The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 have some of the best controllers in modern gaming. But it took Sony and Microsoft a lot of trial and error to get there.
Two GIFs by consumer tech blog GadgetLove capture the evolution of both manufacturers' controllers in two hypnotic loop, below. Remember when the Xbox controller used to be too big for most hands? Remember the weird analog stick placement of the of older PlayStation DualShock controllers?
See also: The Comparative Anatomy of the Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4
Relive those memories in both these GIFs. It's interesting to see how some design elements — like the PlayStation controller's four face buttons — never change in placement or shape, while Microsoft altered the Xbox controller buttons significantly.

Sony's controller made big changes, from the grey color of the original controller, to the shape of the Start and Select buttons, to the addition of the touchpad on the new DualShock 4.
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BONUS: 20 Hot Games for the Holidays
Platform: Xbox One
If your gamer waited in line to grab her Xbox One, you absolutely have to get Dead Rising 3, one of, if not the best game currently available for the system.
Platforms: 3DS, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Wii, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One
For the star athlete who occasionally likes to cuddle up with a console (or, really, any gaming platform -- it's available for everything) opt for FIFA 14.
Platform: PS4
If the PS4 is at the top of your gamer's wish list, she'll love owning this next-gen first-person shooter, exclusively for PlayStation.
Platforms: 3DS, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One
Action figures aren't just for kids. The new Skylanders is available on all consoles and handhelds, and lets you mix and match figures to combine powers.
Platform: Wii U
Super Mario 3D World totally justifies purchasing a Wii U. It's a ridiculous amount of fun, alone or with friends.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360
We think there are still a few people left who haven't played the latest installment in the GTA series. If your gamer is one of them, you better make sure to get her up to speed with the rest of the gaming world.
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One
If first-person shooters aren't really her thing, the newest Assassin's Creed is set in the pirate-infested Caribbean.
Platforms: PC, PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360
This is the origin story your gamer deserves. If she played Arkham Asylum or Arkham City, or if she just can't get enough of the Caped Crusader, Arkham Origins is sure to impress.
No console or gaming PC? You can get Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate for 3DS and Playstation Vita instead.
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4
Even if your gamer is a Call of Duty purist, Battlefield 4 is a fresher, more hardcore first-person shooter. It's perfect for the video game junkie who needs a challenge.
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Xbox One, PS4
The latest in the massive franchise, Call of Duty: Ghosts is a safe bet if you have no idea what your gamer likes. The series is so popular that at least you know she'll always have someone to play with.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PS4, PS Vita
For the comic book geek-turned-gamer, this game pits superheroes against one another in one-on-one battles.
Platforms: PC, 3DS, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Especially great for little ones who want a cool game but shouldn't see all the blood and gore of some on this list, Lego Marvel Superheroes will appeal to young and old gamers alike.
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
How do you know if your gamer will like the new Madden game? Look for any of the 13 previous versions of the game in her collection. See one? Ok, she's probably going to like it.
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
If your game enthusiast is also a basketball fan, look no further. 2K's newest NBA game will make her feel like their part of the action.
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
For the gamer who also has a lead foot, this pick will satisfy her Need for Speed without putting you and other passengers in harm's way.
Platform: 3DS
3DS players who still have their binders and binders of Pokemon cards will love the two newest games, Pokemon X and Y.
Platform: PS Vita
If you want to give your video game nut something unique, Tearaway is a beautiful game that will make full use of the Playstation Vita hardware.
Platform: Wii U
If you actually want to hang out with your gamer this Christmas, pick up Wii Party U and play with her -- it's tons of fun, we promise.
Platform: Wii U
The Wind Waker is light and fun -- perfect for new fans looking to get into the Zelda franchise.
Platform: 3DS
To take Link and friends on the go, grab the new Zelda game for 3DS, A Link Between Worlds.
Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-Hansen