Comparison Microsoft Xbox One S Wireless Controller vs Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Controller

Game platforms that the manipulator is compatible with.

A gaming platform can be described as a list of devices with which a given model can be used. Nowadays, you can find controllers for the following types of platforms:

— computers: PC (PC), mainly under Windows, as well as Mac from Apple ;
— desktop game consoles: Playstation (PS3, PS4, PS5), Xbox, Nintendo ( Wii, Switch);
— portable devices: primarily smartphones and tablets for Android and iOS ;
— other specific types of devices (in particular, Apple TV set-top boxes).

Note that many models are made compatible with several platforms at the same time. And here is a more detailed description of each of the options mentioned above:

— PC. In this case, PC refers to PCs — desktop computers and laptops running Windows, and sometimes also other operating systems, primarily Linux. Only devices under macOS from Apple are not included here, they are placed in a separate category. Anyway, wired manipulators for PC (see “Connection”) usually use the USB interface, wireless ones use Bluetooth, less often radi...o.

— Android. Portable gadgets running Android OS. Note that such compatibility is found not only in specialized overhead gamepads and virtual reality weapons (see "Device type"), but also in more traditional manipulators — primarily classic gamepads. At the same time, connection features and compatibility with specific gaming devices may be different, it depends both on the type of controller and on more specific features. So, traditional gamepads are usually connected via Bluetooth and can be used with any Android gadget on which a game with software support for such manipulators is installed. Likewise, VR weapons and over-ear gamepads require compatible games, but these accessories are almost exclusively for smartphones (not tablets) and are equipped with appropriate mounts.

— Mac. Under this term, they combine Apple computer equipment that uses the proprietary desktop OS macOS. First of all, these are desktops and laptops from different Mac and MacBook lines, respectively. This technique has software and hardware features that distinguish it from other types of PCs and laptops; therefore, such compatibility for gaming accessories is specified separately.

— iOS. Portable gadgets from Apple running under the proprietary mobile "OS" iOS — iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets and iPod touch players. Features of game controllers for such electronics are completely similar to the models for Android described above; in fact, many accessories for mobile games are initially made compatible with both of these platforms. And overhead gamepads (see "Device type") of mechanical design are universal by definition.

— AppleTV. A family of smart set-top boxes manufactured by Apple. Starting from the 4th generation (2015), such set-top boxes allow you to install applications from the corresponding section of the App Store, and software developers can not only create their own applications for this platform, but also port ready-made iOS programs to it without much difficulty (see above) . As a result, nowadays, games are also available for AppleTV — accordingly, game controllers for such consoles are being released. Such accessories are connected only wirelessly; many of them can be used not only for games, but also as a replacement for a standard remote control.

— switch. Game console from Nintendo, which has a hybrid format of work. Consists of a tablet that can be used on its own and a desktop adapter to connect the tablet to a TV, so it can be used as both desktop and portable. As a result, the controllers for this platform are very diverse. For example, the native Joy-Con consists of two motion controllers that can be used individually by two players, held by one player in two hands, combined into one gamepad for tabletop play, or attached to the sides of the tablet for on-the-go use. ". Joy-Con halves are sold individually. Other Switch accessories may be similar in design or less versatile, such as traditional gamepads, on-ear gamepads for the tablet portion of the console, and arcade controllers (see "Device Type").

— Wii. A family of desktop game consoles from Nintendo, the predecessor to the Switch. The original Wii, released back in 2006, was the first mass-produced console to be controlled by motion controllers (see "Device type") and actually set the standard for such control for the entire market. The next model, Wii U, appeared in 2012. She introduced her own original manipulator — a gamepad with a built-in display, on which (in some games) you can broadcast the image from the console and play without a TV; while maintaining full compatibility with motion controllers from the previous console. In general, the Wii family of consoles are considered obsolete in light of the release in 2017 of the Switch described above; new controllers for them are almost never produced.

— Xbox. A whole line of desktop game consoles from Microsoft; one of the most popular platforms in this market, directly competing with the PlayStation. As of 2020, it includes 4 generations: original Xbox (2001), Xbox 360 (2005), Xbox One (2013) and Xbox Series X/S (2020). The last two are actually the most relevant of them (for the same year 2020), and they use the same protocol to communicate with wireless controllers. Therefore, modern Xbox accessories are usually compatible with both generations. And the “native” wireless gamepad from the 2020 models supports Bluetooth and allows you to work with mobile devices, but this possibility is not guaranteed for third-party accessories. In general, the list of controllers for Xbox includes mainly gamepads (wired and wireless) and steering wheels. Also at one time, the Kinect motion controller was popular, capable of tracking the movements of the entire body, but its release (in the game version) was discontinued in 2017.

