Sorry Sony, but the DualShock and the DualSense controllers don’t hold a candle to the Xbox controller. Microsoft’s controller features a more comfortable offset analog stick layout and proper shoulder triggers instead of clunky bumpers. While it can be argued that the Sony consoles have a significantly better game library than the Xbox and despite both connecting through Bluetooth, there’s no way to use your Xbox One controller on your PlayStation natively. If you’re a PS4/PS5 fan but have always been envious of the Xbox One controller, there are a few third-party controller manufacturers that have answered your prayers.
Also read:How to Connect a PS4/PS5 Controller to Your Android Phone
Do Any of these Controllers Work on PlayStation 5?
Yes! In fact, all of the controllers listed here are compatible with the PS5 console. Sony has fully embraced backwards compatibility with the PlayStation 5. While most automatically think “games” when they hear backwards compatibility, this also extends to controllers and accessories as well. Yet, there are some caveats.
Just like the PS4, your DualShock 4 controllers will pair with a PS5 console via Bluetooth. You can use a DualShock 4 controller to navigate the PS5 menus as well as launch apps and games. However, there are some significant limitations when it comes to games. Your DualShock 4 controller will work on your PS5 with all backward-compatible PS4 games. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to play any PS5-exclusive titles with your PS4 controller. Thankfully, there are heaps of PS4 games playable on the PS5, and you’ll be able to use your DualShock 4 or any of the DualShock 4 alternatives listed below to play those titles.
1. Hori ONYX
The Onyx controller by Hori features the offset analog stick layout that Xbox One controllers are known for. Of course, controller layout preference is mostly subjective; however, offset analog sticks are thought to help prevent fatigue and cramping. In addition to the offset analog sticks, the Hori Onyx has a wide body similar to that of the Xbox One controller, helping to alleviate crowding, particularly with players who have larger hands.
Furthermore, the Hori Onyx connects to your PS4 console via Bluetooth and includes a built-in motor for vibration. Despite all the things the Hori Onyx gets right, it’s not exactly perfect. Regrettably, there is no headphone jack. Most egregious, however, is the lack of an internal gyroscope and lightbar. Omitting these means you won’t be playing any VR games with the Hori Onyx. Yet, the Hori Onyx is one of the most affordable PS4 controllers with the Xbox One controller layout.
Also read:How to Connect a PS5 Controller to Your PC
2. Nacon Asymmetric Wireless
For some, Sony’s DualShock 4 controller is a bit on the small side. The Asymmetrical Wireless Controller by accessory specialist Nacon is a chunkier option that takes its cues from the Xbox One controller. Aside from the heftier body, the real selling point of the Asymmetric Wireless is the asymmetric analog stick configuration, hence the name. Furthermore, the face buttons, shoulder buttons and touchpad are all slightly larger compared to the standard DualShock 4. Aesthetically speaking, there’s not all that much to boast about. The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless controller is made from plain matte black plastic.
In addition to the uninspired design, the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless has a few other downsides. Although it can indeed be used wirelessly, it cannot connect to the PS4 without a USB dongle. Additionally, the controller lacks a built-in speaker and motion control capabilities. While motion control is only used in a small number of titles, it’s worth noting.
On the other hand, the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless controller boasts seven hours of battery life – a marked improvement over Sony’s DualShock 4. Furthermore, the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless can also be used with your PC, effectively killing two birds with one stone.
3. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless controller has causal gaming enthusiasts covered, but what if you’re looking for something competition worthy? If you’re in the market for a tournament-ready controller, Nacon has you covered there as well. The Revolution Unlimited Pro makes a strong argument for the best PS4 controller available – and for good reason. The Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro features a larger, more ergonomic body, designed to fit in most hands comfortably. For fans of the Xbox One controller, the offset analog sticks are also present.
The real draw of the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro are the many customizations that can be made. The controller ships with various parts that can change the size and shape of the analog sticks. There are even small weights that can be slipped inside the body of the controller to give it more weight if you want a controller with a bit more heft to it.
