PS4 Wireless Controller vs Xbox Wireless Controller: A Super Serious Battle-Fight

Welcome to Battle-Fights, where I pit two things that are mostly the same and tell you which one would win in a metaphorical fight. There'll be points scored and a conclusion that won't align with popular opinion for the sake of SEO. Why is there a Nintendo Switch wireless controller in the photo even though it's not a part of this competition? Why am I doing this?

Good questions.

In the blue corner, we have the DualShock 4 wireless controller, the champion of 1 bazillion PS4 consoles and one bright, dumb light.

In the red corner, we have the Xbox One wireless controller sporting the correct control stick layout and plastics only a few grades above a take-out box. 

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Round 1: Style

Arguably the most important factor in buying a new video game console is the controller. If you're interested in any exclusives, don't think "Oh that seems fun to play", you should think "Will the controller match my ninja turtle t-shirt, basketball shorts, and mismatched socks?"

Well, the Xbox wireless controller comes in a big o' variety of colorways. Here's one of them I've reviewed previously. There's also the wonderful custom controller option for those willing to pay a premium for a more personalized look. 

The DS4 also comes in different colors, but there's no 1st party customization option. The Xbox wireless controller scores it's first point.

DS4 0, XWC 1

Round 2: Power

This is no contest: the Xbox controller completely dunks on the DS4 here in that it offers you options. Yes, you'll have to buy rechargeable AA batteries, or a battery pack, or a big old thing of disposable AA batteries, but the trade-off here is that you get to decide what power options works best for you. You can even use the Xbox controller as a wired controller with no batteries installed if you wanted to. 

The other benefit is that you can hot-swap battery packs mid-game when your power gets low. No need to sit awkwardly close to yer TV with a cat-liability cord slowly charging your controller while you play.

You see, the PS4 controller has one non-removeable rechargeable battery as a one-size-fits-all solution and it works. But that's dumb, because more options are always good. The Xbox controller wins again.

DS4 0, XWC 2

Round 3: Control

The DS4 famously includes two silly features: an awkwardly placed touchpad and a big o' light on it's backside. Otherwise, its balance and weight feel wonderful and its material feels sturdy enough to impress a Nokia phone. The buttons all click and the sticks stick-em-up as well as the best of 'em, too.

The Xbox controller has no dumb gimmicks, but it does have the awesome rumble-triggers that only a few games actually used. It's a shame, because they add another layer of immersion in games like Forza Motorsport 7. Thank goodness the PS5 controller copies this feature and improves on it.

The Xbox controller also has buttons and sticks, but its plastic feels freakin' cheap, and Microsoft is in the middle of a lawsuit for stick-drift afflicted controllers. In fact, my custom controller suffered the same thing right from the box which is absolutely pathetic.

But, hey, the sticks are diagonally opposed and that works better for my hands. Score 3 for Xbox.

DS4 0, XWC 3

Conclusion

Dudes, the best controller is the one that you like. What I value most in a controller isn't always gonna be what you value in a controller. Sometimes you'll see weird arguments for why one controller is better than the other as if we all have the same tastes and preferences. Like this time. But it was a trick. Don't you like feeling betrayed by an article? 

Anyway, that same is true for any man on the internet with opinions trying to tell you which thing is better than another thing. They'll even say, "It's my own opinion," when its clear they have a huge influence, as if they're trying to be both humble and tell people what they want to hear (and what to buy) at the same time.

My goal is to have fun talking about whatever I feel like along with you, and to occasionally push you to try out a new thing.  I like to enjoy things and I'm a big supporter of you enjoying your thing, even if I'm not a fan of that thing. 

With console controllers, most people have a "favorite" because the consoles only come with 1 style of controller and you get used to it. Most gamers aren't pedantic dorks and don't think twice about minor things like stick layout or, good heavens, AA batteries!

Sure, I'll still point out how the upcoming PS5 controller, which I love, looks like the Xbox controller in almost every way as clear indication that the Xbox controller has always been superior in design (along with the Dreamcast controller). What I won't do is tell you that your preference is wrong or suggest its better than the other for everyone. 

So PlayStation fanboys, the answer to why the Xbox One wireless controller lacks a built-in rechargeable battery is that a LOT of people love to have options. Simple as that. 

And to you, Xbox fanatics, the reason why the DS4 has a dumb light, dumb touchpad, and one non-removeable battery is because it's an easier, ubiquitous power solution that lots of gamers appreciate. 

END OF SUPER SERIOUS BATTLE-FIGHT.