Even Microsoft May Prefer The DualSense Over The Series X Controller

Although the evidence suggests that the PS5 took the lead in overall performance, early reviews for the new Xbox raved about the fast loading times and high-quality graphics. Xbox X may have some advantages over the PS5, but it looks like Microsoft may have just admitted that Sony has one-upped the Xbox with the PS5's new controller.

As reported by TechRadar, Microsoft sent out a survey to Xbox X|S owners asking them questions about the quality of the new consoles. The questions ranged from asking how players liked the new share button to how "desirable" the new console is. One question stood out among the general inquiries, asking if players would prefer that the new Xbox controller had more of the same features that came with the PS5 DualSense. Though the survey doesn't specify which features it is referring to, it is likely that it is talking about the PS5 controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

This wouldn't be the first time that Microsoft has taken a page out of Sony's book. The Xbox One added a headphone jack to its controller, seemingly in response to Sony's DualShock 4. Whether or not players may see an upgraded Xbox controller in the future is uncertain at the moment, but that's not to say that it would be unheard-of.

The PS5's new DualSense has been the most raved-about upgrade for the next-gen console, with reviewers praising its innovative haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers. GamesRadar called the PS5 controller "truly next-gen" and went on to describe the feeling of the DualSense's haptic feedback: "This is so much more than the dull vibrations of rumble, it's a whole spectrum of tactile sensations." After the PS5 DualSense received such high praise, there's no question why Microsoft would consider recreating it in its controller — or a least making a version that includes a feature similar to the DualSense's haptic feedback.

Compared to the praise for the PS5 controller, the reviews for the new Xbox controller are a bit tame. Microsoft seemed to have adopted an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude toward the new Xbox X|S controller, due to it keeping the same basic design with smaller enhancements over the previous model, including an upgraded D-pad design. Whether or not Xbox fans prefer things to change or stay the same may direct Microsoft's actions in the future, but until then, gamers have the tried-and-true Xbox controller design to play with.