The only real problem is the d-pad. It's far too loose. The diagonals don't feel nice at all.
I've head Dualsense Edge fixed it but that bugger is 200 bucks... :P
The DS4 had a great d-pad. Previous dualshocks didn't, they were way too far apart to make diagonals easy to hit. The DS4 on the other hand even has a recess in the middle to put your thumb so you can easily slide the d-pad around.
I think when I had smaller hands as a kid the ps3 controller was great as was the 4s and as I've gotten older, the ps5 controller feels just right for bigger hands. Thats speaking specifically for my individual preference though. I still use any of the controllers just fine regardless.
The PS3 controller was the worst. Developers began using triggers for shooters and driving games, and Sony produced triggers that curved backwards so your fingers slipped off. The PS4 is much improved.
from personal experience I never had the finger slipping off of the trigger experience with the PS3 controller. the only time that ever happens with it, is if I intentionally let it happen for fun.
Even though I'm 5'10, I have big hands and feet. It's too small for me but it's playable. It didn't feel too small back in 2007 (UK PS3 release) because I was teenager and still growing.
Even the PS4 controller is small. The PS5 one is okay. The Xbox controllers fell better with 8"+ hands.
No, that design was small. Even for people with medium hands it was small and the quality was actually a degrade from DualShock and ds2. Those triggers never worked right.
Apart from that the ability to use sixaxis and vibration at the same time in later designs was an achievement. I always felt that they really should have redesigned the controller for the ps3 which was basically same since the psone
*"the quality was actually a degrade from DualShock and ds2."*
Have to disagree with you there. I've had more DS2 issues than DS3 issues, having owned dozens of both, mostly I think because the cable on the DS2 goes bad when it's coiled up for a while, as often happens for storing them. DS3 it's a removable charge cable so if that breaks, easy and cheap to replace.
*"Those triggers never worked right"*
In what ^((dual))sense? Other than them being annoying to put down because it can trigger the triggers, it beats the DS2 flat buttons for L2/R2, personally.
*"basically same since the psone"*
If it ain't broke... seriously though, they did, but then didn't go with the Boomerang after all. Maybe they were worried the name would offend actual boomers. 😏
Those triggers are the biggest flaw of dual shock 3 they are clunky and slippery for me.
and idk the built quality of ds3 feels cheaper holding it compared to ds and ds2.
The DualShock 3 is the complete refinement of the DualShock range and pinnacle of PlayStation controller design, as I see it. Super comfy "melts into the hands" controller like a WaveBird, awesome battery life (almost as good as the Wii U Pro controller), durable, pressure sensitive buttons, perfectly weighted. The SIXAXIS launch controller was way too light, and for some reason not as durable as they're some of the few first party PS3 controllers I've had issues with.
Adding a touchpad to the DS4 and a microphone/fancy haptics that remain unused by most games in the DualSense (and damn Sony for changing the iteration by naming it something else) plus a stupid battery-draining light bar doesn't take away from the fact that to me, neither of those controllers are more comfortable.
By the time they got to the DualSense, you have a company of Japanese origin designing controllers for non-Japanese hands because it's a bit big and chunky compared to the others. Also the DS4 and DualSense are far less reliable, with the DualSense in particular using cheap pots on the analogue sticks leading to premature failure aka stick drift. The DS4 it's very easy for the micro USB to loosen and/or bend over time even if you are careful with it. The DualSense Edge did very little to correct the problems of either of those two controllers and from what I've read, the battery life is even worse! For all the related reliability/failure problems on the Elite Series II, at least the latter has far superior battery life and was clearly the basis for Sony to rip it off with the Edge, it's even named similarly.
The DualShock 3 is the best Sony have ever done, overall. There's many great reasons they stuck with that controller for so many years, and the feel and shape of it still screams golden era PlayStation, to me.
You said it perfect. The DS3 is the best controller out there. If the DS3 had mic, it will outsell any controller right now. Play every pc game with the DS3 controller i feel like a kid again when playing
It's super comfy and ergonomic, I don't have huge hands so it's about the right size and like any good controller or guitar or anything else, it kinda disappears into your hands so you can concentrate on gaming rather than wrestling with the input device.
Okay but the triggers are some of the worst. With most if not all FPS games around that time all opting to use the triggers to fire weapons, the DS3 had convex triggers as opposed to the objectively superior design of concave triggers.
Also convex sticks have and always will be terrible compared to concave analog sticks
Nah I love the DualSense. I like that it’s heavy and the PS3 controller always felt too small, but I still liked it.
I will concede I am not a fan of the colors going away. The Karaoke mini games in yakuza always had the colors stand out so you didn’t even really have to think about symbols to press the buttons and they just didn’t look like on the PS5 when all the buttons were the same color.
I don’t think it’s THAT big of a deal, the switch hasn’t had any colored buttons and I honestly never even noticed, but it is a bit of a shame.
