The Xbox One will be supporting 8 controllers at once, something that is useless to me. Not only is my TV too small for that many split screens, but I don’t know that many people I’d want in my house playing games. That’s right kids, get off my lawn!

This, of course, prompted the natural question in the console war – so how many can the PS4 support?  Asked via twitter, the answer was four. PS3 supported 7 controllers at once, perhaps leading to Xbox’s apparent one-up with 8 controllers – why would the PS4 only support four controllers?
 
I believe that there simply wasn’t enough usage in this generation. Not many people played with more than one other person, let alone six. While this might work well in dormitories or other shared living arrangements, it seems that a large proportion of gamers prefer to play by themselves… or online with strangers who they can verbally abuse without any risk of physical harm. Or maybe it’s just because Sony knows the PlayStation controller is never as good as the Xbox controller and isn’t entering into this battle in the console war.
 
I wonder if this will have an impact on game design and player experiences. Will developers just build games with a maximum of four local players? Or will the Xbox One’s eight be the norm with PlayStation owners left to feel bad for not having enough friends?

Last Updated: September 4, 2013

1.1
was reviewed on PC

99 Comments

  1. Umar Final Fantasy 15 Hopeful

    September 4, 2013 at 14:10

    Oh snap, Sony just lost next-gen

    Reply

    • ElimiNathan

      September 4, 2013 at 14:29

      Lol yup, definitely getting the Xbox now!

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        September 4, 2013 at 14:37

        Oh hell yeah! Sony lost the war, that’s it, I’m getting an xbox one now.. because I’m an OCTOPUS!

        Reply

        • Sargon

          September 4, 2013 at 14:38

          Lol.

          Reply

        • ElimiNathan

          September 4, 2013 at 14:38

          Me too! We should be friends

          Reply

  2. Kromas

    September 4, 2013 at 14:10

    Eight controllers are as useful as Kinect.

    Reply

  3. MarsRSA

    September 4, 2013 at 14:12

    I have never played a game with four people on one console even with a house full of friends because they usually bring their own setup with (if we’re having a serious gaming night)

    Reply

    • HeniQpotter

      September 4, 2013 at 14:18

      I have to agree with you, 8 or 4… who cares. Serious gamers need only one controller, maybe a second waiting on the charge pad.

      Reply

      • Sargon

        September 4, 2013 at 14:19

        I always thought console gamers charge their controllers with the power of imagination?

        Reply

        • HeniQpotter

          September 4, 2013 at 14:22

          lol, nah. our screens are bigger, we can actually see the action.

          Reply

          • Sargon

            September 4, 2013 at 14:23

            I haz a TV for a computer screen. 42″. With a 3GB graphics card and HD EXPLOSIONS. Don’t go there, brother. We know how this is ganna end. 😉

          • MarsRSA

            September 4, 2013 at 14:25

            -__- Is there a way to unfollow this post now before this starts

          • HeniQpotter

            September 4, 2013 at 14:27

            just some friendly banter, I’m sick of console wars….

          • HeniQpotter

            September 4, 2013 at 14:26

            he he he, atleast my console cost less than you GPU, don’t get me wrong, my PC is probably worth more than everything in my living room. But consoles are just easier to manage. :b

          • Sargon

            September 4, 2013 at 14:29

            You have me there. The GPU set me back a fair bit. So did the TV. All in all.. it’s really the same thing. I mean.. we’re all gamers. Why the heuristic divide? Why do we cling so hopelessly to artificial categorisations that only serve to divide us and keep us from rule? Why isn’t there a gaming holiday? RISE, gamers of the world, and unite! Fight for your right to observe HD EXPLOSIONS everywhere! On unshared screens!

            Um. Anyway. Console war comment here. 😉

          • HeniQpotter

            September 4, 2013 at 14:32

            ONE UP – I’m in it for the games, not the platform.

          • Sargon

            September 4, 2013 at 14:34

            This, right here, is the spirit of Winter-een-mas.

          • Weanerdog

            September 4, 2013 at 15:45

            I have an n-gage can I come to Winter-een-mas

          • Mathias

            September 4, 2013 at 14:36

            If that was the case you’d be playing on PC… With the Xbone exclusives coming to PC and the PS4 ones being meh until they release their big guns, if you wanted good games you’d get a PC. Also, a year from now, you’ll get your money’s worth from that day one console.

