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Both the PS3 and 360 might have analog sticks that function well enough that the average gamer should be able to slog it through most games. However, to this gamer there is a clear victor when the two are put side by side.
Sure, the PS3's D-pad might kill the 360's, but the PS3's analog stick has three major flaws.
The first is the fact that it is convex. By nature, the convex shape pushes objects away. This makes the PS3 stick prone to finger slippage– a killer of anyone embroiled in an intense online deathmatch.
Secondly, the PS3's stick is made up of the most un-tacky, tacky rubber of all time. Again a prime cause of finger slippage.
Lastly, the sticks are placed on much taller bases. This means that you have to torque more on them with any movement. This makes you work harder to use them, and everyone knows gamers hate to have to work.
The 360's stick is an elegant marriage of form and functionality.
The concave shape nestles the finger as it twitches and jerks in the delicate ballet that is gaming. The tiny bumps add to the stick's grip, while still allowing the cool, comfortable rubber to massage the player's fingers. The short neck makes the player work less to achieve their desired input. Perfection! When it comes to systems I may be agnostic, but when it comes to analog sticks I worship at the alter of the 360.