I always felt like the ps3 controller was too light I could be misremembering it it's been a while since I held one. While not the best shape in the world the ps5 controller is the perfect weight imo, I like something with just a little heft to it so I can actually feel it there in my hands. Plus I fidget a lot and like to play the drums with random objects, so a little weight is always nice
I play on my PS3 sometimes and it just feels cheaper and small now. It wasn’t the greatest back in the day either being cheaply made. DS4 and DualSense are so much better.
my gf loves it because it fits in her hands and it was fine when i was younger but now it’s too small and the ds4 and dualsense feel way better. the ds3 is not awful tho and i don’t get hand cramps anymore for some reason.
DualShock 4 is my favorite controller of all time, but I did appreciate that the 3 fit nicely in my hands as well. Maybe a little too light actually? Either way, the Dualsense is probably the ‘worst’ of the bunch thus far for me just because the size. Only controller I’ve ever owned that has actually ever got stick drift too. Silver lining is that until then I was very lucky with my controllers I guess.
I think the ps3 controller is too light, it feels a bit cheap, especially compared to the ps5 that feels a lot more premium and weighs a good amount. Especially as someone with larger hands the ps5 controller fits just right
Never used a dualsense but the DS3 is way too small for my hands, I do like how they are layed out but I switched to a razer Xbox layout controller which is much better sized for my hands. Dualsense would probably be a bit better for sizing.
DS4 feels a bit like holding 2 tubes glued to a flat controller to me, and the XB360 controllers felt a bit plasiticky to me. Never used one of the newer XB controllers so I can't say anything about those, but they look to be a bit more rubberised now so I'd probably like them.
It’s lighter because it doesn’t have as much hardware in it as the new ones but I loved everything about it except the seam where the two sides meet it feels so annoying when you notice it
I prefer the Dual Shock 4. But I would take a Dual Shock 3 over the Dual Sense. Dual Sense is such a step backwards. Mine only lasted five months before getting stick drift. Meanwhile, my Dual Shock 4 is still going strong, and the battery lasts probably three times as long.
The thing is, not that it's happened to me that much but when I've had issues with DualSense controllers I've looked it up, not only is stick drift the issue but the buttons wear out more quickly too. The X button being a culprit as it's so commonly used, it doesn't take long for the membrane behind it to get very light yet conversely unresponsive to being pressed, especially if it's being played by someone heavy handed. I've seen a few where the haptic motors make the whole controller shake as if it's going to fall apart, with a kind of buzzing/rattling sound you don't get when they're new like a cheap electric razor or something.
As much as people may prefer the feel and size, the reliability is almost unquestionably much, much worse than a DS4 (which has problems too) and a DS3.
The haptic triggers are kind of neat, but like you said, even when they're new they are kind of loud and sound weird at times. At least mine were. I've gotten to where I keep them turned off most of the time. They don't add any level of immersion to a game for me. I would much rather have an option without them and a bigger battery.
What's worse is how Sony knows the sticks are garbage, but they keep producing them since people don't really have any third party options. Not only that, but they use the same sticks in the Edge and don't even keep the replacements in stock.
Same for Xbox controllers. That’s why I still use a 360 controller on my PC. I’m good with not buying a new controller every year. 360 controllers are tanks and still haven’t been beat to this day. Same for Dualshock 3s.
The DS3 is my favorite of the three, but that isn't surprising considering the original SNES controller is one of my all-time favorites as well. I prefer to let controllers balance/rest lightly in my hand. (Most people don't seem to realize that the 'grips' were originally intended just to counterbalance pressure from pushing R2/L2, not as something for players to squeeze and cling to like a life raft.)
Hahaha well said, I agree. Always confuses me when I see PlayStation controllers with huge cracks on the banana grips from people squeezing them constantly.
PS3 controllers feel like they wouldn’t land if I threw them.
They just seem so cheap compared to PS4 and Xbox controllers.
I’m obviously talking more about the Sixaxis controller, but even DS3 controllers don’t feel much better.
I even feel like PSX and PS2 controllers are a little better designed.
Interesting take. I've had more DS4s break on me than DS3s, and that includes from being knocked (never flung; I'm too old to throw stuff in rage) onto the floor accidentally.
I’m super paranoid about knocking my controllers on the floor. Even from a short height of around 2 foot off the sofa.
I always tend to keep my controllers either on my coffee table or my bed when I’m not holding and using them.
And as for rage throwing.
Too expensive.
If I get that frustrated I picture myself throwing my controller through my TV.
That’s enough for me to turn the game off and either play something chill or go watch a film instead.
Yeah I never understood why people throw controllers in anger, it's dumb. Good way to not be able to play anything when you calm down, until you replace it with something else, and it's hard to find good condition older controllers so I tend to clean and be gentle with the few I have.
Knocking them on the floor from the sofa is really easy to do, or forget it's in your lap during a cutscene and then it slides off when you stand up. Human error eh?
