Personal insights comparing Xbox One and PS5 controllers on a PC.
Personal insights comparing Xbox One and PS5 controllers on a PC.
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So, please note I don’t own an Xbox or PlayStation system. My previous devices included a Wii, then a Game Cube, and finally a PS2. I mainly played with controllers for games like MudRunner, DiRT, and Assetto Corsa. I also experimented with the Xbox controller on some platformers, typically in Metroidvania style. The Xbox One controller served as a replacement for the 360 controller. It was used both wired and wirelessly via Bluetooth, often through an XBox dongle—most of the time I relied on the dongle.
I owned a radio from Insignia at Best Buy, which performed poorly, and another from IO Gear, which significantly outperformed it. Both devices were nearly identical in terms of latency and overall performance. Since everything runs on Microsoft products (Windows), compatibility was smooth. The Xbox controller felt comfortable at first, but after extended use I would stretch my thumbs excessively, which caused discomfort later. Mild joint issues arose from this, but regular stretching helped.
The controller also started to feel bulky over time, and I noticed the batteries draining quickly—so I switched to rechargeable Duracell packs. They lasted a good while before needing a full charge. I was running out of batteries faster than expected, so I opted for Eneloop Black batteries, which offered 15–20 hours of playtime before needing a recharge. The haptic feedback gave a clear signal before the battery ran low.
For the PS5 controller, I replaced the Xbox one model. It worked well when connected wired and paired with an IO Gear Bluetooth radio. The Insignia radio was terrible—significant lag and poor recognition of inputs. Switching to the IO Gear resolved those issues completely. Performance was nearly indistinguishable from the wired version. The software felt somewhat sluggish at times, and Steam support wasn’t ideal. There’s no touchpad or motion detection yet, but that’s not a major concern for my needs.
The PS5 controller has a lighter build compared to AA batteries, which wore out faster. It gave me more comfort during long sessions, especially with its ergonomic design. The built-in battery was lighter than the AA ones used by the Xbox controller. However, I found myself getting tired after extended play, and the thumb extension became uncomfortable. Eventually, I adjusted my grip and posture to ease the strain.
Overall, the PS5 controller offered better comfort for my hand size and longer usage time. The haptic feedback was more satisfying, and the battery life was impressive. The only downsides were the software quirks and a lack of touchpad or motion sensing features.