The PlayStation vs Xbox Controller debate has been a longstanding one. For years, gamers have long argued about which controller is the best for gaming. After all, they are the two most popular gaming consoles on the market. This debate reignited when the latest Playstation and Xbox versions were released in 2020.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers were unique in several aspects compared to previous controllers. Choosing which console would be the best for you takes time and effort.
In this PS5 Controller vs Xbox Controller comparison article, we’ll compare them using categories such as price, design, ergonomics, and more to see which controllers would give gamers the ultimate gaming experience.
1. Price Difference
The price of the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X controller would depend on several factors, such as the retailer where you plan to purchase your preferred controller, the version you’ll buy, and if you want to purchase more accessories along with the controller.
It also depends on whether you’ll buy the controller alone or the entire console.
The Xbox Series X controller is cheaper than the PS5 controller as long as you purchase it alone. If you are planning to buy the controller together with the console, you will get a lower price purchasing the PS5 with its controller.
Single Controller Price
If you plan to purchase the controllers alone, the PS5 DualSense controller retails at around $69.99, while the Xbox Series X controller is usually sold at $59.99.
While the Xbox Series X controller seems the winner here, purchasing it would be more expensive if you choose to get the rechargeable version, which would cost you an extra $24.99.
Furthermore, suppose you decide to get the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 instead of the regular or rechargeable version of the Xbox Series X controller.
In that case, you’ll have to prepare a whopping $179.99. Despite its hefty price tag, this controller is rechargeable and has more features and customization.
Console + Controller Price
If you plan to purchase an entire PS5 DualSense console with the controller, you’ll most likely pay around $559.99, although you can buy it for much cheaper if you’re lucky enough to spot a promotional offer.
On the other hand, the Xbox Series X console is a cheaper alternative, retailing at around $499.99. While that’s a $60 price difference, it’s always worth remembering that price isn’t always everything, and both consoles are discounted at various retailers occasionally.
2. Design
Pitting the PS5 vs Xbox Controller when it comes to design is tricky since, as the old saying goes, beauty is in the hands of the beholder. Nevertheless, Sony and Microsoft took different paths when they developed new designs for their consoles.
While the PS5 DualSense adopted a brand new look compared to the previous PS4 DualShoock, Microsoft didn’t radically change the Xbox Series X controller.
It even looks similar to the previous Xbox One controller at a glance. Design-wise, Microsoft took the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach when developing the Xbox Series X controller.
The PS5 DualSense is the winner in the design category.
But just because Microsoft did not make any significant changes to the Xbox Series X controller, it doesn’t mean the Xbox Series X doesn’t have new features.
Their most important improvement for the console is its d-pad, which now features a curved eight-way disc d-pad, perfect for more complex inputs in specific video game genres such as fighting games.
However, the winner in the design category goes to the PS5 DualSense. As mentioned earlier, Sony made more remarkable changes to the PS5 than the PS4, such as the white-and-black color scheme that compliments the glow from the touchpad and the gray color of its keys, compared to the primarily black color scheme of the new Xbox controller.
Sony also added new features to the PS5 DualSense, such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in microphone and speaker to talk directly to your friends with the console instead of using a headset.
Are you left-handed? Check out if there is a left-handed Xbox controller.
3. Ergonomics
When comparing the new Playstation vs Xbox controller regarding ergonomics and comfort, it would boil down to hand size and comfort preferences.
But while both controllers feel great in hand, the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers have unique designs and features which significantly affect ergonomics and comfort.
With its straightforward boomerang design and button layout, the Xbox Series X controller fits snuggly in most hands, and its analog sticks are made so that thumbs can easily reach them. Its d-pad received some upgrades, and the buttons feel more tactile and durable, making it perfect for intense gaming.
The Xbox controller also feels lighter, even with batteries on.
Regarding the ergonomics, they are very similar: the Xbox Series X is designed for intense gaming, while the PS5 controller fits naturally into the index fingers of most gamers.
Even though some of these features, coupled with the smaller handles, provide a degree of comfort for most gamers, the textured triggers on the Xbox Series X feel stiffer, making it harder to press than even the triggers from the previous Xbox One.
As for the PS5 DualSense, the controller is a vast improvement compared to the PS4 DualShock. For one, the PS5 sports a more extended handle and triggers that would fit more naturally into the index fingers of most gamers.
The controller also has a more textured and grippy surface, especially in the action buttons, adding to the design and comfort.
4. Input Latency
No gamer likes buggy and slow devices that lag regularly, so comparing the PS5 vs Xbox Series X Controller when it comes to latency is crucial. However, the difference between the two controllers in terms of latency can be difficult to see since both consoles feature less input latency than their predecessors.
