GIF: Watch all variations of the PlayStation controller at once

Thanks to a GIF created by GadgetLove that shows the evolution of both PlayStation and Xbox controllers, we can compare and contrast the different philosophies both Sony and Microsoft had on how gamers control what they play.

Above, the GIF shows the PlayStation controller back on the PS1 to the latest DualShock 4. In general, the four main buttons on the right side have never changed form. The placement remains uniform with the same amount of space between buttons.

That's different than the Xbox, which features a different button layout in each generation.

The directional pad had few changes, but the biggest upgrade was the length of the DS4's d-pad. Obviously, the biggest and most dramatic change was the implementing the two analog sticks at the bottom. Along with adding rumble, these controllers have been known as the DualShock controllers, and are numbered according to the console they're on.

Also of note, Sony abandoned the white color of their original PS1 and have remained with the traditional black, sleek style as the standard.

Not pictured unfortunately is the evolution of the shoulder buttons. These have all changed throughout each generation, with the DS3's bottom buttons being pressure-sensitive. With the lack of an actual trigger button, most first-person shooters action games use "R1" as the default action button.

Image credit: GadgetLove