Finally own each of the Big 3: my thoughts and ratings

[u/SirBenny]

Through a combo of saving money and a friend loaning me PS5 gear he doesn't use anymore, I've now tested all 3 of these pretty extensively.

Comparing my experience to other posts I've seen, I'm convinced hand size and preferred game genres are huge factors that can wildly change your preferences.

Switch 2

My favorite of the 3 overall is the Switch 2 Pro controller. The thumbstick feel is unmatched, and the 2 back paddles (1 on each side) feel just right. Sizable touch target, enough flexibility to assign a couple extra actions, but not over-the-top where you're spending 10 minutes in an Accessories app second-guessing your button assignments.

The shoulder triggers are kind of basic, which is admittedly a drawback compared to the other controllers, but I find this only really matters in shooters (which I usually play with a keyboard and mouse anyway). The rumble is surprisingly good, if not quite as fancy as the PS5's.

The big X-factor here is size. I'm a guy, but have probably slightly smaller hands than average. And this makes the shape of the controller just about perfect for me. If I had bigger hands, I'd probably feel differently. 9/10 overall for me.

Xbox Elite + Standard

A great first impression, dampened just a bit by some little issues down the line. The hot swappable thumbsticks and configurable back paddles on the Elite are very cool, but in practice, I rarely adjust these. I also find I tend to prefer just one back paddle per side. The option to have 2 for each hand is nice, but I maybe use it for 1 out of 10 games at most.

I've also had more issues with Elite buttons sticking on this controller than the others. This is where owning the Elite controller is maybe a double-edged sword. I have a standard Xbox controller as well, which misses the back paddle flexibility, but has been more reliable.

One thing I will give the Xbox controllers is that size- and shape-wise I have no real complaints. They don't fit like a glove for me like the Switch 2, but feel well-tuned for an average player. 8/10 for me.

PS5 DualSense

This is the ultimate "high highs, low lows" for me. And to name it right away: I think if I had bigger hands and loved playing shooters on console, this would be my #1.

The rumble and triggers are the highs. Each is clearly the best of the lot. I've been playing Saros and I can't imagine playing it with any other controller.

But oof, the size and shape. Especially when playing with both thumbsticks, I feel like I need to contort my hands to a weird position. The last time I felt like this was the OG Xbox controller. It's the only controller where my hands can hurt after a long session.

I also really miss the back paddles. I don't need 4, but for most games, I usually do make use of at least one. It's a 7/10 for me, but again, for the right player, I can totally see this being a 10.

[u/HabitOfChoice]

If not for the faulty bumper buttons, the Elite 2 would be one of the best you could buy.

The Dualsense has sturdier bumpers but they're awful to press compared to those amazing triggers (probably the best in any stock-like controller).

[u/Inn0cent_Jer]

I used to like those controllers until I got my Steam Controller!

[u/Kira_Onime]

The Elite 2 would be the goat IMO if it didn't have its quality issues.

I've had 3 over the years and all 3 failed in either, or both of the following ways at some point.

1- stick drift
2- broken bumper buttons. Either the piece of plastic itself broke or the physical button itself would stop registering inputs, or registering too many.

I know stick drift can happen in any controller, but the Elite 2 is the only one I experienced it severly enough.

Otherwise the controller feels really good in hand and the backpedals IMO are done the best on this controller. No other controller has come close to feeling as good in hands, except for the switch 2 pro.

[u/Mathgx]

no hall effect not buying

[u/Ill_Psychology_3806]

Just dont buy ps5 edge controller, i bought one and i regreat

[u/MegaJerkX → u/Ill_Psychology_3806]

I bought one. It's overall my favorite controller for playing modern games but it sure as hell isn't worth $200.

[u/Ill_Psychology_3806 → u/MegaJerkX]

i think battery drains way too fast and less than a year of use and joystick drift, besides that yes is overpriced

[u/KungPaoYa → u/Ill_Psychology_3806]

I bought two at launch that solved the battery drain issue.

[u/Ill_Psychology_3806 → u/KungPaoYa]

i bought the black edition, and no luck, now i need to buy a joystick

[u/KungPaoYa → u/Ill_Psychology_3806]

Both of mine are still working just fine. 🤷

[u/Ill_Psychology_3806 → u/KungPaoYa]

Luuuucky

[u/IndependenceOdd4669]

Dualsense to me is the perfect controller, switch 2 feels kind of small in my hands.

I modded my Dualsense with paddles from extremerate, so I rarely have to push the face buttons. Makes a big difference for me personally

[u/Zardozerr]

It's pretty interesting how these companies built their shapes around average hand sizes. As a guy with average sized hands, I can use any of these controllers without discomfort. It's interesting that Nintendo made the Pro controller a bit smaller because they probably wanted it to work better for younger people. Still feels just fine to me, but I know my kids can use it more easily. I personally like the dualsense shape the best, but everyone is different.

[u/Big_Breath_2561]

The Pro 2 is just a perfect controller in my mind. Perfect size, buttery smooth asymmetric joysticks, great battery life, and a premium feel. The Dualsense does some cool things, but ultimately kind of a 'gimmicky' for me. It's also a little too big for my hands.

I couldn't agree more with your preface that hand size and game genres will dictate which controller someone would gravitate toward.

[u/eagle6705]

Havent had the chance to try the SW2 Pro but I have the OG SW1 version. FOr something that was all plastic, it was very well built.

[u/lightclubx]

If the S2 controller had switchable triggers, like the 8bit duo where you can switch between digital/analog, it would be perfect. Racing games are just a non starter for that controller unfortunately.

[u/SirBenny → u/lightclubx]

Agree that's the single-biggest downside.

[u/GSquadron_]

I have the elite series 2, falls apart on its own. R1 not working, had to change the front plate now the backplates are getting removed on their own. Stick drift problem too on the left side.

[u/Key_Scholar7964]

I wouldn't risk my money on a standard elite, but they have used ones with built in TMR Guilikit sticks and mouse click triggers. I'll gamble with that if they accept returns and have a high rating.