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[Vangellis]

Elite is number 1 as it should be. Thing feels rich. Every person that has very used it at my place has commented on it. They are like "What the fuck this?! So nice.. what does this cost?" Then I'm like .. yeah about that

 

[GymWolf]

1. DualSense
2. DS4 with the scrotum
3. DS4 without the scrotum.

Spoiler: Scrotum

So we can safely say that you are balls deep into sony controllers.

 

[PropellerEar]

To break extreme fragile plastic clips.

Don't need tools for that

 

[PropellerEar]

So we can safely say that you are balls deep into sony controllers.

 

[JLB]

It isn’t widely used because most would not find to be very good as a controller. So how is it among the “best”? Do you use this controller?

Not me, but the son of a friend of mine can play videogame because of it.
Why i would use it if i dont have any disability? dont understand your point.

 

[sainraja]

Not me, but the son of a friend of mine can play videogame because of it.
Why i would use it if i dont have any disability? dont understand your point.

There are things that were designed for accessibility that ended up being useful for the rest of society (e.g. curb cuts). So you can't ignore that controller simply because it seems to serve a specific need right now.

 

[sainraja]

Only controller I used during my PS4 days

Feels super cheap but held up very well really wish they made a PS5 version

Look into the SCUFF Reflex Pro controller. Perhaps that might work for you instead?

 

[Topher]

Not me, but the son of a friend of mine can play videogame because of it.
Why i would use it if i dont have any disability? dont understand your point.

That is the point. It is a great controller for those who have disabilities. That doesn't make it a great controller in a general sense which makes it an odd addition to this list. Like I said, it stands alone for accessibility, but that doesn't make it the "best".

 

[MrA]

im sorry but Dualshock 4 and Dualsense 5 should be in the top 10, for WORST controllers.

too bulky, too wide, useless track pad that u will accidentally press because its too close to the buttons, bad "start/select" buttons, poor battery life, lights u can't turn off, can't replace battery so u will have to play with them wired sometimes but the charging cable is short.

ergonomically they are the only controllers that hurt my hand after a long time. Almost as much as it hurt my hands to use a Vita. Dualshock 2 was a better controller. Dualshock 3 woul've been the best PS controller, if not for the horrible triggers.

not to mention the symetrical analog sticks

Nothing from Nintendo, Sony or ms touches a 10 worst list everything pre famicom besides the vectrex and astrocade had appalling to mediocre controllers
Plus if third party stuff is included then nothing is worse than the dreamcast killing astropad

 

[A.Romero]

This is such a BS list and it's not even about user preference about what feels better but whatever criteria they use to chose:

- How come they count two iterations of Sony controllers but they skipped XboxOne/Series X when they are superior to 360 in every aspect?
- How can they count Elite 2 but not Elite 1?

I mean, is not like IGN has a lot of credibility to lose but they don't even seem to try.

IMO:

5 - 8bitdo Pro
4 - DS4
3 - Xbox One/Series (similar enough)
2 - DS5
1 - Elite (both 1 and 2 are similar enough)

 

[JLB]

That is the point. It is a great controller for those who have disabilities. That doesn't make it a great controller in a general sense which makes it an odd addition to this list. Like I said, it stands alone for accessibility, but that doesn't make it the "best".

wat? general sense?
A controller for disabled people can easily be the best of all. I think you still keep revolving with the idea that the best controller can only be a popular one. For the case, none of the other controllers on the top of the list (elite and 40) should be there, since they are premium devices.
BTW, Im saying that the Adaptive is the best because it has outstanding integration capabilities and the quality of the device is fantastic. Theres plenty of controllers for disabled people that are pure shit.

 

[Topher]

wat? general sense?
A controller for disabled people can easily be the best of all. I think you still keep revolving with the idea that the best controller can only be a popular one. For the case, none of the other controllers on the top of the list (elite and 40) should be there, since they are premium devices.

