Regardless of your historical analysis or (essentially correct) statement that "professional" gamers prefer game pads with a differential analog position, "symmetrical" is not a buzzword by any means. It's a fact, plain and simple-- the sticks are, clearly, sitting directly next to one another, as you can see in the picture. What word would you use to describe that?

It's certainly not a "ploy," and you saying it's for stupid people to hear really makes you sound like a moron yourself. Sony may be hyping up their ergonomic design, as any company would, but for you to criticize that aspect of it and actually end your "argument" at that point is laughable.

for the record...idk about yours...but, my hands are symmetrical...my thumbs are in the same place on BOTH of my hands...

that being said i find that there is ZERO influence on my ability to play games based on the position of the analog sticks...but the symmetrical layout makes more sense from a purely physical standpoint...

any negatives to the SIXAXIS/DS3 are more with the overall design of the controller, NOT its stick placement...frankly i think most people who say non-symmetrical is best are simply xbox fanboys...

most reports from people have said the DS4 is the better of the bext gen controllers...we will see how many non-symetrical fans show their true colors as simply xbox fans this time around...

"Even the use of the word "symmetrical" is nothing more than a ploy. Its a buzz word for stupid people."

Do you not know what symmetrical means?

errm, well, you can think symmetrical is for stupid people all you want, but it won't make it true. Although I do like the 360 controller, it does have its negatives. The foward position your hands are in on the controller, mean that the using the triggers is primary, and using the shoulder buttons is an unnatural motion upwards. The DS controllers have the R1/L1 as primarys with the secondary buttons as "triggers" putting emphasis on the trigger buttons makes using the DS controller a little unnatural as your hands are always "reaching" and then set back to natural position when using R1/L1 buttons. As far as the thumbsticks go, I feel that although the DS sticks are a little close together, that I they still should be symmetrical. The DPAD and buttons are in the relatively same, but symmetrical position on the controller, your hands are symmetrical, mirrors of eachother when being held. Thats why using every part of the DS controller is a lot easier than the 360, with the DPAD and shoulder buttons using unnatural movements.

I think the xbox analogs are retarded and prefer the dualshock controllers hands down. In the end its all preference though no 1 controller is ever better than another just like how on PCs PRO GAMERS use many different types of keyboards and mouses. This is a silly argument and wouldnt want Sony to ever change the core dualshock design.

Your thumbs are symmetrical though arent they? Honestly i can jump between the two types, both are comfortable to me and i wouldnt have minded either way, just cant wait to get the new controllers in my own hands.

They added two analogue sticks because as it’s a good way to navigate a 3d environment and they have left the sticks symmetrical as it’s the best place to have them if you have and eclectic games collection.

I'll just copy my comment from that site...

Having used both, I think asymmetrical analog sticks are nothing but a marketing gimmick. The Xbox and 360 controllers always felt awkward to me, so I’m glad Sony is sticking with symmetrical analogs for my symmetrical human thumbs. The tips of the dual shock analogs and the triggers were the weaknesses, not the stick placement. It sounds like those things have been corrected, but I won’t know until I hold it in my own hands and play a game.

"Even the use of the word "symmetrical" is nothing more than a ploy. Its a buzz word for stupid people."

Time for you to dig out a dictionary and look up "symmetrical".

""The Xbox style of controller – with offset analog sticks – is the more favorable style among gamers and eSports enthusiasts, Sony believes the contrary..."

First of all this is BS...it's all about opinion at the end of the day but in MY opinion I think the DS is better, the Xbox 360 controller is only better with FPS and sports games.

With the DS controller it has a nice all rounder feel to it.

The current results (65% in favor of symmetrical sticks) of the poll on that website say otherwise.

Please tell us more oh champion of controller analog stick placement.

Actually there are a lot of dualshock style controllers for the 360 and the preference on analogue stick placement is completely down to exactly that, preference. Are you really that ignorant?

You do realize that even most third party controllers follow Sony's blueprint? There's rarely a controller with X360 stick layouts. Even controllers mimicking X360 controller's shape have symmetrical sticks.

Also, if anyone actually believes one stick layout is better than the other, you're out of your freaking mind. The only thing that's different is the relative position of the dpad to the stick. That's it.

What's more important is the stick precision and shape. I like the X360 controller's concave analog stick shape, but the PS3's analog feels more precise.
It's a matter of personal preference, with what you've spent more time. It's nothing definite, it's extremely subjective. Hence, I call bullshit on your entire comment.