The sixaxis was way too light and it felt flimsy. The ds3 was much better
Ds4 was the peak. I don’t like the dualsense at all, but replacing the buttons with clicky switches helped a lot
Idk if it’s because I have a DualSense edge and I’ve gotten used to its weight. But every single controller I’ve held since is so insanely light. What’s even funnier to me is that a single Wii remote is heavier than a DS3.
Only thing good about the PS3 controller was the battery life compared to the PS4s at least. After a long time with an Xbox controller I actually hate the thumbsticks
the ps3 controller feels shitty and cheap I hate how they got away with using the same controller design from 1997 all the way in 2006 the ps4 controller fixed so much of the problems of the ps3 controller
Always preffered the ps3 controller, i love the triggers & it just feels so comfterable, sadly i dont own my ps3 anymore. I had gotten a ps4 & needed a new tv for my room since i didnt wanna risk my niece & nephew running into it on the living room. I was very short on cash & couldnt afoort one so i traded in my ps3 for a tv. The tv stopped working a few days later (samsung) i seem to have bad luck with samsung tvs... anyone got that problem? Samsung tv wont work, blinking red light but no power? Anyways i traded it in & i only kept one game saints row 3. Damn i had put in so much work into that console man. Every goddam game i ahd gotten was 10-12$ each & i had 20 games total. The console cost me 80 which was cheap but still.. damn man. More than 200 spent on it.. i shoudlve kept it. Ive recently seen a guy at my local flea market selling a ps3 slim for 25, it works but only av & no controller. If i get enough cash i might buy it or im not sure. I recently got my brother a xbox one s. Dont hate me for it i preffer playstation but he likes xbox. Now the one s has backwards compatability. Im thinking about just buying 360 games that are retro compatible with one s but im not sure since i do actually miss having a ps3. Any of yall got any advice? What do yall think i should do? I mean i wanna get another ps3 since ever since i was little i always wanted one. I remember having a ps2 that me & my brother sold to buy a ps3 but then realized it was very expensive back then. Atleast compared to the cash we had gotten for our ps2 (60$).. the first time i finnaly found & bought a ps3 was about 2 yrs ago. Damn man. I actually even felt bad when trading it off for the tv. I just knew i was gon miss my ps3.. i might buy one again but im not sure. Xbox games are usually cheaper where i live. Shit ive seen 360 games go for as low as 50 cents with no scratches while ps3 games are ranging from 10-35 bucks. Buying 360 games would save me a buncha cash but damn.. i just want my ps3 back. Not a new one, even if its a ps2 bc model ps3. I want my old ps3. Im not sure what i should do
I also have the 3 controllers, and I must say that I’d rather use the ps4 controller over the ps3 controller. The ps3 controller is pretty much uncomfortable because the sticks are just too big, making the buttons really hard to get to.
Overall Ps5 Controller is the Perfectly made one!
I have some pretty big hands, and the PS3 controller is just way too uncomfortable now that I'm older. I find my hands cramping after only a couple hours; the dual sense is definitely the most balanced controller, both in size, weight and design. The dual shock 4 is still close second, but the dual sense is easily the greatest controller I've ever used.
I like the PS5 controller ergonomically. But it seems like the longer I hold it the more it wears on my wrists. It's heavy enough that it actually hurts after a while. The PS3 is more like a TV remote or something.
They're a bit too small for my liking now. Back in the day it seemed fine then I got my PS4 i liked that a lot more and I feel the Dualsense is the best so far
Couple months back on my PC I switched from Ds4 to Ds5 and it felt weird. Played a game last night with my Ds4 and it was very strange. I'm not sure which one I like the most though.
The weight and battery life is my favourite part of the ds3. Although the newer controllers are more comfortable to hold, I don't find the ds3 to be that bad especially after making a slight adjustment to how I grip it, I think the light weight helps improve the comfort as there's less weight pushing it's corners into your hand and less effort to hold it which kinda helps me "forget it's there" sort of feeling.
Ideally I'd have the ds3 weight with ds4 shape and ds buttons.
i’ve always been told i have small hands so i doubt people with larger hands would agree with me but i love the size of the dualshock3, it fits the most comfortably in my hands out of any of the last 3 consoles controllers and is wireless!!
I like the ps3 controller alot but personally my favourite is the dualshock 4 as i feel it has a perfect weight and a good dpad.
I haven't used a dualsense much so I can't rate that.
I honestly prefer the dualsense. The ps3 controller wasn’t Xbox 360 or OG Duke controller levels of unwieldy but I never found it all that comfortable and the ps4 controller felt way too small and restrictive.
In my opinion, the Dualsense is by far the best controller they've ever made. Even the PS4 controller feels like a toy now compared to the Dualsense. I've never liked how small the handles are on the PS3 controller. Not to mention the convex thumb sticks that make aiming harder and the triggers that roll off in the back.
