One of the most important distinguishing features of the Xbox Series X over the PlayStation 5 is backwards compatibility within its controllers. With the exception of the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, Sony consoles have never contained backwards compatibility in their controllers, meaning console owners have been forced to invest in unique controllers for each system generation. While some PS4 accessories will work with the PS5, controllers are the exception. The reason for Sony controllers’ lack of flexibility has to do with the distinctive features that separate each generation from the next. The PlayStation 4 controller, for example, gained a trackpad over its predecessor, and when it comes to the current generation, Sony has said it doesn’t want PS5 games played on hardware not designed for them.
What Sony has gained through innovation with its controllers, Xbox has more than made up for through continuity. The Xbox 360 controller has a user-friendly interface that solved several problems that the original Xbox controllers had and added features (such as the guide button) that have since become a staple of the modern controller. For this reason, the original Xbox 360 hardware continues to cooperate with modern Xbox consoles. Rather than reinventing the wheel by adding new features over the years, Xbox has instead opted to make subtle improvements to its controllers, like changing the texture of the controller shell and making improvements to the analog sticks and d- pad.
Because of this, gamers can take advantage of one of the Series X’s three USB 3.0 ports to plug in their original Xbox 360 controllers if they choose. Additionally, continued support for Xbox 360 controllers speaks to how timeless Xbox controller design is.