I'm still using 2 PS1 controllers on my PC. I could get the X360 controller, but for what? A stick in a different place? That's going to make everything better? Yeah, right.

And yet, despite everything you just yammered on about, it works just fine, with the Dualshock 4 getting nothing but shining reviews. So now what? Is it really that big a deal?

The use of the third party example as a reason for why asymmetrical is better is flawed. The 360 had other benefits and, on a internet social level, it was conceived to be the better and more comfortable out of the two (nothing to do with where the sticks are placed). So third parties copied that to go with what was the general consensus. Again I must repeat this, it has nothing to do with stick position. It is just how the 3rd party accessories business works

Wow, that's a lot of disagrees but what he said is not inaccurate. Even Sony tried to drop the dual shock shape (see ps3 boomerang)

For me the problem isn't so much symmetry, it's more that the position of the analogue sticks just isn't comfortable. The d-pad and buttons hold the prime positions, because that's the legacy of the controller.

I think ds4 puts proper consideration on the analogue sticks and may well be a huge improvement.

The symetrical is more for style IMO, and sony has been known to sacrifice a bit just to make it look more even.

The Vita can be cumbersome at times but its very playable. The PS controllers could be a bit better if they were positioned the way xbox does it but its ALRIGHT because the size of the controller is JUST RIGHT.

Here is the real reason

http://t.qkme.me/3ulbf8.jpg

Well, personally, my hands are "symmetrical".

I would like to see how many disagrees you get.

Yet not one person submitted evidence to dispute what multiconsolegamer said. The only way to get an PS3 style controller on the Xbox is mod one. But plenty xbox style controllers are available at retail for playstation consoles.

I cant shoot with r2 either, any ps4 game using r2 I will quickly change to r1 lol. All I know is my thumbs are in the same spot so I want my analogs in the same spot. Pro gamers prefer a mouse not an analog stick. Also that damn x button placement sucks on the 360 controller lol.

Doesn't matter what you say, wth are you to say something else is superior. Sony has won awards for that same controller design your trying to put down. Millions prefer the D's and symmetrical layout and no matter what you say changes that.

And the word cloud is for them Xbots who don't understand what a dedicated server does. Pro gamers perfer a mouse though. You can do 180s really quick and move really slowly for those far away shots. Mouse is way better then analog sticks.

First off all no damage control here it`s not an Xbone article.

Secondly Speak for yourself, I prefer a symmetrical setup and other people prefer the Xbox controller setup, it`s a personal preference.

You know why the Xbox controller has the sticks off set? Because they took the DreamCast controller and added a second stick and because of the layout the DC controller had there was only one place where they could place the second stick.

If you want to go down the route of what controller did what you should keep a few things in mind.

1. Saturn 3D and DC controller had only one stick so that`s not an argument for or against symmetrical setups. WiiU pro controller and WiiU GamePad are symmetrical as well as the new Valve controller.

2. Naming multiple versions of the same controller isn`t proof of anything. I could just say in that case DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 and Vita all have them symmetrical with good reason according to your reasoning.

Thank you for that comment, I was in dire need of a good laugh XD

'... favored by pro gamers'? LOL. Mouse and keyboard. Look them up.

yet there are converters to use the ds3 on the 360...

I agree, its just more comfortable to have the analog sticks higher up. I personally think the WiiU gamepad has the best analog sticks I ever used, perfect resistance (less than xbox360 imho), perfect grip, perfect position. <3
The PS3 controller is awful. My thumbs bump into each other (i have large thumbs) and my hands start to cramp when i play too long...

Love the disagrees you're getting. All of a sudden it's hot to say the PS3 controller wasn't that great because the new PS4 one is better it is said.. and yet here you are getting disagrees.

Analog sticks on a dualshock are meant for small childish hands. Or girls hands.

The Nintendo 64 controller did not have an analog stick, it was a digital stick that offered near analog precision... But not analog. The rumble pack was an add on via the expansion port, where as the Dual shock had the rumble motors built in. They were released within 7 months of each other so chances are they have been in R&D around the same time... Only difference is that Sony had the foresight to have built in rumble, not an add on that required batteries.

So no, Sony did not follow suit, and no, this is not spin nor damage control.