Which is exactly why you are incorrectly assuming this is about popularity. It is not. Xbox Adaptive controller is specialized, not general. It has a specific use case. That doesn't make it "best" except for its particular category.

BTW, Im saying that the Adaptive is the best because it has outstanding integration capabilities and the quality of the device is fantastic. Theres plenty of controllers for disabled people that are pure shit.

Great. I have no problem putting Xbox Adaptive controller at the top of the list of controllers for disabled people. But saying it is among the best controllers in a list of general use controllers is simply incorrect.

Agree to disagree.

 

[BlackTron]

Havent tried Elite controllers, but they seem to have lot of quality issues + they have "wrong" stick placement, so difficult to believe that it would be the best.

1. Dualsense
2. DS4
3. maybe wavebird
4. tac-2

Difficult to me to even name more than these, because majority of controllers arent really that ergonomic and/or they have some noticeable flaws.

worst modern controller is probably PS3 controller, or ps2 controller, they are just too tiny and plasticy.

Symmetrical stick placement is just superior to me, "xbox/pro-controller" style feels wrong, because sticks dont be comfortably under the thumps + series x controller feels like the sticks are bit too tall and it feels unergonomical. It is ok, but not as good as dualsense.

If asymmetrical controllers would also have asymmetric shape (grips and so on), then it could work, but because the shape is symmetrical, yet stick placement isnt -> left stick just feels weird.

There is no benefits on that, because (if) symmetrical sticks are at least as easy to aim. So why asymmetrical would be better when it doesnt make aiming better, but it makes it harder to use d-pad(movement from down to up vs up to down, at least to me it is faster to move thumb from stick to buttons that are above it, than below it)?

Yeah, they are personal preferences, but people whom claim asymmetrical stick placement being the best without doubt are just probably too used to it. Same could be said about symmetrical sticks, but having symmetrical arms kind of tells that symmetrical sticks fits them better

But that list is bullshit anyway, like dualsense would be worse than DS4.

if we take only 1 controller from manufacturer, then TOP 2 must be DUALSENSE / ELITE, and personal preference will say which is 1st and which is 2nd.

"While symmetrical sticks are better to me, controllers are personal preference. Anyway, there are no benefits to asymmetric sticks and anyone who says they're better are probably just used to it"

lol.

 

[Cherrypepsi]

My list:

1. Razer wolverine ultimate
2. Elite 2
3. Scuf Infinity 4PS
4. Dualsense
5. Xbox 360
6. DS4
7. Xbox One / Series S/X
8. DS3


Never played with the Astro C40, would love to try it

Sony has a lot to learn from Microsoft in this game. I think a pro version of the Dualsense would make a lot of people smile, since the overall design is great.

 

[GametimeUK]

I don't know about my top 10 list. I find I can switch between controllers easily without issue. I do however have 3 stand out controllers I enjoy using.

1. Xbox Elite Two.

It fits in my hand well, I love the back paddles, the customisation is great.

2. GameCube.

Once again it fits my hand well. It is such a strange layout and the biggest gripe is that it only works well for games that are designed specifically for it. That being said it was brilliant with GameCube exclusives. The big A button was so satisfying to hit. This controller really stands out for being so familiar, but totally different too.

3. Dualsense.

It's still super new, but I love the haptics when incorporated well. I do actually hate how it's included in most games so far though. I despise the controller vibrating every time my character takes a step. .

 

[Ivan]

Xbox controllers are perfectly shaped, but I wonder how so many people get over the d-pad....

X360 had the worst d-pad of all time, Xbox one was an improvement, but still something that feels bad to actually play a game on. It's good for the menus or side functions only.

IMO, a d-pad has to be membrane based to be good. That's why I still don't get it - series s/X controllers still continue to use the clicky one. MS just can't make it right.

I can't get over it.

My perfect controller:

Shape of an Xbox one controller, Dualsense d-pad and sticks ( not the placement but materials, resistance etc).

 

[MrFunSocks]

Xbox controllers are perfectly shaped, but I wonder how so many people get over the d-pad....

