The Sony PS4 may have dominated the Xbox One in terms of sales, but Microsoft’s controller innovations put its rival in the shade.
The brand new Xbox Adaptive Controller could make gaming far more accessible, while the Design Lab enables gamers to create their own custom pads.
However, the jewel in the crowd might be the Xbox One Elite Controller, the customisable pad designed for would-be eSports pros.
While there’s no official Sony alternative, the Vantage controller from peripheral maker Scuf might fit the bill for those seeking a more flexible approach than the DualShock 4.
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Beyond the decidedly-Xbox design, the licensed Vantage pad offers two side-mounted programmable buttons called “Sax” buttons. There’s also an additional touch bar beneath the D-pad and analogue stick, which controls in-game volume and can be used to mute voice chat. This feature will require a wired connection to the PS4.
Gamers will also be able to switch out the faceplate, while customising thumbstick height. Interestingly, PS4 gamers will be able to remove the vibration modules if they’re looking to make the controller lighter for lengthier gaming sessions.
Other features listed on the official PlayStation blog (via Engadget) are as follows:
- Paddle control system with four removable back paddles
- A quick-access remapping switch
- Customizable thumb sticks with 3 different heights in either a concave or convex configuration
- Adjustable Hair triggers
- Trigger stops and extenders
- Choice of D-pads
- Interchangeable magnetic faceplate
So there’s all the good news. The bad news is the price. The wired-only version is $169.95, while the wireless/wired version is $199.95. It comes with all of the gubbins needed for customisation and “a high-speed braided micro-USB cable.”
The EU PlayStation blog has no mention of the pad, but we’ve reached out to the firm for word of a European launch.
Do you prefer the PS4 DualShock 4 controller or the Xbox One controller? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