Why does he have so many disagrees[other than rampant fanboyism on this site]? He didn't say anything that wasn't true. The Only reason Sony kept it's design is to keep continuity with their older models. The Original design of the controller was designed in an era without analog controls in mind. Like he said the slapped it on an existing design the only place they had room on the controller. They can spin it anyway they want but that is the truth. I'm a huge Sony fan but the 360 controller just feels better for analog controls because it was designed for it from the beginning and didn't have to modify an existing D-pad focused design of the PS family of controllers.

@multiconsolegamer, I have to laugh at your ridiculous comment. Clearly Sony has in fact paid attention and got it right. They come on this site and see a lot of Sony gamers suffer from severe degenerative fanboyitus. Knowing they spend so much time typing crap, these poor people suffering cannot get their thumbs in the conventional one forward, one back controller setup. Pay more attention please.

Actually not Sony.... Sony went to top FPS developers with 12 different mock controllers and they picked this one. Some had the offset sticks. Most people say the new controller is much better then the X1.

Basic anatomy > What "pro gamers" alledge.

"pro gamers" dont complain which is superior... they adapt.. and play on all consoles..and/or pc

Lol at all the psfanboys disagreeing with you. This is fact, and is why there are hardly any pro-gaming tournaments played on playstation, other than for certain exclusives. Games like BF3 and COD will always be played with 360 controller or keyboard and mouse. FACT!

This pretty much sums up your comment multiconsolegamer
http://youtu.be/wKjxFJfcrcA

Ergonomics, huh? Yes, because its soo difficult to have your thumbs in a symmetrical position, right? Challenging stuff man.

LMFAO.

minimur12

That was so funny, was drinking tea ffs. Stop it!

I can use both controllers just fine doesnt matter to me i have an xbox pad for the pc as its easier driver wise and support.

WiiU=symmetrical, PS4=symmetrical, One=Asymmetrical, Steam=symmetrical (touchpads). You tell a man who's the oddball this gen (the most refined in terms of controllers by being most recent).

Some points:

Saturn 3D, Dreamcast only had one analogue stick (like the N64) so you can't say they offset the analogue sticks haha, they just happen to put it there. Also, the d-pad and face buttons on those controllers were a lot more level that the 360's analogue stick and face buttons, meaning the analogue stick was placed "where it would fit" on the controller and you'd still be able to reach it, so it went above the d-pad.

3 of that list are from Microsoft, obviously they're all going to have the same layout. The Wii U pro controller has symmetrical analogue sticks they're just above the face buttons and D-pad. And the Wii classic controller had the PS layout.

The Ouya controller is abismal, wherever the sticks are.

And a lot of design cues of the original Xbox controller are cribbed straight from the Sega's recently defunct Dreamcast controller, so as to be different from Sony.

Third party controllers do what they can to not infringe any copyrights, so shifting the stick is easy and useful to avoid lawsuits.

And pro gamers shouldn't be informing us of any trends. If you think competitive videogaming is a sport and a career you shouldn't ever offer advice.

And the new Steam controller has symmetrical control surfaces. So where's your reams of research on why asymmetrical is better?

EDIT: There are several "360 style" 3rd party controllers for PS3 and no "dual shock style" controllers for 360.

Maybe that's because there are many 360 gamers that convert to PS3, and few that do the reverse. Just Maybe.

@Buzzword

I think symmetrical just means symmetrical.

The main point there is is the DS design is so great then why hasn't anyone made a 3rd party controller for the 360. Yet there are numerous 360 style controllers for the PS3.

To me that ends the debate.

I laughed.

Anyone who says it's ergonomic to be asymmetrical has no idea what they're talking about.

*If* "pro-gamers" prefer the asymmetrical layout, it is for one reason... Xbox/360 was made on Halo. The first online console FPS that ever really took off (and was probably the most popular console FPS on the XboxOG). And everyone that wanted to play Halo had to get an Xbox/360. And thanks to the 360's year head start, it became established as the console FPS standard, and that basically translated to the CoD crowd. The DS3's triggers and convex sticks didn't help (and may have thrown the preference anyway if its sticks were the same as the 360's), and I don't know why MS chose the asymmetrical layout, but it was only due to the Xbox/360's console FPS dominance that it became so popular. Just another clever result of the 360's head start. (and hey, that $200xX some paid for RRoD replacements was worth it, right?)

The convex triggers and sticks are my main gripe with the DS3, and both of those have been solved, thankfully.

And as has been said, I think the real "pro gamers" prefer a mouse and keyboard. They simply can't be beat for precision and versatility.