X360 had the worst d-pad of all time, Xbox one was an improvement, but still something that feels bad to actually play a game on. It's good for the menus or side functions only.

IMO, a d-pad has to be membrane based to be good. That's why I still don't get it - series s/X controllers still continue to use the clicky one. MS just can't make it right.

I can't get over it.

My perfect controller:

Shape of an Xbox one controller, Dualsense d-pad and sticks ( not the placement but materials, resistance etc).

Here's how - the dpad is barely used in 99% of games these days. I only ever use it for single button presses to select things like to change grenade types in halo or to change firing mode in PUBG. For those things it's fantastic.

 

[Ivan]

I know, I know, but still - it bugs me that you somehow subconsciously tend to avoid playing a modern sidescroller for example because you know the d-pad is shit.

I'm old, I know. But when I see that a good d-pad exists and is very easy to make it really pisses me off...

 

[MrFunSocks]

I know, I know, but still - it bugs me that you somehow subconsciously tend to avoid playing a modern sidescroller for example because you know the d-pad is shit.

I'm old, I know. But when I see that a good d-pad exists and is very easy to make it really pisses me off...

I've played a few sidescrolling platformers using the dpad on xbox consoles and have had zero problems. The dpad is fine.

Also patents are why everyone has different dpads.

 

[BlackTron]

Xbox controllers are perfectly shaped, but I wonder how so many people get over the d-pad....

X360 had the worst d-pad of all time, Xbox one was an improvement, but still something that feels bad to actually play a game on. It's good for the menus or side functions only.

IMO, a d-pad has to be membrane based to be good. That's why I still don't get it - series s/X controllers still continue to use the clicky one. MS just can't make it right.

I can't get over it.

My perfect controller:

Shape of an Xbox one controller, Dualsense d-pad and sticks ( not the placement but materials, resistance etc).

I agree. MS was really close to the perfect controller with 360 but the bad d-pad killed it.

This is why there really is no PERFECT CONTROLLER though. Different controllers are better for different applications. 360 is still my favorite for 3D games, or 2D games controlled with an analog stick (such as Towerfall with 360 aiming turned on). 360 is my go-to PC controller for multiplayer (the USB dongle gloriously connects up to 4 wirelessly) and most normal 3D style games, but if I need a d-pad I'll usually switch out to a Wii U pro controller. I can confirm having put it through it's paces to play The Messenger. It also feels REALLY GOOD for SNES games.

You could practically have different lists ranking controllers on how good they are for a specific game or genre. And every list would be wildly different.

Generally speaking though, the best of all time would have to include Wii U Pro, 360, Gamecube, Saturn, and while this will draw a lot of criticism, N64.

I don't really mind One/Series controllers but I still think 360 is better. I like tighter sticks and the old triggers. PC was seriously blessed with this controller/xinput.

 

[STARSBarry]

Is the Elite Series 2 that much or an upgrade over the origenal elite? Because iv went through 3 of those things before giving up and just getting a regular one controller.

 

[JackSparr0w]

Steam controller > anything else.

 

[InfiniteCombo]

Where the fuck is the Sega Saturn controller.

Yup. You absolutely can't have a "best controllers" list without the GOAT 2D controller. I'd even settle for the 6 button Genesis controller which is pretty damn good too.

Another questionable list from IGN.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Is the Elite Series 2 that much or an upgrade over the origenal elite? Because iv went through 3 of those things before giving up and just getting a regular one controller.

Its a better controller but is plagued by quality issues

I bought 2 when they launched and first one the plastic didn't line up where the corners were in my palm so had it replaced as it was digging into my hand.

The replacement soon had an A button that would get stuck often so replaced that one

As of now I am still using the other launch day one and its flawless and occasionally use the newest one so it doesn't have many hours on it but seems fine so far

My overall preferred controller is the Razer Wolverine Ultimate but it is wired so a lot of people do not like that

 

[Blood Borne]

In my opinion, PlayStation controller is the best controller because it can be used for pretty much every genre of games.