When playing games on a PC, the Xbox Series X controller beats the PS5 DualSense regarding input lag since it provides more native support to most Windows computers than the PS5. In addition, many of the PS5’s most advanced features won’t always work seamlessly when connected to a computer.
Although the difference between them is almost insignificant, we can say that the PS5 Dualsense controller latency is slightly lower than the Xbox Series X controller.
But comparing the input latency of the two controllers becomes more complicated when going beyond PC gaming.
The Xbox Series X controller possesses what Microsoft calls the “Dynamic Latency Input technology,” which allows the controller to send information to the console and the television or computer more frequently, allowing actions to match up with the output.
On the other hand, the PS4 DualShock already brags some of the lowest input latency for a controller, so the PS5 should naturally have a low input latency as well.
Nevertheless, the input latency difference between the Xbox Series X controller and the PS5 DualSense controller is minor, especially to the naked eye.
But even when using milliseconds (ms) and frames per second (fps) to compare the input latency of the Xbox Series X controller and the PS5 DualSense controller, the difference is still insignificant, though the PS5 wins over.
5. PC Support
Before the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers were released, gamers could only play games on their PC with either a good old keyboard or an Xbox since it provides more significant support for PC gaming. On the contrary, Sony’s PlayStation was not as friendly as other devices.
Although things have largely changed since Sony launched the PS4 DualShock and, subsequently, the PS5 DualSense, Xbox controllers are still the go-to console for PC gaming.
The Xbox Series X controller is undoubtedly not an exception. Using it on computers wouldn’t usually require gamers to install apps and drivers or tinker with their PCs just to make it work.
The Xbox Series X Controller beats the PS5 Controller with regards to PC support. Microsoft loves PCs, while Sony prefers console environments.
To make it work, gamers only need to plug the Xbox controller into their computer via USB or Bluetooth, and they can play their favorite games. Many PC games also provide Xbox support, giving them broad access to games.
In contrast, the PS5 DualSense needs a bit of setup to make it work with computers, and it won’t always perform as smoothly as expected. For starters, gamers must install the PlayStation Remote Play app on their PC or Mac before connecting their PS5 to their computers.
In addition, while platforms such as Steam support the PS5 DualSense, not all games would work with it, even those that previously worked with the PS4 DualShock. Also, because not all games support the PS5 DualSense, some might even detect it as Xbox, not to mention that its most advanced features won’t work seamlessly with PC.
Is the PS5 Controller Better Than Xbox Controller?
The PS5 DualSense offers more advanced features such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, trackpads, and even microphones when playing with friends. However, many gamers still prefer the Xbox Series X controller since it allows them to play their favorite games via PC, something that’s a little difficult to do with PS5.
That being said, the PS5 Controller isn’t necessarily better than Xbox or the other way around. The best console is the one you choose for your lifestyle. The answer to this question would depend on you. Every gamer has their preferences. They enjoy different controllers for different reasons.
Discover how to use the Xbox controller on PS5.
Is It Better to Use a PS5 Controller or an Xbox Controller on a PC?
The Xbox Series X controller works more smoothly and efficiently with PC due to the native drivers in Windows computers. Most Windows computers also have the Xbox Console Companion and Xbox Game Bar apps installed, making the setup more straightforward.
In addition, many PC games have built-in compatibility with Xbox controllers and the ability to remap buttons. Connecting the Xbox Series X controller to a computer via Bluetooth is also effortless since it can be connected with a Bluetooth dongle or, more commonly, integrated Bluetooth from Windows computers.
Conversely, playing games on a computer using the PS5 DualSense would require more time, effort, and tinkering. Some apps would be installed, and there’s no guarantee that all of DualSense’s features would work.
So in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X controller battle in computer gaming, the Xbox Series X wins easily, although if you are willing to put in some effort and sacrifice some features, the PS5 DualSense will work as well.
PS5 Controller Vs Xbox Controller: Takeaway
The PS5 controller vs Xbox controller debate puts gamers in a tricky position. Both controllers possess fantastic qualities.
The PS5 DualSense sports a futuristic look and is packed with unique features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make gaming more realistic.
The Xbox Series X controller not only beats the PS5 DualSense in terms of price but also in versatility and battery life. It’s also an obvious choice for those who prefer playing games on a computer.
It offers outstanding support for PC gaming, and setting up the Xbox Series X controller on your computer requires only a few easy steps.
Nevertheless, the best controller would still depend on you, Player. Before buying a controller or console, ask yourself how you plan to use them so you won’t regret your purchase.