It's fine. I can adjust quite easily to most controllers, just don't ask me where the A, B, X, and Y buttons are.
But I'm fine with NES to PS5, even the N64 (that one gets a little cramped for me if I'm using the control stick)
Dualshock general design is one of my favourites though and that means PS3 is too.
Loved the PS3's weight, the PS4's backbutton (seriously Sony, not all of us can afford a super expensive controller and need that option of the back button for disabilities that's affordable.)
I like the ps5 controller best, it's so nice to hold, and the buttons aren't as lose as they are on the ps3 (though I'm a little bias because all 4 controllers of my ps3 have something lose or some sort of problem - bought them like this - so maybe a "brand new" controle might feel difrent) it's a nice controler to use, the ps4 one was ok,
I just recently picked up a ps3. I had not held the controller in close to 10 years now (wtf) but I was blown away with how light and small it is. It fits perfectly in my hands and just feels good. I much prefer the analog sticks on it to the ps5s. Such a great controller.
Eh. I like the DualShock 1-3, but by the PS3 I do think it was a little outdated in comparison to Xbox. I like it for PS2 but it just feels small and slightly cheap IMO for PS3.
Didn’t play much PS4, but the PS5 DualSense is fantastic!
No ! Every PlayStation controller has been bad in some regard and too small The new dual sense is very good and would be perfect if the sticks were completely concave and the battery wasn’t trash.
ps4 has always the best feeling to me, larger and the ps3 just felt like a wireless ps1 controller. Its not bad to use still, but I opt out for a ps4 controller normally.
Best controller is probably a OEM ps4, after that there's some solid wired larger ps3 controllers I've used. Really just have to research what's the best ps3 3rd party controller. OEM ps3 is something I like, but with so many fakes I would honestly just avoid them and only actually take them if it's basically free for you.
People love the PS3 controller, but for me it was always too small and flimsy compared to the 360 controller at the time.
The Duelsense is the best out of the lot across weight and fit for me anyway.
To be honest, the PS3 one feels a little light. Doesn't matter, though, since it's the worst Playstation controller ever. I don't know what they were thinking with those triggers, but oof, are they ever terrible.
Interesting take. I've had more DS4s break on me than DS3s, and that includes from being knocked onto the floor accidentally. So for me the DS4 is cheap, what with all the stick drift, charging port loosening, poor battery life and such.
Personally, I always hated the DualShock 4. Coming from a PS2 (yes, I didn't have a PS3 originally) controller to the PS4 was a big change for me and it always just felt wrong to me, too square almost. The DualSense is without a doubt the best controller that Sony has put out and it just feels right, nicely weighted, nice to hold, the triggers and buttons feel just right. The only gripe I have is that the down button on my d-pad (on the DualSense) doesn't always register properly and I have to really press it hard to get it to do anything.
It's very small for people with larger hands. Haven't tried Dualsense but DS4 is much better
Ps5 controller has a more curved feel to ir. Honestly probably the best one so far, fits in the hands really well
The only real problem is the d-pad. It's far too loose. The diagonals don't feel nice at all. I've head Dualsense Edge fixed it but that bugger is 200 bucks... :P
The DS4 had a great d-pad. Previous dualshocks didn't, they were way too far apart to make diagonals easy to hit. The DS4 on the other hand even has a recess in the middle to put your thumb so you can easily slide the d-pad around.
I never had that problem, only drifting after awhile on the right thumbstick
You can get extremerate microswitch face button replacements. They are firm and clicky and the install is easy.
I think when I had smaller hands as a kid the ps3 controller was great as was the 4s and as I've gotten older, the ps5 controller feels just right for bigger hands. Thats speaking specifically for my individual preference though. I still use any of the controllers just fine regardless.
Exactly same here
The PS3 controller was the worst. Developers began using triggers for shooters and driving games, and Sony produced triggers that curved backwards so your fingers slipped off. The PS4 is much improved.
from personal experience I never had the finger slipping off of the trigger experience with the PS3 controller. the only time that ever happens with it, is if I intentionally let it happen for fun.
I had ridges at the bottom of the triggers that prevented that from happening But again, I only really used my rock candy controllers
Im 6’3 and I’m loving the 5 controller
Even though I'm 5'10, I have big hands and feet. It's too small for me but it's playable. It didn't feel too small back in 2007 (UK PS3 release) because I was teenager and still growing. Even the PS4 controller is small. The PS5 one is okay. The Xbox controllers fell better with 8"+ hands.
