When comparing DualShock 4 Controller vs Xbox One Wireless Controller, the Slant community recommends DualShock 4 Controller for most people. In the question“What are the best PC gaming controllers?” DualShock 4 Controller is ranked 1st while Xbox One Wireless Controller is ranked 8th.
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Pros
Pro Native support with Steam
Pro Separate D-pad
This is a huge advantage in many games. Separate directions on the D-pad lets a player make sharp controls without any mistakes!
Pro Multi-touch trackpad
The upper-middle section of the controller features a multi-touch pad that allows you to click it as well. This can help navigation on a PC because you can use it just like a laptop's trackpad
Pro Game compatibility is increasing
Some recent games will work with the PS4 controller without the need of an app/driver to emulate the XBox controller, and you will see PS4 button prompts on the screen (cross, square, circle, triangle, etc.). Some example games are: The Division (Ubisoft), Rocket League and Paragon (Epic Games / Early Access).
Pro Can be used either wired or wireless
The controller has a microUSB port on the back for charging or connecting. It can also be used wirelessly over Bluetooth.
Pro Built-in battery
Doesn't require purchase of batteries. Recharges over microUSB.
Pro Full audio available
With both a headphone jack as well as built-in speakers, the DualShock PS4 controller offers flexible audio experiences so you don't have to be tethered to your desktop at all when you game.
Pro Great ergonomics
Compared to other controllers, especially Xbox. Dualshock is the most comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Pro App available that offers many functions
In order to get easy wireless support as well as button mapping and loading of profiles the user can install a third party app called DS4Windows. While this is an extra step, the features it offers are worthwhile for anyone looking to get full compatibility with the controller.
Pro Comfortable to hold
Xbox controllers have always been comfortable to hold onto - their larger grips fit hands better than most controllers.
Pro Plug and Play on Windows
No need for mapping software for most games.
Pro Durable
Because it's an official product, you can expect superior durability and build quality to cheaper knockoff controllers. First-party accessories will be able to withstand more drops, and the buttons/triggers are less likely to start sticking.
Pro Has a headphone jack on the controller
This convenience lets you use headphones even if the cord won't reach your desktop's headphone jack, or play games from bed or on the couch while wearing headphones
Pro Easy to repair/mod
Plenty after market parts, standard or mod kits.
Pro Elite versions are available
Get an Elite controller if you want hair triggers or additional paddles for quicker actions.
On Elite 2 Controller even the tension of analog sticks can be changed.
Pro Xbox One S/X/Series X Controller have bluetooth
To recognize them: Xbox S/X controllers have a texture on the grips.
Series X Controller have textures on triggers and bumpers.
Pro Your every color
If you want your very own controller you can get it here.
Pro Long battery life
Battery life can exceed 30 hours of gameplay.
Pro Very clicky D-Pad
The directional pad is very clicky and precise. This makes navigating through menu items easy. May or may not be suitable for fighting games.
Cons
Con Best compatibility requires an app on Windows
Out of the box support may not be that great with the PS4 controller on PC. Buttons may need to be mapped in order for the controller to work as intended. Only games with DirectInput support will work out of the box. This means the user will need to install button mapping software or some other app that allow gaming profiles to be loaded easily to get a similar experience to using an XBox controller.
Please note this only applies to Windows, which requires a wrapper such as DS4Windows for XInput support (and thus vibration and touchpad support). Linux supports all of the controller's features natively since kernel version 3.15.
Con Short battery life
Battery lasts 7-8 hours before needing a recharge.
Con Wireless receiver is not included and expensive
To avoid common Bluetooth issues (like distance and input lag) and to support Xinput the controller requires a wireless receiver that must be bought separately
Con Most games have XBOX button indicators on UI, not PS4
Most games with controller support that include prompts on the UI for which buttons to press will show XBOX layout. Very, very few show button prompts for PS4.
Con May be too small for those with big hands
The PS4 controller has a smaller profile when compared to the Xbox controllers, which means it may not be as comfortable to hold for those that have large hands and are used to a larger controller.
Con Adapter has to be purchased for wireless to work
There is an available Xbox Wireless Adapter available from Microsoft that costs $24.99 that needs to be used in order for wireless to work with the controller and PC. This is an extra purchase that many may not want to make in order to have wireless compatibility.
Con Poor D-Pad
The d-pad is not very precise.
Con 3 versions out on the market
This controller is on its third iteration. Which makes it more confusing to buy.
Con Requires batteries for wireless play
Doesn't include internal battery. You have to buy rechargeables, a play and charge kit or keep buying new AAs.
Con Requires USB cable connection to play Xbox PC games
In order to use the Xbox One controller with Windows Xbox games the USB cable has to be connected to the PC. Wireless is not supported currently when playing Xbox branded PC games purchased from the Windows Store.