How to get used to the PS4 control pad (For XBOX veterans who are making the big console switch)

Don’t feel bad, Microsoft had a good thing going and they basically “dropped the ball” with their Xbox ONE marketing strategy.  Don’t think of yourself as a deserter or turncoat though, brand loyalty is one thing, but when a company steps across the line and starts making consumers uncomfortable, well, maybe it IS time to jump ship.  In fact, the reasons to switch over to the PS4 and Sony from the Xbox 360 and MS are numerous.

First off, you have the digital rights management policy stuff to think about, which is still an issue on PS4, although perhaps less highlighted.  Then of course there’s the whole “has to be connected to the internet at least once daily”-thing which is extremely off-putting for a number of reasons.  Moreover, you have allegations that the camera system which the Xbox ONE utilizes is able to scan your entire home and even relay data to certain agencies without your consent.  Even if this is just a rumor, you have to admit it is a bit upsetting especially given the other factors which do nothing to help boost Microsoft’s image to potential customers.

Anyway, as a result of the hullabaloo, many die-hard Xbox veterans are reportedly now embracing Sony in greater numbers, which was to be more or less expected.  That’s all fine and dandy, but there might be some problems present which not everyone has likely considered.

Namely, there’s the issue with the controller.  Simply put, for Xbox aficionados who have fallen in love with the look, feel and layout of the 360 controller, moving over to the PS4 will probably take some getting used to.  Of course we’re not talking about a major adjustment here – it’s not as if it’s the same sort of change one might experience when moving from a traditional controller shape to say, the design of the Wii-mote and nun chuck setup, is it?  Still though, some might feel initially disoriented.  Let’s explore some of the elements associated with the transition from the 360 controller to that of the PS4.

First off, you should know that Sony put a lot of thought and effort into the design of its new DualShock4 controller.  In other words, this isn’t a simple re-branding / re-packaging of old tech, they really wanted to shake things up in a good way.  Namely, the controller itself is designed to fit perfectly in your hand.  Not only will this lead to less strain on joints, it also means that you’ll have a much less stressful, more accurate experience as well.  The DS4 is a bit wider than the previous incarnation, making it both accommodating to the new touchscreen as well as perhaps more natural-feeling with regards to the spacing constraints levied on the player.  Even the texture of the material used is designed to prevent slippage from sweaty hands.  Likewise, the analog sticks feature indentations atop the knobs which make precision control easier and more stable, even in stressed-out, moisture-laden hands.

In truth, there are quite a number of physical similarities between that of the DualShock 4 and the nearly immortalized 360 controller.  They’re both roughly the same size and keep the hands positioned vertically at nearly the same angle.Perhaps the hardest thing to get used to will be the general way most developers set up their action buttons, etc…  To be perfectly honest, most Xbox veterans probably aren’t going to have very many problems/issues at all.  In other words, don’t worry, everything’s going to be fairly familiar after all.

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