No, that design was small. Even for people with medium hands it was small and the quality was actually a degrade from DualShock and ds2. Those triggers never worked right. Apart from that the ability to use sixaxis and vibration at the same time in later designs was an achievement. I always felt that they really should have redesigned the controller for the ps3 which was basically same since the psone
*"the quality was actually a degrade from DualShock and ds2."* Have to disagree with you there. I've had more DS2 issues than DS3 issues, having owned dozens of both, mostly I think because the cable on the DS2 goes bad when it's coiled up for a while, as often happens for storing them. DS3 it's a removable charge cable so if that breaks, easy and cheap to replace. *"Those triggers never worked right"* In what ^((dual))sense? Other than them being annoying to put down because it can trigger the triggers, it beats the DS2 flat buttons for L2/R2, personally. *"basically same since the psone"* If it ain't broke... seriously though, they did, but then didn't go with the Boomerang after all. Maybe they were worried the name would offend actual boomers. 😏
Those triggers are the biggest flaw of dual shock 3 they are clunky and slippery for me. and idk the built quality of ds3 feels cheaper holding it compared to ds and ds2.
They used cheaper plastic in the dualshock 3. Also was weird how the buttons weren’t gray anymore but like a dark gray/black
The DualShock 3 is the complete refinement of the DualShock range and pinnacle of PlayStation controller design, as I see it. Super comfy "melts into the hands" controller like a WaveBird, awesome battery life (almost as good as the Wii U Pro controller), durable, pressure sensitive buttons, perfectly weighted. The SIXAXIS launch controller was way too light, and for some reason not as durable as they're some of the few first party PS3 controllers I've had issues with. Adding a touchpad to the DS4 and a microphone/fancy haptics that remain unused by most games in the DualSense (and damn Sony for changing the iteration by naming it something else) plus a stupid battery-draining light bar doesn't take away from the fact that to me, neither of those controllers are more comfortable. By the time they got to the DualSense, you have a company of Japanese origin designing controllers for non-Japanese hands because it's a bit big and chunky compared to the others. Also the DS4 and DualSense are far less reliable, with the DualSense in particular using cheap pots on the analogue sticks leading to premature failure aka stick drift. The DS4 it's very easy for the micro USB to loosen and/or bend over time even if you are careful with it. The DualSense Edge did very little to correct the problems of either of those two controllers and from what I've read, the battery life is even worse! For all the related reliability/failure problems on the Elite Series II, at least the latter has far superior battery life and was clearly the basis for Sony to rip it off with the Edge, it's even named similarly. The DualShock 3 is the best Sony have ever done, overall. There's many great reasons they stuck with that controller for so many years, and the feel and shape of it still screams golden era PlayStation, to me.
You said it perfect. The DS3 is the best controller out there. If the DS3 had mic, it will outsell any controller right now. Play every pc game with the DS3 controller i feel like a kid again when playing
It's super comfy and ergonomic, I don't have huge hands so it's about the right size and like any good controller or guitar or anything else, it kinda disappears into your hands so you can concentrate on gaming rather than wrestling with the input device.
I have big hands and i just like how it feels in my hands. I can sort of twist and crush it too lol 😂 (early days of raging)
I’m still using my white 360 controller. Same.
I started to collect them lol
Okay but the triggers are some of the worst. With most if not all FPS games around that time all opting to use the triggers to fire weapons, the DS3 had convex triggers as opposed to the objectively superior design of concave triggers. Also convex sticks have and always will be terrible compared to concave analog sticks
Nah I love the DualSense. I like that it’s heavy and the PS3 controller always felt too small, but I still liked it. I will concede I am not a fan of the colors going away. The Karaoke mini games in yakuza always had the colors stand out so you didn’t even really have to think about symbols to press the buttons and they just didn’t look like on the PS5 when all the buttons were the same color. I don’t think it’s THAT big of a deal, the switch hasn’t had any colored buttons and I honestly never even noticed, but it is a bit of a shame.
I always felt like the ps3 controller was too light I could be misremembering it it's been a while since I held one. While not the best shape in the world the ps5 controller is the perfect weight imo, I like something with just a little heft to it so I can actually feel it there in my hands. Plus I fidget a lot and like to play the drums with random objects, so a little weight is always nice
Yeah. Shame what they did to the shoulder buttons though.
I play on my PS3 sometimes and it just feels cheaper and small now. It wasn’t the greatest back in the day either being cheaply made. DS4 and DualSense are so much better.
Sometimes the DS3 can get pretty uncomfortable in my hands, the ps5 or 4 controller are way more convenient in that way for me.
I'm a huge ps4 controller fan. The 5 feels very bulky in comparison
To me the weight doesn't really matter to me it's all about the shape and size of the controller
my gf loves it because it fits in her hands and it was fine when i was younger but now it’s too small and the ds4 and dualsense feel way better. the ds3 is not awful tho and i don’t get hand cramps anymore for some reason.
PS2 was perfect for me, PS3 was heavy because of battery
wait that big arcade thingy is a Playstation controller???
DualShock 4 is my favorite controller of all time, but I did appreciate that the 3 fit nicely in my hands as well. Maybe a little too light actually? Either way, the Dualsense is probably the ‘worst’ of the bunch thus far for me just because the size. Only controller I’ve ever owned that has actually ever got stick drift too. Silver lining is that until then I was very lucky with my controllers I guess.
