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Sony and Microsoft own the two biggest console franchises ever, and both the company's controllers are some of the best to play games with because of their ergonomics, durability, and amazing features. Both the PlayStation DualSense and Xbox Gamepad are incredible and can exponentially improve one's gaming experience.
One of the best advantages of PC gaming is the ability to use whichever gamepad you want. Although Windows does not support all gamepads natively, there are many trusted third-party softwares that add compatibility for any controller in-game. This article will discuss which of the two is best for PC gamers.
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Both controllers have a ton of features and native compatibility with PC
It has been nearly two years since the release of the latest generation of consoles, and with them came a new generation of controllers as well, which was a huge bonus for PC gamers. Both the companies have made quality improvements over the previous generation, with better designs that not only have immersive features but also feel more premium.
Price
Both the devices are moderately priced by the companies. The PS5 DualSense costs $69.99 whereas the Xbox Gamepad costs $59.99. The pro version of the Xbox Gamepad, the Elite Series 2, costs a staggering $179.99 and offers significant customization and features. However, both devices are heavily discounted from time to time.
Compatibility
The Xbox Gamepad is plug-and-play on PCs and does not require any setup. Most games on PC also have in-built compatibility with the Xbox controller and the ability to remap buttons.
It also works wirelessly via Bluetooth, which also does not require any setup other than the initial connection. Since it has native compatibility, a good number of buttons can be remapped using the Xbox Accessories app.
Although the PS5 DualSense is compatible with PCs, it does not have full compatibility. Some features are missing, such as the adaptive triggers and the controller's audio jack. However, this is being worked on, and more games are adding support for these features.
Steam has support for DualSense, but some non-Steam games will detect this controller as an Xbox Gamepad, which will limit the use of its unique features. It can also be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Design
The Xbox Gamepad has a straightforward design that has been approved by many. It fits snuggly in most hands and its analog sticks are designed to reach thumbs effortlessly.
It has added grip on the sides and the rear, and the D-pad has received an upgrade, similar to the Xbox Elite Series 2. The buttons feel tactile and have great durability, making the controller a perfect long-term investment.
DualSense has an improved design over the DualShock 4 with a bigger touchpad, an embedded light strip, and a white color scheme. However, a new black version is now available.
It also has a grippy surface with many small icons of the 'X', circle, square, and triangle buttons all over the controller to add to the design. The only downside of DualSense is that it has mediocre battery life.
Features
DualSense takes the win in terms of features, but the worst part is that the best features are not supported on the PC wirelessly. However, when using it via a USB-C cable, most features work as intended.
Adaptive triggers, immersive haptic feedback, an in-built speaker, an in-built microphone, an intuitive touchpad, and RGB lighting are all unique features that are not found in other gamepads.
The Xbox Gamepad does not have many unique features, but the ones that it does, it executes them perfectly, such as the D-pad, share button, audio jack, and more. The Xbox controller can decrease input lag through a new Dynamic Latency Input technology used by the company.
Verdict
For modern features, the PS5 DualSense is the best option, but for versatility and battery life, nothing is better than the Xbox Gamepad. However, it all comes down to preference and there is no clear winner here.
FAQ Section: Frequently Asked Questions about PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad Controllers
Q: Which controller is more comfortable to use for extended gaming sessions on PC?
A: Comfort can be subjective, and it largely depends on personal preference. Both the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad have ergonomic designs that cater to different hand sizes and grip styles. You may want to try both controllers to determine which one feels more comfortable for you during long gaming sessions.
Q: Are there any third-party controllers that can compete with the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad?
A: Yes, there are several third-party controllers available in the market that offer a variety of features and designs. Some popular options include the 8BitDo SN30 Pro, the Razer Wolverine V2, and the Scuf Prestige. However, when it comes to the overall experience, the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad are generally considered to be the best options for PC gaming.
Q: Can I use my controller wirelessly with my gaming PC?
A: Both the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad support wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. You can easily connect them to your PC and enjoy a wireless gaming experience. However, it is important to note that some of DualSense's unique features might not be available when using the controller wirelessly on a PC.
Q: How can I ensure the best performance with my chosen controller on my gaming PC?
A: To get the most out of your gamepad, ensure that your gaming PC has the latest drivers installed for the same. Also, keep the controller's firmware updated to enjoy the latest features and improvements. For the PS5 DualSense, using a USB-C cable can help you access its unique features on a PC.
Q: Can I customize the button layout on the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad controllers?
A: Yes, you can customize the button layout on both controllers. The Xbox Accessories app allows you to remap the buttons on the Xbox Gamepad. For the PS5 DualSense, Steam offers native support for button customization, although some non-Steam games may detect DualSense as an Xbox Gamepad, limiting customization options.
Q: How long is the battery life for the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Gamepad controllers?
A: The Xbox Gamepad has a longer battery life compared to the PS5 DualSense. The exact battery life varies depending on usage, but generally, the Xbox Gamepad outperforms the PS5 DualSense in this aspect. However, the DualSense compensates with its unique and immersive features, making the choice between the two controllers a matter of personal preference.
Q: Are there any controller-exclusive games or features that I can only enjoy on a specific controller?
A: While there are some console-exclusive games that may be designed with a particular controller in mind, most PC games can be played with either the PS5 DualSense or Xbox Gamepad. As for features, the PS5 DualSense offers unique options like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which may not be available on all PC games, but more titles are gradually adding support for these features.