"The controller layout is generally done to put the dominant directional control on top with a sub interface below."

This makes no sense... which do you use more in an FPS, face buttons or the right stick?

As of now... 292 disagrees to your 50 agrees. I think that says it all.

I have used both controllers and I prefer the dualshock analog positions.

You should do your research more. You make me laugh. The left thumbstick from the first xbox to the current and xbone controller is nothing more of a copy from Sega Saturn's Night analog controller which came out in 1996. I bought my Nights game bundled with this controller. The first xbox that came out in 2001 copied this design along with the right thumbstick which is similar to the first dualshock design. Who do you think copied who?

Sega Saturn 3D introduced the forward or upper analog stick that carried on to the Sega Dreamcast.

M$ just copied that whole layout.

A good reason? Can't you just explain what makes it better?

Exactly, the Dualshock thumbstick layout is an archaic design going back to when the thumbsticks were put on as an afterthought. If Sony's thumbstick is placed in a more natural position than why didn't they put the d-pad there on the original PS1 controller? The fact that every other console with analogs doesn't use Sony's layout says a lot.

Like most normal people if I lay my hand down on a table in a relaxed state my thumb will face up and not off to a 90 degree angle from my hand. The Xbox controller allows your left thumb to be placed on the analog stick; which is used primarily over the d-pad since 3d gaming became the norm; in a more natural relaxed position. It seems from pictures though the DS4 reduces the angle of the thumb relative to the hand due to the longer and less angled handles. This should reduce, at least from my experience with the DS3, the uncomfortable and straining left thumb placement.

The right thumbstick is a different story as it isn't used quite as much as the left one since it most often controls camera, not movement. Since we tend to use buttons quite a bit in games it makes sense to put the buttons in the dominant position on the right side.

The Xbox layout wins the symetical argument anyway in terms of use. Most of the time your left thumb will be on the stick and the right thumb on the buttons. This means when using the controller both your thumbs are facing up in the same "symetrical" position. DS layout requires playing with your thumbs offset.

@ MultiConsoleGamer

Dude really shut up, I prefer the PS3 controller and I also think its more comfortable for ME. I hate the 360 controller and bought the adapter so I can use my ps3 Controller on the 360.

The biggest reason by far that the 360 controller is used more is because the triggers are so much better. I'm not saying there aren't other factors, but that is definitely the biggest one.

I've always preferred The ps3 controller from ps1 to Ps3. i just like the way it fits in my hands. with that being said i do prefer the placement of 360's analog sticks. I get the feeling people are disagreeing just because they feel they owe some sort of loyalty to Sony.@MultiConsoleGamer makes a lot of good points. Fear not, for there is hope. I used to be like you... then i grew-up and built a PC.

Pro gamer here.

I prefer mouse and keyboard.

Jokes aside, if I use a controller, I prefer Dualshock, The less rigid sticks allow for finer movements.

Actually the 360 put the stick in the prominent position to hide it's god awful D-Pad :P

This is ridiculous, both ways work but I prefer symmetrical like Playstation. It was fine in 1997 and it still is. Moving it up was just a gimmick/differentiator not some magic cure for a problem that didn't even exist.

All this talk of pushing up on the left stick? And when you push up (as you often do and there it remains) your thumb is then in it's natural position. If you push up on Xbox style you are slightly over reaching the thumb! So that would only apply if you weren't actually using the sticks, last time I checked we use the sticks in games.

U made my day lol... keep up the spirit lol the dumb spirit i mean... "Pro Gamer" lol

For once I agree Multiconsolegamer.

It's no coincidence that at Eurogamer all I could see was Xbox 360 controllers on pcs and especially on shooters. Having said that I don't know if the DS3 works on pc.

I guess it's what you are used to. For me the Xbox controller is the finest ever and I've used everything since a kempston joystick on a zx81 in the mid 80's.

The layout of the sticks isn't a deal breaker anyway. I'm not sure why it's generated so much feeling/ people rallying to Sonys defence. The DS4 I used felt well designed although a little front heavy.

Yo see, when I use the left stick when it's up like that, I can't move it left, or top left, or bottom left. It cramps my thumbs. With the symetrical ones, I get a 360° usability.

I play Soul Calibur V with a ps3 controller for a reason. I also play claw, which is incredibly hard on an xbox controller. I prefer PS3 by far.

All the pro gamers i know use mouse and keyboard for virtually everything except racers and fighters, pro gamers playing racers use wheels, and pro gamers playing fighters use proper fight sticks.

