Next-Gen Controllers: Should PS6 and Xbox Successors Finally Make Back Buttons Standard?

Alright, gamers, let’s talk about the future! We’re already hearing whispers about the PS6 and the next Xbox, and while the discussion around disc drives potentially becoming a thing of the past is definitely heating up, there’s another crucial piece of hardware we need to focus on: the controllers. Specifically, are we finally going to see back buttons as a standard feature on our next-gen gamepads?

For many of us, especially those who love competitive titles or simply crave a more seamless gaming experience, back buttons have become an absolute game-changer. They allow you to keep your thumbs locked on the analog sticks for precise aiming and movement, while still performing vital actions like jumping, sliding, reloading, or swapping weapons with your other fingers. It’s a massive advantage that once you get used to, it’s incredibly hard to go back.

And here’s the kicker: this isn’t some niche, high-end feature anymore. Look at the PC gaming scene – even many budget-friendly controllers come equipped with back buttons as standard. So, if third-party manufacturers can offer this functionality at an affordable price point, why are Sony and Microsoft still reserving it for their premium, expensive “pro” controllers?

Some gamers might argue that back buttons aren’t necessary or can even get in the way. That’s a fair point, but many advanced controllers with these buttons offer lockable switches. This means if you don’t want to use them, you can simply disable them, ensuring they don’t interfere with your standard button presses. It’s a win-win solution that caters to everyone.

The common excuse often thrown around by console manufacturers is that adding back buttons would increase the cost of the standard controller too much. However, this argument honestly doesn’t hold much weight anymore. You can find a plethora of excellent third-party controllers from brands like GameSir, 8BitDo, PowerA, Flydigi, and EasySMX that offer back buttons, often at a price point similar to, or even less than, a standard DualSense controller.

It seems more likely that Sony and Microsoft see the demand for these advanced features and choose to gate them behind their premium-priced offerings like the DualSense Edge or the Xbox Elite Series 2. They know gamers are willing to pay more for enhanced functionality, so they create a separate, more expensive tier for it.

But as gaming continues to get pricier, and the lines between PC and console gaming blur further, this strategy might not hold up much longer. We’re investing significant amounts of money into our gaming setups, and we expect value in return. Especially when you consider issues like the notorious stick drift problems that have plagued current-gen controllers like the DualSense, forcing players to shell out for expensive replacements.

If the next PlayStation and Xbox consoles are going to command premium prices, their controllers absolutely need to be built to last and offer substantial features right out of the box. The Steam Controller and even the upcoming Switch 2 Pro Controller are already showing us what’s possible with integrated back buttons and other advanced inputs. It’s high time for PlayStation and Xbox to catch up and give gamers this essential feature as standard. It would be a massive win for value, functionality, and the overall player experience in the next generation.