback of mkv files - which would be really sweet for a media center setup, but I have a computer hooked up to my TV, so kind of pointless for me.

The xb1 controller has native drivers right now. The ds4 likely never will but it is OK, the ds4 tool works great.

 

[TeknoBug]

About the XB1's controller, I feel like I have to "reach" or stretch my fingers to use the top two trigger buttons, and yes the bottom triggers are a bit stiffer too. Compared to the 360 and PS3/PS4 controllers, it's less ergonomic.

 

[cmdrdredd]

About the XB1's controller, I feel like I have to "reach" or stretch my fingers to use the top two trigger buttons, and yes the bottom triggers are a bit stiffer too. Compared to the 360 and PS3/PS4 controllers, it's less ergonomic.

This is something I notice too and mentioned. The LB and RB are harder to hit than I would like. My biggest gripe if I had to list one is still the sharper angles on the handles. I like a controller to be more rounded.

 

[Dumac]

I know you are buying the console for just one game, but I would really suggest taking a look at each consoles exclusives.

Xbox:
Halo, Forza, Killer Instinct, Sunset Overdrive

PS4:
Uncharted, Infamous, Order: 1886, Bloodborne, Deep Down, niche Japanese games.

I also do most of my gaming on PC, but there are still some great console titles worth playing.

 

[Lil Frier]

Do you all have small hands? I haven't tried the DS4, but I don't feel like the One's bumpers are tough to hit at all. Maybe it's just that I've been on the 360 for so long, and the overall shape is very similar, so I'm fairly used to the placement of things. Then again, I like the original Xbox controller a lot, the one everyone treated as an oversized monstrosity.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I will say that the things I don't really like about the xb1 controller were perfectly fine on the 360.

 

[Fulle]

The PS4 and Xbox One both have great controllers.

I'd say that people with smaller hands will probably enjoy the Xbox One controller pretty well, but those with big man hands might like the 360 controller more. Bumpers are a little stiff in the center, but are easy to press on the edges. Nice responsive analogs, and improved triggers, make me think it's slightly better than the 360 controller overall.

The DS4 is great ergonomically, in my opinion anyway, and has few flaws... EXCEPT, it's battery life. If long 5+ hour gaming sessions are a thing for you, you'll need at least 2 of them (so one can always be charging).

 

[mnewsham]

The DS4 is great ergonomically, in my opinion anyway, and has few flaws... EXCEPT, it's battery life. If long 5+ hour gaming sessions are a thing for you, you'll need at least 2 of them (so one can always be charging).

That or just have a standard cell phone charger or a USB port nearby to charge it while you're playing. I have a 10000mAh portable battery pack that I will bring with me when I head to a friends house to play. But otherwise I just have it plugged into the wall while gaming with a 10ft micro usb cable.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

I know you are buying the console for just one game, but I would really suggest taking a look at each consoles exclusives.

Xbox:
Halo, Forza, Killer Instinct, Sunset Overdrive

PS4:
Uncharted, Infamous, Order: 1886, Bloodborne, Deep Down, niche Japanese games.

I also do most of my gaming on PC, but there are still some great console titles worth playing.

I said that to myself last time, but for whatever reason I never got around to playing any console games. I bought The last of us for ps3 and played maybe 3 hours. I signed up for PS+ to get free games in anticipation of getting a ps4.

Besides playing Halo or Destiny with friends, my gaming preferences have changed a ton now that im almost 30. My favorite games to play over the last few years are mostly indie games, and games you can pick up and put down easily. TLOU was just too much of a commitment. I wish I had the time or desire to play it, and i hope i do someday, but for now its just not that appealing to me.

 

[railven]

I will say that the things I don't really like about the xb1 controller were perfectly fine on the 360.

This is my opinion. The Xbone controller is smaller, and I for one have large hands.

I just can't seem to find that perfect fit with the Xbone controller. It could be that due to poor DS3 support on PC I've used a X360 controller for years, but if I had to stack them, X360 controller is far better than Xbone controller (my opinion).

As far as I know, none of the PC titles even use the "advanced" features of the Xbone controller. On my PC I've tested using 4 controllers, and for PC support I'd rank them: X360 > Xbone > DS4 > DS3 (due to native driver support.)

But that DSTool has made the DS4 my front runner for preference due simply to I've been gaming on a Sony style controller twice as long as a MSFT design (look back at old PC Joypads, they copied Sony's layout) so it just feels more natural.


Controller wise, it's totally subjective. Fortunately on the PC side all but the DS3 have great support and should fall specifically to preference. Console side, well, I guess that's a bigger fish. If it's all really just for one game, I guess the peripheral functions don't really matter.

 

[TeknoBug]

Do you all have small hands? I haven't tried the DS4, but I don't feel like the One's bumpers are tough to hit at all. Maybe it's just that I've been on the 360 for so long, and the overall shape is very similar, so I'm fairly used to the placement of things. Then again, I like the original Xbox controller a lot, the one everyone treated as an oversized monstrosity.

No the 360 controller is not similar sized, I've had my 360 for years and have been using triggers and bumpers all the time (like in Forza, with middle finger resting the brakes and main finger on L1 for clutch while shifting gears) and when I went to play Forza 5 at a shop, it was the first thing I noticed and I was unable to use both my fingers while barely being able to reach the left stick- the top two buttons are higher and even the sticks are higher.