When comparing Xbox 360 Wireless Controller vs DualShock 4 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 360 Wireless Controller is ranked 57th.
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Pros
Pro Vibration feedback
Pro Ergonomics
Pro Good value for money
The wired controller is often sold under $40, but feels solid. Being that it is made by Microsoft, there should be little to no compatibility issues out of the box, which is also something to consider when comparing value.
Pro Good availability
You can find it almost everywhere. Easy to find and purchase. Most big box stores carry this item as well as many gaming stores, not to mention a variety of online markets. There should be no issue finding this controller for a good price.
Pro Native support with Steam
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 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 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.
Cons
Con Poor D-Pad
The controller has a cheap and imprecise 'swivel'-based D-Pad that rests very high. Poor for any D-Pad uses, and essentially a no-go for fighting games given the competition.
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.