Sony - DualSense vs Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Sony - DualSense | Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 12 h | 40 h |
| Adaptive triggers | true | false |
Between the DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controller, the DualSense comes out ahead in adaptive triggers, while the Xbox Wireless Controller wins on battery. Overall, the DualSense scores 68.4 and the Xbox Wireless Controller scores 48.4 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The DualSense is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 20.0 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the DualSense if you care most about adaptive triggers. The biggest gaps in its favor are adaptive triggers. The single most decisive one: Has Adaptive triggers.
Pick the Xbox Wireless Controller if you care most about battery. Its strongest claims are battery. The single most decisive one: Battery — 233.33% more. 40 h vs 12 h.
Both ship with comparable hall-effect sticks, back paddles, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the DualSense is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Sony - DualSense or Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller?
Sony - DualSense leads the current Mars Score by 20.0 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare battery against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Sony - DualSense if…
Sony - DualSense has the measurable edge on has adaptive triggers.
Choose Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller if…
Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller has the measurable edge on battery h.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Sony - DualSense wins
- ▲Has Adaptive triggers.
Why Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller wins
- ▲Battery — 233.33% more. 40 h vs 12 h.
Spec comparison
Feedback
| Spec | Sony - DualSense | Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Hall-effect sticks | false | false |
| Haptic feedback | truelead | false |
| Adaptive triggers | truelead | false |
Design
| Spec | Sony - DualSense | Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Back paddles | false | false |
| Weight | 281 glead | 287 g |
| Battery | 12 h | 40 hlead |
Compatibility
| Spec | Sony - DualSense | Microsoft - Xbox Wireless Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | PS5,PC | Xbox,PC,Mobile |
| Wireless | true | true |