Furthermore, there are four programmable buttons on the backside of the Revolution Unlimited Pro. These buttons can be mapped to existing inputs, like the face buttons, allowing gamers to execute actions without having to remove their thumbs from the analog sticks. There’s no denying that the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro is a fantastic controller; however, all those bells and whistles are going to cost you.
Also read:How to Use External Game Controllers with Steam Games
4. SCUF Vantage
Another third-party manufacturer that specializes in high-end gaming accessories is SCUF. SCUF has made a name for itself as a producer of high-quality, highly-customizable controllers. The Vantage series ticks off all of those boxes while adopting a similar layout as the Xbox One controller. The most noticeable change is the placement of the analog sticks that adopt the asymmetrical positioning of the Xbox One controller. The SCUF Vantage also has a slightly larger body, helping to alleviate the fatigue associated with smaller controllers.
The SCUF Vantage also features a few additional programmable buttons. There are four paddle switches located on the underside of the controller as well as two additional buttons on either side of the controller near the shoulder buttons. Furthermore, the SCUF Vantage can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired with the included 10-foot cable.
If you don’t like the look of the SCUF Vantage, you can pop off the magnetic faceplate and change it with a variety of colorful options. Additionally, you can pop off the analog sticks, D-pad and L2R2 buttons and replace them with alternatives. That being said, be aware that all of this customization does come at a price. Unfortunately, SCUF has retired the Vantage series, but you can still track them down on resellers like Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any of the controllers listed above work with games exclusive to the PlayStation 5?
Your DualShock 4 controller and its alternatives will definitely work with PS4 games on a PS5. Where it gets tricky is PlayStation 5-exclusive titles. Regrettably, you won’t be able to use your DualShock 4 or DS4 alternative with games explicitly made for PS5 because the PS5’s new DualSense controller has a slew of extra features, like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Games like Ghostwire: Tokyo and Astro’s Playroom rely on these new features. Therefore, since the DualShock 4 doesn’t have the same capabilities as the DualSense, the DS4 and its alternatives won’t work.
While you can navigate the PS5’s menus and even launch a PS5 exclusive title, you’ll be prompted to switch to a DualSense controller to actually play it. However, if you’re playing a PS4 title on your PS5, you can stick with your DualShock 4 or any of the alternatives listed above.
Are there any third-party PS5 controllers I should be looking out for in the near future?
The SCUF Reflex, as well as the Reflex Pro and Reflex FPS variants, are the only third-party PlayStation 5 controllers on the market. The SCUF Reflex features four mappable paddles on the rear, adaptive triggers and interchangeable thumbsticks. The Pro variant includes all of the features of the standard Reflex with a non-slip grip. Finally, the FPS variant is marketed toward first-person shooter games by replacing the full pull triggers with instant triggers similar to a mouse-click.
The SCUF Reflex for the PS5 does not have offset analog sticks like the Xbox controller. Therefore, if you have your heart set on a controller with asymmetrical control sticks, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. There are rumors that Razer is developing a controller explicitly for the PlayStation 5. There’s a chance that this controller might feature offset thumbsticks, but everything is speculation at this point. Although, it’s worth mentioning that Razer’s PS4 controller, the Raiju Ultimate, did not have offset analog sticks.
Additionally, if you want to make your PS5 controller your own, you may want to check out this review of the MegaModz Modded PS5 Controller.
Which is the best alternative PlayStation controller for those who prefer the Xbox controller?
This is a bit of a tricky question, as the “best” controller is going to vary from person to person. But if money is no object, the clear winner is the Nacon Revolution Pro. The Revolution Pro has a ton of customization options, including trigger sensitivities, analog stick lengths and programmable controller profiles that can be toggled in real time. Furthermore, the controller’s weight can be augmented by adding or removing small weights! These impressive customization options mean that the Revolution Pro can satisfy the needs and preferences of most players.
If you’re only requirement is that the controller feature offset analog sticks like the Xbox controller, your best bet is the Nacon Asymmetric. It’s a no-frills accessory that doesn’t break the bank but does boast the superior Xbox controller layout.
Image credit: Pexels
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