          • HeniQpotter

            September 4, 2013 at 14:43

            I currently have a PS3, XBOX 360 and a PC for that exact reason, PS and Xbox exclusives.

          • Mathias

            September 4, 2013 at 14:44

            That’s the way to go.

        • HvR

          September 4, 2013 at 15:21

          I tried the power of the cloud once, didn’t work.

          Reply

          • Weanerdog

            September 4, 2013 at 15:46

            You have to inhale

          • HvR

            September 4, 2013 at 17:04

            Aaah, found this video on cloud power, apparently you need to hold for 5s as well.

    • Marc O Polo

      September 8, 2013 at 21:15

      littleBigPlanet is the only game that i’ve played with 4 players

      Reply

  4. Lourens Jordaan

    September 4, 2013 at 14:14

    Baby demon eyes!!!! That header scares me.

    Reply

    • HeniQpotter

      September 4, 2013 at 14:15

      Future zombies……

      Reply

  5. Mathias

    September 4, 2013 at 14:20

    *typical PS4 is better than Xbox comment*

    There, LG community and staff happy. 🙂

    Reply

    • Kromas

      September 4, 2013 at 14:25

      Actually it is supposed to be:

      *typical PS4 and Xbox suck and PC rules comment*

      Reply

      • Sargon

        September 4, 2013 at 14:26

        Fault!

        *I’m playing PC vs Console tennis…

        Reply

        • Kromas

          September 4, 2013 at 14:32

          But we all know the PC will win.

          Reply

          • Sargon

            September 4, 2013 at 14:33

            PC gamers are going to be PISSED if Skynet turns out to be a nextgen console. Lol.

          • Weanerdog

            September 4, 2013 at 15:47

            Not gonna happen RROD

      • Mathias

        September 4, 2013 at 14:30

        Not for these people, it’s not… I’m happily playing on my PC right now, though. Even if Total War: Lag 2 is waiting to be fixed…

        Reply

        • Sargon

          September 4, 2013 at 14:30

          Wait. Wait. I’m only getting my copy on Friday (screw you BT Games). What is wrong with Total War? TELL ME! TELL ME!

          Reply

          • Mathias

            September 4, 2013 at 14:31

            Search on Youtube: Hitler reacts to Total War Rome II

          • Sargon

            September 4, 2013 at 14:38

            Oh dear. Save often… then..

            Save Files.
            Are they secret? Are they safe?

      • Martin du preez

        September 4, 2013 at 14:47

        How many K&M can the pc okes plug in their pc’s for gaming?

        Peasants 1
        Masterace 0

        Reply

        • FoxOneZA - X-Therminator

          September 4, 2013 at 15:00

          Depends how big USB hub that they can afford 😉

          Elitists are elite.

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 4, 2013 at 15:09

            It’s not the size of your USB hub.. oh… forget it. Jim runs off crying!

          • Martin du preez

            September 4, 2013 at 15:13

            True. But do games support more than one K&M? I can also plug in a hub in my Xbox and install infinite number of controllers..

          • FoxOneZA - X-Therminator

            September 4, 2013 at 15:20

            That depends on the game. Trine can do 4 at a time IIRC.

            PS: IIRC your Xbox will only do 4.

        • Kromas

          September 4, 2013 at 15:23

          actually …. (127 – 127/8)/2 … sooo 56. That also includes a monitor with every kb/m combo.

          PC 56
          Consol 8

          Reply

          • Martin du preez

            September 4, 2013 at 15:33

            Uhm..Uhm..WE HAVE THE SUPERIOR DIABLO 3!

            *Cartwheels away*

          • Kromas

            September 4, 2013 at 15:37

            We have Starcraft … as well as every other rts!

            *Gives chase*

      • Tarisma

        September 5, 2013 at 07:18

        Haha blah blah master race something

        Reply

  6. Sargon

    September 4, 2013 at 14:22

    I usually play with other people on this wonderful thing called.. the interwebz..