Your move.

I have NEVER before seen so many disagrees, guess that explains why Sony is going this route(with analog sticks positioning) for almost 20 years now.

MultiConsoleGamer... you got 444 disagrees.
fuck!

That was funny, but for the wrong reasons.
Thanks for making my morning.

Well said, multiconsolegamer.

Its beyond funny when people say Sony copied N64 analog stick...

You do know Sony unveiled the Dual Shock controller in Nov 96 and the N64 wasnt released til 97......

Playstation controllers were always superior.

The original Atari and Odyssey and Intellivision controllers were terrible. The xbone and ds4 controllers are not dofferent enough to warrant a discussion.

another good example of symmetry would be the handle bars on a bike - its desirable that the left and right of the bar be in symmetry.

unless one arm is quite a bit longer than the other, arguing that a symmetrical design is inferior is just silly - its is the same for thumbs.

"symmetry a buzz word" LOL.

.

A lot of text and BS explaining the supposed history but really no valid or new information that jsutifies your "claim".

What a troll of the first degree!

So please do tell the "with good reason" on WHY the left sticks must be forward and WHY that ergonomically better?

Everyone will soon realise that it is not the position of the sticks but the ergonomics of the grips that matter.

although i do like the PS3 controller for action games like the ninja gaidens because it is lighter and the sticks arent as tight and are more precise than playing with a 360 controller, you do make a good point about the third party controllers. i prefer the 360 controller for shooters and GTA 5. all depends on the type of game i guess. both of the next gen controllers look like they will be even more comfortable to use.

The funny thing is neither of the controller's thumb-sticks are in the most advantageous position particularly for shooter's that require use of both thumb-sticks.

The 360/ONE off-set style, Left thumb-stick is in the natural position with the D-PAD below. IMO this is the best placement for the Left thumb-stick.

The PS3/4, D-Pad is in the natural position w/ the thumb-stick below which causes players to open their hand more. My problem with the D-PAD in the natural position is that it usually gets assigned and used for inventory management, alternate weapon selection, etc...

The Right side of these controllers are basically the same, buttons are in the natural position with the thumb-sticks in the lower position. It serves no advantage to games that primarily require the use of both thumb-sticks versus games that use the buttons.

Given a choice between the two, I prefer the XBOX360/ONE controller. BUT the controller with the BEST thunb-stick, button and D-PAD layout for shooters is none other than the WiiU Pro-Controller. Don't hate bc I'm not a WiiU fan at the moment even though I own one but I wish there was an option to have a controller with this style on my next gen console of choice.

You're are obviously a cod fan. Because no one plays Battlefield competitivley, what about Last of Us competitive? Lol, get over yourself.

I love you. This comment made my day, to know people are stupid makes me happy.

Just to let you know, you just owned everyone with this post. Hence all the bitter disagrees. Pure, undeniable logic. Well said.

Every company except for Sony now realizes that the left analog stick is the dominant form of input for most games. That's why the left analog stick is in the primary position. On the right side of the controller the buttons are in the forward or primary position because they are used more than the left analog stick. This means the two primary input devices rest parallel along a horizontal plane. This lay out is the most ergonomic, the most comfortable and the most accurate.

The dual shock style controller forces the player to hold his thumbs at an angle, with the left thumb lower than the right thumb.

The thumb has a natural range of movement. It can rotate on a small radius starting at the first metacarpal bone. The natural range of movement of the thumb is limited by the flexibility of the carpometacarpal joint.

The playstation controller forces the left thumb to move outside of its normal range of movement. This problem is even worse on the PS4 controller because it is larger and users must reach slightly further across the face of the controller to reach the thumb stick.

This is the primary reason why the dual shock controller is less accurate. You could also make an argument that the playstation style controller is bad for your hands. This is why when companies created new controllers with ergonomics in mind they moved the left analog stick to the proper forward position.

The 360 style controller isn't just best for shooters, it's also best for dozens of other genres as well including racing, 3D platform, open world, action, 3D fight games and more.

Over 500 dislikes. lmao

pro gamers that play call of duty. The 360 style controller cater to FPS. People that that play fighting and action games prefer the playstation style controller. Sony has used that design for 16 years and if people had a problem with it they wouldn't buy the system. The one time Sony tried to change the design with the original ps3 boomerang controller fans complained and demanded they changed it back to the regular design.