— PlayStation. A series of game consoles from Sony; one of the main players in the desktop console market, along with the Xbox described above. Portable gadgets were also produced under the PlayStation (PS) brand, but in 2019 Sony completely abandoned their production. The desktop versions include several generations that are not completely mutually compatible; so it’s worth choosing accessories for such a console that have the ability to work with the corresponding generation directly. On the other hand, many controllers are initially made for several PS versions at once, so finding a compatible model does not arise any particular problems. The classic types of such manipulators are wired and wireless gamepads, as well as the PS Move motion controller (see "Device type"); however, other types of accessories are also produced — primarily steering wheels, although the matter is not limited to them. As for specific generations, here are the most relevant options:

• PlayStation 3. The third generation of the PlayStation, introduced by Sony in 2006. It was here that the aforementioned PS Move was first used — however, only in 2010. It was also very successful, produced for 11 years. As of the end of 2020, you can find a lot of controllers compatible with this platform on the market — and among them there are not only models for new generations with the ability to work on PS3, but also accessories designed only for this version.
• PlayStation 4. Generation released in 2013 with a lineup update in 2016. As of the end of 2020, the most popular PS version and the second best selling desktop console of all time (behind PS2); continues to be released. Accordingly, there are a lot of controllers for this platform on the market.
• PlayStation 5. The latest generation of PS, introduced in 2020. The stock gamepad for this version is called the DualSense, based on the DualShock predecessor with a number of modifications: force-feedback triggers, a built-in set of microphones and an improved speaker that allows you to communicate with other players directly through the controller, as well as a touchpad (hence the name; more see below for this feature). There are still very few other accessories specifically for this platform, but given the level of demand for the console itself, we should expect a quick change in the situation. Note that the manufacturer claims limited compatibility with previous generation controllers, but only controllers for this version of the console can be used in your own PS5 games.

The way to connect the manipulator to the gaming device.

In general, such methods are divided into wired(in a conventional or serial format), wireless(radio, Bluetooth, or even both at once) or combined(a combination of wired and wireless formats in one model). Here is a more detailed description of the different options:

— Wired. The classic wired connection is a very popular option, especially among PC/Mac controllers and desktop consoles (see "Platform Compatibility"). But for portable gadgets, it is practically not used (and for AppleTV it is not used in principle). A wired connection is usually carried out via a USB connector, but other options are possible (again, depending on the supported platforms). The main disadvantage of controllers of this format is the limited freedom of movement; this is especially true when playing on a large screen, when you need a considerable distance from such a screen for comfortable viewing. On the other hand, wired accessories are noticeably lighter and cheaper than wireless ones, and the vast majority of such models receive energy from a USB port or a network (see "Power"), so the operating time is unlimited (although there are some exceptions). And the length of the cable is not so often critical: for example, a steering wheel or joystick mounted on a table right in front of the computer usually does not need a lon...g cable, and accessories for desktop consoles usually make the cable quite long.

— Wired serial. A variation of the wired connection described above, in which the controllers are connected in a “chain” through one port: one manipulator is connected to the gaming device, and the second to the first manipulator. In general, this is a rather rare option, used only in some paired sets of gamepads (see "Device type"). However, in some cases, such a connection turns out to be more convenient than the traditional one: it allows you to reduce the number of wires stretching to the set-top box.

— Wireless. The main advantage of all types of wireless connection is obvious: the absence of a cable, which limits mobility and can create inconvenience. And for motion controllers (see "Device type"), this option is, in fact, the only possible one at all (otherwise it would be at least problematic to use such a manipulator). In addition, it is wireless communication (for a number of reasons) that is most convenient for working with portable gadgets — smartphones and tablets. At the same time, the range of such a connection is usually sufficient to work at least within a large living room, and more often at greater distances. On the other hand, wireless controllers are noticeably more expensive than their wired counterparts. In addition, most of them use autonomous power (batteries or accumulator), which limits the time of continuous operation. And although this time can be quite significant, and batteries (and some batteries) can be quickly changed, you still cannot do without interruptions in work, and the charge may end at the most inopportune moment. The exception is some models with mains power, but they have a wire, in turn, “binds” the device to the outlet. As for specific methods of wireless communication, nowadays there are such options:

• bluetooth. Connecting via Bluetooth is convenient primarily because many modern gaming devices initially have built-in modules for such a connection. The list of such devices includes, in particular, almost all desktop consoles, smartphones, tablets and laptops, as well as many advanced PCs (including all Mac computers). Thus, the controller can be made compatible with numerous different devices, and most often no additional adapters are needed for the connection itself. However, if necessary — for example, for a desktop computer without Bluetooth — such an adapter can be purchased separately. With all this, the connection is carried out in the radio range and does not require direct visibility, and its range in open space is standardly at least 10 m (and often much more).
• Radio. Non-Bluetooth radio connection (see above). The specific features of such a connection largely depend on compatibility with gaming platforms (see above). For example, native radio standards are used by many desktop consoles, and connections to such devices are often made directly, without additional equipment. In turn, controllers with the ability to work on a PC (Mac) are equipped with special adapters, usually connected via USB (in this case, such models can also support a direct connection to the game console). But for mobile gadgets, this method of communication is not used — in this case, the Bluetooth described above is more justified.
• Bluetooth / radio. Ability to work in any of the options described above. All such controllers are made immediately for several platforms — consoles (of a particular series), mobile devices and computers; the specific combination of these options can be any, but there is always more than one. However such versatility significantly affects the cost, so in general there are very few models with such a connection. However, if we take not variety, but the total number, then this method is not as rare as one might think — for example, it is provided in the “native” gamepad for Xbox Series S / X consoles of the 2020 model.

