Should I get a Xbone or PS4 controller for my Laptop?

[TheRightToArmBears]

So I've increasingly been finding that a keyboard and mouse is a bit inadequate for some games. Rocket League is playable but tricky and I've just bought The Witcher 3 and found it nigh unplayable (bearing in mind that I haven't played a non-strategy game on PC for years except Skyrim, which is far more simplistic).

The obvious solution seems to be to buy a controller. From what I can see, the Xbone controller has official (if unenthusiastic) support and is slightly cheaper. The PS4 controller is apparently hacked to work, and to be honest, I prefer it (but I'm not that bothered).

Are you using a PS4 controller? Is it reliable and is the community support any good? If you're using the Xbone controller, does it work well and is the official support any good?

 

[TheMysteriousGX]

Honestly, I'd go for a Logitech controller or something. Like you said, Xbox one and PS4 support is sketchy.

 

[gorfias]

I like the PS4 controller but got the Windows XB1 wireless for PC. I didn't even know I could get a PS4 controller to work on a PC. But the XB1 controller?

Best controller ever IMHO.

 

[CrazyBlaze]

You use the ps4 controller using a micro usb cord or bluetooth. You will need the Ds4Windows program, a third party app that tricks programs into thinking you are using an xbox controller. Link: http://ds4windows.com/

I really like it and it has a lot of custom options. Its really easy to use and as long as you don't mind xbox prompts then I'd say ps4 controller. I like the feel and the position of the sticks. It also feels a lot more responsive than the x1 controller.

 

[nomotog_v1legacy]

I like the PS4 controller but got the Windows XB1 wireless for PC. I didn't even know I could get a PS4 controller to work on a PC. But the XB1 controller?

Best controller ever IMHO.

You can get the ps4 to work, but you need to download a emulator that makes the computer think it is an Xbox controller. That is my set up.

 

[Remus]

A cheap Logitech controller is compatible with nearly everything. You can get one at Best Buy or wherever for under $20. Unless you HAVE to have that authentic PS4/XB1 feel.

 

[JohnnyDelRay]

Been using Xbox 360 controller for the past few years exclusively on PC. Tried using DS3 but didn't like the 3rd party software all that much, especially because it made adding extra players a bit of a pain.

So yeah, that option still stands as being the best for me, but given my experience if I had to choose between XBONE and PS4 I'd go the XB1 for sure. Plus the support can only get better. I've even considered getting the Elite version, but can't get my head around the price (and I think they're pretty much sold out everywhere anyway).

Having said that, just for another .02 I did play Witcher 3 with keyboard and mouse, found that preferable to the pad, especially the inventory management.

 

[Drathnoxis]

I believe that the PS4 touchpad can be made to work as the mouse cursor, so that's a pretty big bonus for games that need a small amount of mouse input as well.

 

[FPLOON]

I use a PS3 controller... but, getting the third party software to work with my laptop took longer than I needed to and, at this point, I have to manually connect/disconnect the controller through the software otherwise it will either not register when connected or turn on my PS3 afterwards when disconnected...

Other than that, unless you don't mind using "third party software", then go for the PS4 controller... Otherwise, go Logitech just like what my cousins do when they PC game with a controller... or get the Steam controller...

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

It really depends on what kinda controller you like to use.
I used to have a PS3 controller with 3rd party software but I ended up getting a PC one from Gamestop.
I haven't used it too much as I've been playing a lot of Mouse and Keyboard these days but it gets the job done.

 

[Dragonbums]

I would go with the Xbox controller. Unless you have a Mac or something PC's are largely a Microsoft territory and as such Xbox One has the benefit of having the easiest and best support in general.
Although it wouldn't hurt to look at third party controllers that are neither Sony or Microsoft as well.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

I'd go for a wired Xbox 360 controller if I were you. I prefer its ergonomics over the xbox 1 controller (better feeling and better positioned bumpers), and the xbone controller has an annoying feature where it rumbles for roughly 3 seconds every time it turns on (I keep my controller plugged in all the time so it turns on every time I turn on my computer, and the rumbling gets annoying when it's threatening to vibrate its way off my table).