    Seriously though. Why split screen? I’ve never understood it. I’ve seen those long narrow and hopelessly disappointing field of vision you all use when playing a fps on consoles. It looks.. well.. frustrating. Can’t you just lan with consoles.. or something?

    *edit* This is a genuine question. I’ve never owned a console in my life.

    Reply

    • Weanerdog

      September 4, 2013 at 15:52

      Because you can’t punch someone through the internet. And you know the total oh snap did you see that moment.

      Reply

  7. InsanityFlea

    September 4, 2013 at 14:28

    Played four player WWE, good fun 😀

    Reply

  8. Matthew Holliday

    September 4, 2013 at 14:28

    Aside from that one time on PS1 where I plugged in 4 controllers to play a WWE game with friends.
    I have never used more than two.
    Who needs 8?

    Reply

  9. ElimiNathan

    September 4, 2013 at 14:30

    On a lighter note, I just got my Lagz T-Shirt !

    Reply

    • Sargon

      September 4, 2013 at 14:31

      Congratulationz!

      Reply

      • ElimiNathan

        September 4, 2013 at 14:34

        Danke

        Reply

    • ElimiNathan

      September 5, 2013 at 15:20

      Who the hell disliked this ? Lol

      Reply

  10. Devourer of Small Bunnies

    September 4, 2013 at 14:34

    WELL THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

    Reply

  11. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    September 4, 2013 at 14:37

    I don’t see the need in having 8 controllers. (a) I don’t have that many friends, (b) I don’t have that many friends, (c)… 🙁 I don’t have that many friends…. 🙁

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      September 4, 2013 at 14:45

      ill be your friend! 🙂

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        September 4, 2013 at 15:02

        Awesome! I’ll send you the application forms. The interview process usually starts 6 weeks after your application has been submitted.

        😛

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          September 4, 2013 at 15:03

          And you wonder why you dont have that many friends!

          Reply

        • Her Highness the Hipster

          September 4, 2013 at 15:03

          WOW, you’re easier than home affairs!

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 4, 2013 at 15:05

            HEHEHEH!

        • Skoobaz

          September 4, 2013 at 16:55

          …and after that if you haven’t heard about your successful application in 6-8 weeks, consider your application denied!

          Reply

    • Her Highness the Hipster

      September 4, 2013 at 15:03

      I’d be your friend, but i’m sure there are laws against my forging new alliances…

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        September 4, 2013 at 15:03

        arent you american Zoe?

        Reply

        • Her Highness the Hipster

          September 4, 2013 at 15:06

          … did the accent give it away?

          Reply

          • Jakster

            September 4, 2013 at 15:08

            The cheeseburger scent around you is more like it

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 4, 2013 at 15:08

            The country must be a joke to you HAHA. can only imagine how more jacked up it is there in US esp home affairs! I hear getting your drivers is way harder though

          • Her Highness the Hipster

            September 4, 2013 at 15:36

            getting a drivers in the US is seriously easy… everything else, less so. but that’s just bureaucracy anywhere, i suppose

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          September 4, 2013 at 15:07

          Hey, Americans can be friends with bananas! 😀

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 4, 2013 at 15:07

            SAYS WHO!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 4, 2013 at 15:08

            🙁 the fruit bowl in my head.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 4, 2013 at 15:10

            AND THEY WERE RIGHT!! YOU WON 1 MILLION………..um kind of!

          • Jakster

            September 4, 2013 at 15:10

            You’ll have to be genetically modified to be friends with an American.

  12. RinceThisandFINALLYlvUP!

    September 4, 2013 at 14:38

    ‘Not only is my TV is too small’ Zoe, just because FF14 has been extended for a week, doesn’t mean you can drink on the job!

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      September 4, 2013 at 14:44

      Darn you got to comment on the grammar first

      Reply

      • RinceThisandFINALLYlvUP!

        September 4, 2013 at 14:48

        Heheh 😉

        Reply

    • Her Highness the Hipster

      September 4, 2013 at 14:57

      you mean i need to drink MORE on the job 😉

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        September 4, 2013 at 14:58

        no wonder your photoshop skills are like that 0_0

        Reply

        • Her Highness the Hipster

          September 4, 2013 at 14:59

          that’s how i see the world, baby!

