Discussion Xbox controller causes thumb pain.

[Armoured_Bear]

I game using all 3 controllers, buy games on Switch and PS5, my Series X is a Gamepass box.
However, I have an issue with the controller on certain games, basically action games that require lots of "button mashing", the Xbox face buttons hurt my thumb, not cramp or anything mechanical, not "gamer's thumb", just the skin basically irritated with the friction of rough surface.
The thumb sticks have the same issue, they're rougher than the other controllers so irritate with intense use.
I don't have the same issue on Switch Pro nor DualSense controllers.
I started Lies of P on Series X, like the game but feel the thumb irritation, I was considering just buying it on PS5 instead.

I actually asked my non-gaming partner to touch the sticks and buttons on all 3 controllers and she noticed the "roughness" of the Xbox so doesn't seem to be my imagination

So, am I alone with my pathetic hands?
I've looked at thumbstick grips but they seem aimed at more grip, no idea if they'd improve my issue, any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[Yamanoi]

I would recommend you buy a third party licensed controller and see how you feel with that. It is worth checking out instead of rebuying a game on another platform which would cost more usually.

 

[Twohearts]

I find the ds4 and the current cbox controller bad for my arf-ritis but switch lite is less bad. The xbox controller just sucks though, maybe get a compatible 8bitdo controller

 

[Armoured_Bear]

I would recommend you buy a third party licensed controller and see how you feel with that. It is worth checking out instead of rebuying a game on another platform which would cost more usually.

Thanks, I've only even used first party controllers tbh.
Are they as goo interns of triggers, vibration etc.?

 

[Yamanoi]

Thanks, I've only even used first party controllers tbh.
Are they as goo interns of triggers, vibration etc.?

After @Twohearts posted about 8bitdo, I checked and it looks like the Xbox lineup they have was upgraded recently. You should look at that. Reviews seem positive. Hall effect analog sticks also.

 

[Armoured_Bear]

After @Twohearts posted about 8bitdo, I checked and it looks like the Xbox lineup they have was upgraded recently. You should look at that. Reviews seem positive. Hall effect analog sticks also.

Thanks. The sticks look just the same though, will they be less abrasive? they look "ribbed" as well.

 

[Hocot8]

i dont think I ran into an issue with the face buttons but definitely the control stick. It is awful if you have to press down on it a lot or use it for quick movements. It's not enjoyable. It's just too ribbed and rough. Compared to like the switch pro which isn't as ribbed and feels rubbery. I also think the control stick on the xbox is ever so slight smaller which can impact the feeling on the thumb.

 

[Brock Reiher]

That’s surprising! It’s easily the most comfortable traditional controller I own. Maybe try an 8bitdo?

Sounds like you’re also having an issue of gripping it too tightly. Maybe take some putty and put it on the sides of the controller so you’re physically incapable of having the same level of vice-like grip.

 

[Yamanoi]

Thanks. The sticks look just the same though, will they be less abrasive? they look "ribbed" as well.

They feel closer to dualsense than xbox if they are the same as the ones they use for 8bitdo switch controllers.

 

[Hocot8]

That’s surprising! It’s easily the most comfortable traditional controller I own. Maybe try an 8bitdo?

Sounds like you’re also having an issue of gripping it too tightly. Maybe take some putty and put it on the sides of the controller so you’re physically incapable of having the same level of vice-like grip.

this is also an issue for the xbox more so than the pro controller, imo. I think it's cause the handles are a bit wide and angle in towards the middle harsher. As someone with hand and wrist issues I tend to look into this stuff a lot.

 

[Silky]

Used to have a similar issue with the Dual Shock 4's D-Pad, unbearable feeling.

 

[Armoured_Bear]

That’s surprising! It’s easily the most comfortable traditional controller I own. Maybe try an 8bitdo?

Sounds like you’re also having an issue of gripping it too tightly. Maybe take some putty and put it on the sides of the controller so you’re physically incapable of having the same level of vice-like grip.

I don't think I'm gripping too tightly tbh, really feels like my skin is a bit sensitive to the relative roughness of the stick edges and buttons compared to the other controllers.