The PS4 controller's support is...spotty. One of the annoying quirks of using a PS4 controller is that most PC games consider the xbox controller the "standard" and if there's quicktime events games don't change the button prompts. For example the prompt on the screen will say to press the X button but what they really mean is press "square." Can get on your nerves and cause annoying deaths at times.

As far as the xbox one controller goes, the only way it's better than the 360 controller is it has a better D-pad. If you're into fighting games this will be important to you, if not it really doesn't matter much.

 

[Battenberg]

A wired 360 controller would be my recommendation. It's just the best designed PC compatible controller I've used (although I've not tried the Xbox One version so don't know how it compares). I've been using an afterglow one for a while now and I genuinely can't find d fault with it.

Maybe the XB1 controller is an improvement but considering the price is so much lower for 360 ones I'd go with those. I'd ignore PlayStation controllers altogether if you're just getting it for the PC, the support is patchy and both the PS3 and PS4 controllers kinda suck in comparison.

 

[Bob_McMillan]

I'd ignore PlayStation controllers altogether if you're just getting it for the PC, the support is patchy and both the PS3 and PS4 controllers kinda suck in comparison.

It might just be because I am a SonyPony, but I think that the PS4 controller is the best controller I have ever used.

Its up to the person of course. I grew up with Sony, so Xbox controllers may as well be the controls of a fighter jet to me. That, and they literally give me cramps with their weight and size.

 

[Battenberg]

I'd ignore PlayStation controllers altogether if you're just getting it for the PC, the support is patchy and both the PS3 and PS4 controllers kinda suck in comparison.

It might just be because I am a SonyPony, but I think that the PS4 controller is the best controller I have ever used.

Its up to the person of course. I grew up with Sony, so Xbox controllers may as well be the controls of a fighter jet to me. That, and they literally give me cramps with their weight and size.

I actually haven't even owned any of the Xbox consoles, always been a PlayStation user as well. Each to their own I guess, I actually prefer a larger, heavier controller (which is doubly weird since I have relatively small hands). I also much prefer the left analog stick position and the triggers on the 360 controller.

I guess the best way for the OP to decide is to try and find a way to test drive them (maybe at a friend who these console's house or a demo display at Game or somewhere).

 

[NPC009]

I'm with the 'wired Xbox 360 controller' crowd. Good quality, easy to use (install driver, plug in controller, play), relatively inexpensive. Unless you need a very good d-pad for specific games, it's a fine choice.

 

[gorfias]

Best controller ever IMHO.

You can get the ps4 to work, but you need to download a emulator that makes the computer think it is an Xbox controller. That is my set up.[/quote]

Would it use an Xbox receiver for wireless or do you play wired? Be amusing to play XB1 remote on a windows 10 laptop with a PS4 controller Might have to try it just for giggles!

A cheap Logitech controller is compatible with nearly everything. You can get one at Best Buy or wherever for under $20. Unless you HAVE to have that authentic PS4/XB1 feel.

I've had mixed results with this:

My Xbox controller has been a bigger success and is more comfortable. Even so, this was less expensive than an Xbox wireless controller. One could do worse.

 

[votemarvel]

I've used my PS3 controller with my PC and find the software needed to make it work added a tiny bit of input lag.

I don't like the Xbox One controller, something just feels off about it. The Xbox 360 controller, wired or wireless is easily my choice for gaming.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

The 360 controller is great and I had zero complaints with it until it stopped working. Which was entirely my fault, anyway.

I've been using my PS4 pad since then and it's fine. Most games need third party software to trick them into thinking it's Xinput (like the 360 pad) but some games, such as Rocket League, work with it out of the box. The software I use is InputMapper which pretty much just requires you to install the software, plug in the controller and go.

I can't speak on behalf of the X1 controller but I imagine it's an Xinput device like the 360.