— Combined. The combination of a wired connection with support for wireless standards — Bluetooth, radio, sometimes both at once. The features of each of these options are detailed above. And the combined format of work theoretically provides maximum versatility, allowing you to choose the best connection method for different situations. However, in fact, the specifics of the work of such accessories may be different — depending on the compatible platforms and even the features of individual models. For example, some combination controllers use different connection methods for different devices — for example, wired for a PC and radio for a desktop console. Others work mostly wireless, with the cable used to recharge the battery while playing (or when you need to save battery for later). Still others may combine these formats, etc. Anyway, such nuances should be clarified separately. The same goes for general connection features: for example, the "wired / radio" option in a device for PC and consoles can mean both the presence of a wireless USB adapter and the inability to wirelessly connect to computers.

The range of the wireless connection provided by the gamepad.

Almost all modern wireless models work confidently at a distance of at least 2 – 3 metres. So you need to pay attention to this parameter mainly when the device is planned to be used at a greater distance from the computer. At the same time, when evaluating the range, note that it is indicated for perfect conditions: the absence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the battery is fully charged, etc. In fact, the communication range may be somewhat less, so when choosing, it is worth taking a certain margin. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to evaluate the practical capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.

The main material(s) used in the design of the manipulator.

Usually, both the body of the device and the control elements — buttons, levers, joystick handle, etc. are made from the material specified in this paragraph. steering wheel ”(see above), the type of coverage is often specified.

Here are the main materials relevant for today:

— Plastic. It is used in the vast majority of modern game controllers — from low-cost to high-end; at the same time, even in inexpensive devices, sufficiently high-quality grades of plastic can be used. In general, this material combines low cost, practicality and ease of design: plastic elements can easily be given complex shapes, as well as any shades and patterns. Of the shortcomings of this option, one can only note a certain tendency to scratches; however, this is a purely aesthetic moment, having almost no practical significance.

— Rubber cover. An additional coating commonly used on plastic devices. Rubber is soft and flexible, and less slippery than a smooth plastic surface. This provides a more comfortable and secure hold in the hands. In addition, scratches are less noticeable on such material. The reverse side of these advantages is a slight increase in the cost and dimensions of the controller (the latter, however, can be compensated by reducing the size of the plastic base).

— Soft touch. A special kind of plastic, a kind of transitional option between traditional smooth pl...astic and rubber. The surface of this material has a special texture, due to which it feels soft to the touch (hence the name), besides, it practically does not slip in the hands. However for a number of reasons, such material has not received much popularity in game controllers.

— Rubberized plastic, rubberized coating. These terms may mean different materials in different models: in some cases it is plastic with a full-fledged rubber coating, in others it is a soft-touch surface. For more on both, see above; and what exactly is at stake — it is worth specifying separately.

— Rubber. The word "rubber" in this case, it is customary to denote individual elements made of this material — primarily buttons and additional inserts. Such elements are usually combined with a body base made of plastic (see above). And rubber is used for additional convenience: fingers do not slip off such buttons as much as with plastic ones, while inserts prevent the controller itself from slipping in your hand.

— Metal. In the case of game controllers, metal is a premium material: it is durable, looks solid, but it is not cheap. And in some types of manipulators — for example, gamepads (see "Device type") — the use of this material is not justified from a practical point of view. As a result, metal is mainly used for individual high-end rudders, joysticks / helms and aircraft instruments, designed both for functionality and for realism in appearance and user experience. At the same time, even if only metal is indicated in the characteristics, the design, usually, still includes individual elements from other materials: for example, the pad on the joystick lever can be made of rubber or plastic, for additional comfort and reliability.

— Aluminium. One of the types of metal described above — with all the characteristic features. Aluminium is often perceived as an advanced and expensive material (in particular, it is widely used in aviation); therefore, sometimes in the characteristics this name is specified for advertising purposes.

The presence of a standard connector for charging.

- microUSB. One of the miniature versions of the USB connector, which is still popular in gadgets, despite the appearance of a more advanced USB-C. It has relatively modest capabilities (in particular, it is inferior to USB-C in terms of the maximum possible charging power), but this moment is rarely critical. At the same time, there are a great many cables and chargers for microUSB.

- USB-C. A relatively new type of USB connector, actively gaining momentum. Like microUSB, it is small in size, but has a more convenient reversible design and advanced features, such as the ability to transmit higher power, which has a beneficial effect on charging time.

The presence of a headphone output in the design of the manipulator.

The purpose of this connector is obvious from the name: it allows you to connect wired headphones or a headset directly to the controller. This is especially convenient in light of the fact that the controller is in the hands of the user, while the gaming device itself (PC, console) can be located at a very significant distance. Also note that this function is very popular in wireless models (see “Connection”), which makes it even more convenient when working with headphones / headsets.