Whilst it might not be the best controller for a particular genre, it is still very much useable for it, whereas other controllers are usually awesome for one genre and dogshit in another. An example is Xbox controller, awesome for shooters, absolute dogshit for fighters and 2D games.

 

[MrFunSocks]

Is the Elite Series 2 that much or an upgrade over the origenal elite? Because iv went through 3 of those things before giving up and just getting a regular one controller.

It can be, depending on how much of it you use - like the adjustable tension analogue sticks. That can make a huge difference.

To me it’s not much different tbh, which is fine because the elite 1 is still amazing.

In my opinion, PlayStation controller is the best controller because it can be used for pretty much every genre of games.

Whilst it might not be the best controller for a particular genre, it is still very much useable for it, whereas other controllers are usually awesome for one genre and dogshit in another. An example is Xbox controller, awesome for shooters, absolute dogshit for fighters and 2D games.

Apart from anything that requires analogue and/or dual stick input you mean…..?

 

[Blood Borne]

It can be, depending on how much of it you use - like the adjustable tension analogue sticks. That can make a huge difference.

To me it’s not much different tbh, which is fine because the elite 1 is still amazing.



Apart from anything that requires analogue and/or dual stick input you mean…..?

What’s wrong with PlayStation analogue?

 

[sainraja]

What’s wrong with PlayStation analogue?

There is nothing wrong with it. It's just not like the Xbox.

In all seriousness, I think a good part has to do with preference so there is nothing wrong with the PlayStation analogue sticks. People that game on the Xbox will swear by asymmetrical while gamers on the PS side will swear by symmetrical. Most of the people that fall in the Xbox camp, generally don't play games on PlayStation or treat it like their "exclusive" box. Lately, I have been spending more time with PS5 but in the past, I've put in equal amounts of time playing D2 on both consoles and based on my own experience, it's a non-issue. You can switch between the two without any issues.

I also tried a blind test with my wife. She liked how the Switch Pro controller felt, she liked how the grips were on the PS. She didn't say anything about the Xbox controller. I didn't tell her which controller was which and she's not really into games. Doesn't mean much....but I wanted to try and see.

 

[MrFunSocks]

What’s wrong with PlayStation analogue?

Oh I thought you were talking about the original PlayStation controller.

There’s no question though, the elite is the best. The paddles alone make it unbeatable.

 

[Blood Borne]

Oh I thought you were talking about the original PlayStation controller.

There’s no question though, the elite is the best. The paddles alone make it unbeatable.

How can it be beat the best when it’s absolutely useless for some genres such as fighting, 2D games and some fast action paced games like Devil May Cry?
To each their own I guess.

 

[geary]

Do you guys prefer PS style (left stick on the bottom left side) or the Xbox style (left stick on the upper left side)? Talking about ergonomics

 

[MrFunSocks]

How can it be beat the best when it’s absolutely useless for some genres such as fighting, 2D games and some fast action paced games like Devil May Cry?
To each their own I guess.

It’s not absolutely useless lol. I’ve played hundreds of matches of mortal Kombat and other 2D games using it. The elite dpad especially is a step above the other Xbox ones, but the Xbox one dpad is fine.

It’s so significantly better than all other controllers thanks to the paddles anyway.

 

[MrFunSocks]

Do you guys prefer PS style (left stick on the bottom left side) or the Xbox style (left stick on the upper left side)? Talking about ergonomics

Analogues should be where your thumb rests naturally, which on the left is where it is on the Xbox. I wish the Xbox controller had the right stick and the face buttons switched too like the Wii u pro controller. That thing had the best ergonomics for button placement.

 

[Alter_Fridge]

Lol @ 360 so low

 

[Elginer]

No Saturn controller?
Do they even videogame over there at IGN?

Myman.gif

 

[speckz]

It's a niche, but I still want something like this. The below is from a 1994 ad.

 

[Warablo]

360 controller is still king in terms of form and fit in my hand.