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 4, 2013 at 15:02

            I havent a comment for that answer but to all you people out there when you see Zoe driving…… YOU RUN!!!!! SCALE WALLS! DODGE DOGS!!! EVEN HIDE IN A DUSTBIN!! ITS NOT SAFE!!!!!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 4, 2013 at 15:10

            Art is… art.. uh arty..?

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 4, 2013 at 15:11

            I went to art school! art is madness sometimes!! a piece of crap could be art to some…..

          • Weanerdog

            September 4, 2013 at 15:54

            You should see the art I made this morning.

      • RinceThisandFINALLYlvUP!

        September 4, 2013 at 14:58

        BOOM!

        Reply

  13. RinceThisandFINALLYlvUP!

    September 4, 2013 at 14:39

    Do you have the use of 8 controllers because the Kinect 2.0 is too busy looking at you to do anything of use? Or are they to throw at the thing?

    Reply

  14. Rainman

    September 4, 2013 at 14:42

    Have to get the Xbox now – each of my personalities can have its own controller, just dont know if Kinect can recognise which personality is playing at the time.

    Reply

  15. Rock789

    September 4, 2013 at 14:55

    Um, who plays split screen with more than 4 people? I’ve played with 4 on a projector and it was awesome. But on a normal TV (your average person has 32″ or 40″), I don’t think more than 4 splits is viable – you just aren’t able to make out a thing! Then it’s like “Ooo… I just got shot. Must be that blur on my right ** smack** Oops, that was a big rock…”

    Oh, and Zoe – “That’s right kids, get off my lawn!” Loved that – comment of the day! 🙂

    Reply

    • Skyblue

      September 4, 2013 at 18:11

      My kids often play four player when they have friends over but they use a 55″ and stick mostly to Halo, WWE and Goldeneye.
      I despise sharing my screen with anyone though because I’m old, grumpy and fucking selfish.

      Reply

      • Rock789

        September 5, 2013 at 06:56

        Lol! 🙂 Yup, I get like that sometimes too…

        Reply

  16. Lardus-Respect the beard

    September 4, 2013 at 15:14

    Off topic, but had to post this for Zoe: http://9gag.com/gag/aNeAZ9A

    Reply

  17. Simplified

    September 4, 2013 at 15:17

    Look I have a kak small TV so having 8 controllers is a bad thing. It r suxxors mkay. I have no friends either coz I r hipster and that makes having 8 controller support on my console suxxors. Now 4 controllers is like totally twerkingly awesome!

    Reply

  18. Pieter Kruger

    September 4, 2013 at 16:45

    This is just going to push Xbox One as the favourite for fighting game conventions and competitions etc.

    Reply

    • Jakster

      September 4, 2013 at 18:38

      Well, Zoe aka PS4HIP5T4, conveniently forgot to mention that.

      Reply

  19. Kratos8051

    September 4, 2013 at 17:00

    I just couldn’t resist…

    Reply

  20. Brian Murphy

    September 4, 2013 at 17:33

    As someone who pointed out the 7 controller superiority of the PS3 in days past, I can honestly say I never had need for more than 4. I was wrong then, and I can’t really see a need for it now. That having been said, if Microsoft can find more useful uses for the increase, more power to ’em.

    I always said, now that we have huge TV’s splitscreen is easier! Except…I like having the screen to myself lol.

    Reply

  21. Fennix212

    September 4, 2013 at 21:07

    There aren’t going to be any 8 player game so who cares

    Reply

  22. Sean Carbutt

    September 5, 2013 at 08:18

    Not sure if you are attempting sacrcasm or being serious, but 4 controllers is enough. Like, do you really have 7 mates over playing games at the same time. AS for the comment on “lost the next gen”, who really gives a shit. You have 2 choices – choice one a R7k or higher glorfied DVD player or Choice 2, a gaming platform.

    Reply

  23. Mark Treloar

    September 5, 2013 at 11:45

    or Microsoft plans to support the use of 4 mouse + keyboard combo’s

    Reply

  24. subirk

    September 14, 2013 at 12:49

    Hey check this out the PS4 vs Xbox One controller http://bit.ly/1cS1W3d

    Reply

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