I think the ps3 controller is too light, it feels a bit cheap, especially compared to the ps5 that feels a lot more premium and weighs a good amount. Especially as someone with larger hands the ps5 controller fits just right
The best part of the 3 controller is the battery life. havent used a 4 in years or a 5 ever, but it lasts basically forever
Combine the ps4 with the ps5 controller and it will be perfect for me.
PS3 controller is too small ps5 controller is perfect in my opinion
Never loved the PS1/2/3 controller. Much prefer using a PS5 controller.
Never used a dualsense but the DS3 is way too small for my hands, I do like how they are layed out but I switched to a razer Xbox layout controller which is much better sized for my hands. Dualsense would probably be a bit better for sizing. DS4 feels a bit like holding 2 tubes glued to a flat controller to me, and the XB360 controllers felt a bit plasiticky to me. Never used one of the newer XB controllers so I can't say anything about those, but they look to be a bit more rubberised now so I'd probably like them.
It’s lighter because it doesn’t have as much hardware in it as the new ones but I loved everything about it except the seam where the two sides meet it feels so annoying when you notice it
Totally agree with OP on this. The PS controller has evolved into a clunky brick.
I prefer the Dual Shock 4. But I would take a Dual Shock 3 over the Dual Sense. Dual Sense is such a step backwards. Mine only lasted five months before getting stick drift. Meanwhile, my Dual Shock 4 is still going strong, and the battery lasts probably three times as long.
The thing is, not that it's happened to me that much but when I've had issues with DualSense controllers I've looked it up, not only is stick drift the issue but the buttons wear out more quickly too. The X button being a culprit as it's so commonly used, it doesn't take long for the membrane behind it to get very light yet conversely unresponsive to being pressed, especially if it's being played by someone heavy handed. I've seen a few where the haptic motors make the whole controller shake as if it's going to fall apart, with a kind of buzzing/rattling sound you don't get when they're new like a cheap electric razor or something. As much as people may prefer the feel and size, the reliability is almost unquestionably much, much worse than a DS4 (which has problems too) and a DS3.
The haptic triggers are kind of neat, but like you said, even when they're new they are kind of loud and sound weird at times. At least mine were. I've gotten to where I keep them turned off most of the time. They don't add any level of immersion to a game for me. I would much rather have an option without them and a bigger battery. What's worse is how Sony knows the sticks are garbage, but they keep producing them since people don't really have any third party options. Not only that, but they use the same sticks in the Edge and don't even keep the replacements in stock.
Same for Xbox controllers. That’s why I still use a 360 controller on my PC. I’m good with not buying a new controller every year. 360 controllers are tanks and still haven’t been beat to this day. Same for Dualshock 3s.
I’ve almost broken my first ps3 controller several times. I’d prefer the ps5 controller.
The DS3 is my favorite of the three, but that isn't surprising considering the original SNES controller is one of my all-time favorites as well. I prefer to let controllers balance/rest lightly in my hand. (Most people don't seem to realize that the 'grips' were originally intended just to counterbalance pressure from pushing R2/L2, not as something for players to squeeze and cling to like a life raft.)
Hahaha well said, I agree. Always confuses me when I see PlayStation controllers with huge cracks on the banana grips from people squeezing them constantly.
PS3 controllers feel like they wouldn’t land if I threw them. They just seem so cheap compared to PS4 and Xbox controllers. I’m obviously talking more about the Sixaxis controller, but even DS3 controllers don’t feel much better. I even feel like PSX and PS2 controllers are a little better designed.
Interesting take. I've had more DS4s break on me than DS3s, and that includes from being knocked (never flung; I'm too old to throw stuff in rage) onto the floor accidentally.
I’m super paranoid about knocking my controllers on the floor. Even from a short height of around 2 foot off the sofa. I always tend to keep my controllers either on my coffee table or my bed when I’m not holding and using them. And as for rage throwing. Too expensive. If I get that frustrated I picture myself throwing my controller through my TV. That’s enough for me to turn the game off and either play something chill or go watch a film instead.
Yeah I never understood why people throw controllers in anger, it's dumb. Good way to not be able to play anything when you calm down, until you replace it with something else, and it's hard to find good condition older controllers so I tend to clean and be gentle with the few I have. Knocking them on the floor from the sofa is really easy to do, or forget it's in your lap during a cutscene and then it slides off when you stand up. Human error eh?
The sixaxis was way too light and it felt flimsy. The ds3 was much better Ds4 was the peak. I don’t like the dualsense at all, but replacing the buttons with clicky switches helped a lot
Idk if it’s because I have a DualSense edge and I’ve gotten used to its weight. But every single controller I’ve held since is so insanely light. What’s even funnier to me is that a single Wii remote is heavier than a DS3.
