Consoles have come a long way from the odd and archaic devices we notice when we look into the past. Thankfully, controllers have also evolved with the times and the ones for the PS5 and Xbox Series X are nothing short of groundbreaking technology.
Each controller has its pros and cons, so it's crucial to be aware of them before committing to the purchase of any next-generation system. The best way to identify these boons and busts is to compare different controllers. Particularly the two most popular that have likely had the most time and resources put into their development.
10 Color
Being able to choose the color of one's controller is a nice feature that allows players to make a unique and satisfying cosmetic decision. The PS4 and Xbox One both had some nice options, so many are hopeful that the next generation controllers will provide an equal, or greater, selection. So far, the PS5 seems to only have the black and white color scheme for its DualSense Wireless Controller, whereas the Xbox Series X's controller can come in solid black, solid white, or solid blue.
9 Difference From Predecessors
Controller layout evolution heavily depends on the needs of the new games being created as well as tech style trends. Big changes are not necessarily good, as time-tested functions can be emulated for the benefit of all. Don't fix it if it is not broken. Though, innovations can lead to setting a new standard for what is considered the ideal norm. The new Xbox controller is very similar to those from previous consoles, the biggest difference is a single new button. The PS5 controller on the other hand looks to be attempting to improve on the PS4's handheld masterpiece with many new features in addition to a few old ones.
8 Design
The comfort of a gamer is crucial when it comes to controller design. Having to bend one's fingers at odd angles, especially for hours on end, can result in not only less desire to continue playing games but also in health concerns. Thankfully, Sony and Microsoft have taken this into consideration and have both put forth ergonomically pleasing devices, although the latter insists upon keeping the same layout as previous controllers, meaning the analog sticks are still asymmetrical. Aside from this, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers get approval from most gamers.
7 Texture
Tactility is a subjective aspect that many people are split upon. The grip on thumbsticks is a good idea and this feature is present on both the PS5 and Xbox controllers, though on other parts of the debate rages on.
Sony's DualSense controller has smooth triggers and bumpers, whereas its Microsoft counterpart has bumpy surfaces. Finger-slips on the triggers and bumpers are far less common than those on the analog sticks, but for those with sweaty hands, this could be an important aspect.
6 Share/Create Button
On the Dualshock 4 controller for the PS4, there is a handy Share button that lets players save video clips and screenshot their favorite moments in their digital adventures. This novel idea has been so popular that the new DualSense controller has upgraded it to a "Create" button that allows all the same functions, plus a few hinted-at new ones. This was such a desirable idea that the new Xbox controller has added such a button as well, though its iteration has stuck with the "Share Button" moniker. It's likely to be on par with the PS4's Share button, though not likely to be anything groundbreaking as it is clearly an idea stolen from the Dualshock 4.
5 Audio
Both of the new controllers come with a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack for the usual headset/headphone interaction. The PS5's controller will, like its predecessor, have a built-in speaker and microphone. Both are expected to be of equal or greater quality than the ones in the PS4's controller. Sadly, the Xbox's equivalent has no such audio features with which to compare.
4 Feedback
'Haptic Feedback' is a term Sony and Microsoft have been throwing out a lot when mentioning their new controllers. This is actually a general term that pertains to all physical-sensory operated devices. Controllers have had haptic feedback since the "Rumble Pak" days of the late '90s.
The kind of feedback advertised is apparently more specific in location upon the controller with many more subtle vibrations as opposed to a few big ones. Sony tends to make a bigger deal about this, so it may be that they're packing some secret rumble technology.
3 Triggers
These are the buttons that see the most use in modern racing, shooting, and other action-oriented genres. Another buzzword floating around is "Adaptive" and usually finds itself in front of "Trigger". Apparently, these new controllers can both act on their own and adjust the sensitivity of the triggers depending on the situation in-game. Once more, Sony tends to be swinging this fact around more, which again makes people wonder if they have a trick up their sleeve with this tech.
2 Compatibility
Gaming is becoming more and more expensive, so an increasing amount of people look for ways to continue using older pieces of technology. Due to all the new technology in the modern gaming industry compared to seven years ago, there is simply a lot more that goes into the hardware these days. This means backward compatibility can be tricky and incomplete. The DualSense controller seems to be PS5-only and the console itself will likely be DualSense-only. Though, sideways compatibility is on the rise for some. Xbox's new controller can apparently be used on the Xbox One, Windows 10, and some Android devices.
1 Price
With all these new features and advanced technology, a controller costs about as much as a new game. And with older controllers not being able to make the best connection with the next generation consoles, anyone who wants to play locally with another person may end up having a lighter wallet than they want. The Xbox Series X controller will apparently be $59.99, while the PS5 controller will be more expensive at $69.99. Will the latter be worth the additional money? Only time will tell.