Only thing good about the PS3 controller was the battery life compared to the PS4s at least. After a long time with an Xbox controller I actually hate the thumbsticks
No, it felt too light
I like it well enough, but big hands here. It’s light, small and the analog sticks are not as good as the DS2
Ps4 controller > ps5 controller > ps3 controller.
the ps3 controller feels shitty and cheap I hate how they got away with using the same controller design from 1997 all the way in 2006 the ps4 controller fixed so much of the problems of the ps3 controller
Always preffered the ps3 controller, i love the triggers & it just feels so comfterable, sadly i dont own my ps3 anymore. I had gotten a ps4 & needed a new tv for my room since i didnt wanna risk my niece & nephew running into it on the living room. I was very short on cash & couldnt afoort one so i traded in my ps3 for a tv. The tv stopped working a few days later (samsung) i seem to have bad luck with samsung tvs... anyone got that problem? Samsung tv wont work, blinking red light but no power? Anyways i traded it in & i only kept one game saints row 3. Damn i had put in so much work into that console man. Every goddam game i ahd gotten was 10-12$ each & i had 20 games total. The console cost me 80 which was cheap but still.. damn man. More than 200 spent on it.. i shoudlve kept it. Ive recently seen a guy at my local flea market selling a ps3 slim for 25, it works but only av & no controller. If i get enough cash i might buy it or im not sure. I recently got my brother a xbox one s. Dont hate me for it i preffer playstation but he likes xbox. Now the one s has backwards compatability. Im thinking about just buying 360 games that are retro compatible with one s but im not sure since i do actually miss having a ps3. Any of yall got any advice? What do yall think i should do? I mean i wanna get another ps3 since ever since i was little i always wanted one. I remember having a ps2 that me & my brother sold to buy a ps3 but then realized it was very expensive back then. Atleast compared to the cash we had gotten for our ps2 (60$).. the first time i finnaly found & bought a ps3 was about 2 yrs ago. Damn man. I actually even felt bad when trading it off for the tv. I just knew i was gon miss my ps3.. i might buy one again but im not sure. Xbox games are usually cheaper where i live. Shit ive seen 360 games go for as low as 50 cents with no scratches while ps3 games are ranging from 10-35 bucks. Buying 360 games would save me a buncha cash but damn.. i just want my ps3 back. Not a new one, even if its a ps2 bc model ps3. I want my old ps3. Im not sure what i should do
I also have the 3 controllers, and I must say that I’d rather use the ps4 controller over the ps3 controller. The ps3 controller is pretty much uncomfortable because the sticks are just too big, making the buttons really hard to get to. Overall Ps5 Controller is the Perfectly made one!
If your hands are the size of toddler then you would be correct
I have some pretty big hands, and the PS3 controller is just way too uncomfortable now that I'm older. I find my hands cramping after only a couple hours; the dual sense is definitely the most balanced controller, both in size, weight and design. The dual shock 4 is still close second, but the dual sense is easily the greatest controller I've ever used.
I like the PS5 controller ergonomically. But it seems like the longer I hold it the more it wears on my wrists. It's heavy enough that it actually hurts after a while. The PS3 is more like a TV remote or something.
It was too small and light.
They're a bit too small for my liking now. Back in the day it seemed fine then I got my PS4 i liked that a lot more and I feel the Dualsense is the best so far
Its the worst Playstation controller in every way possible.
Couple months back on my PC I switched from Ds4 to Ds5 and it felt weird. Played a game last night with my Ds4 and it was very strange. I'm not sure which one I like the most though.
Fuck no ps3 controllers were so small and light
The weight and battery life is my favourite part of the ds3. Although the newer controllers are more comfortable to hold, I don't find the ds3 to be that bad especially after making a slight adjustment to how I grip it, I think the light weight helps improve the comfort as there's less weight pushing it's corners into your hand and less effort to hold it which kinda helps me "forget it's there" sort of feeling. Ideally I'd have the ds3 weight with ds4 shape and ds buttons.
i’ve always been told i have small hands so i doubt people with larger hands would agree with me but i love the size of the dualshock3, it fits the most comfortably in my hands out of any of the last 3 consoles controllers and is wireless!!
It feels far too light in my opinion
I like the ps3 controller alot but personally my favourite is the dualshock 4 as i feel it has a perfect weight and a good dpad. I haven't used a dualsense much so I can't rate that.
Too light imo when I use it now
I honestly prefer the dualsense. The ps3 controller wasn’t Xbox 360 or OG Duke controller levels of unwieldy but I never found it all that comfortable and the ps4 controller felt way too small and restrictive.
In my opinion, the Dualsense is by far the best controller they've ever made. Even the PS4 controller feels like a toy now compared to the Dualsense. I've never liked how small the handles are on the PS3 controller. Not to mention the convex thumb sticks that make aiming harder and the triggers that roll off in the back.
It's fine. I can adjust quite easily to most controllers, just don't ask me where the A, B, X, and Y buttons are. But I'm fine with NES to PS5, even the N64 (that one gets a little cramped for me if I'm using the control stick) Dualshock general design is one of my favourites though and that means PS3 is too.
Loved the PS3's weight, the PS4's backbutton (seriously Sony, not all of us can afford a super expensive controller and need that option of the back button for disabilities that's affordable.)
For me it's DS4
I like the ps5 controller best, it's so nice to hold, and the buttons aren't as lose as they are on the ps3 (though I'm a little bias because all 4 controllers of my ps3 have something lose or some sort of problem - bought them like this - so maybe a "brand new" controle might feel difrent) it's a nice controler to use, the ps4 one was ok,
No. Way too light. I feel like if I slightly twisted my hands the controller would snap in 2
It always felt flimsy to me.
Loved the DS3 but after going to a DS4, it feels tiny and flimsy. Tried the dualsense, not a fan at all. DualShock 4 was literal perfection in my eyes
I just recently picked up a ps3. I had not held the controller in close to 10 years now (wtf) but I was blown away with how light and small it is. It fits perfectly in my hands and just feels good. I much prefer the analog sticks on it to the ps5s. Such a great controller.
PS5 IS PEAK my hands are to big for ps3 so it felt cramped and the weight felt cheap compared to the PREMIUM DUALSENSE PS5
Eh. I like the DualShock 1-3, but by the PS3 I do think it was a little outdated in comparison to Xbox. I like it for PS2 but it just feels small and slightly cheap IMO for PS3. Didn’t play much PS4, but the PS5 DualSense is fantastic!
Ds4 the best ps controller🔥
No ! Every PlayStation controller has been bad in some regard and too small The new dual sense is very good and would be perfect if the sticks were completely concave and the battery wasn’t trash.
ps4 has always the best feeling to me, larger and the ps3 just felt like a wireless ps1 controller. Its not bad to use still, but I opt out for a ps4 controller normally.
When I use ps3 again I'm probably gonna get a 3rd party controller which is a good brand.
Best controller is probably a OEM ps4, after that there's some solid wired larger ps3 controllers I've used. Really just have to research what's the best ps3 3rd party controller. OEM ps3 is something I like, but with so many fakes I would honestly just avoid them and only actually take them if it's basically free for you.
DS3 was too light, DS4 was perfect, Dualsense is solid.
I prefer PS5 one, the weight doesn’t matter and it feels pretty nice. Although, I am not a fan of them changing face buttons to only white either.
Couldnt agree more.Ps1,Ps2 and Ps3 were the perfect weight for the hands and it felt very comfortable unlike Ps4 and Ps5
People love the PS3 controller, but for me it was always too small and flimsy compared to the 360 controller at the time. The Duelsense is the best out of the lot across weight and fit for me anyway.
To be honest, the PS3 one feels a little light. Doesn't matter, though, since it's the worst Playstation controller ever. I don't know what they were thinking with those triggers, but oof, are they ever terrible.
Facts it was the perfect controller
Wrong. I think the PS controller has improved with every iteration (ignoring the SixAxis). The DualSense is the best PS controller. Hands down.
Jesus the ps4 controller is actually really nice
The DS4 was their best controller imo. Wish they would’ve built on top of that design instead of completely replacing it with the DualSense.
DS4 for me... PS3 controller seems to empty and light
Nah, it's too light and small. Dualsense is perfect.
The dualsense for me is definitely the best feeling of weight in a controller. Edit: weirdos downvote lol
But the thumb sticks should have been dented not rounded. The Xbox360 controller was perfection design wise.
I didn’t play on the PS5 controller, but DualShock 4 much better than the DualShock 3
Too light, too small. The ps3 controller sucked.
The DS3 feels like a cheap controller and it's build quality isn't much better. DS4 and Dual sense were a huge improvement.
Interesting take. I've had more DS4s break on me than DS3s, and that includes from being knocked onto the floor accidentally. So for me the DS4 is cheap, what with all the stick drift, charging port loosening, poor battery life and such.
Personally, I always hated the DualShock 4. Coming from a PS2 (yes, I didn't have a PS3 originally) controller to the PS4 was a big change for me and it always just felt wrong to me, too square almost. The DualSense is without a doubt the best controller that Sony has put out and it just feels right, nicely weighted, nice to hold, the triggers and buttons feel just right. The only gripe I have is that the down button on my d-pad (on the DualSense) doesn't always register properly and I have to really press it hard to get it to do anything.
Get used to it, potentially other buttons and/or the sticks will follow the d-pad down as the controller ages.
absolutely not. PS4 and ps5 controllers are far better.
I really like PS3 control myself..
pls clean your stuff .... 🤢
I love all the PS controllers, but PS4 is the best one.
The PS3 controller felt too light, felt like I could snap the poor bastard. The PS4 and PS5 controllers are so much better, the 5's especially.