I just thought of this question a few days ago and wanted to know what others would think.

Do you think in future PS and Xbox consoles that there will be more buttons on the controllers?

Correct me if I'm wrong but there is a total of 17 buttons on the PS/Xbox controllers controllers. So if there were to be more buttons, how many more new buttons would be added?

What kind of button would you add?

considering the DS3 only earned one extra button to the DS2, I'd say no and think motion is the way forward. buttons motion=win

I guess only if there is a need for them the ps button was only added this gen because that kind of button was need for the software interface. analog sticks were added during the ps1 era for improvement in controls, the shape buttons were added in the original design for menu control, X for eXit and O for enter. which was kind of backwards, I think the west had a problem with that was that X marks the spot on a map and O is around are road signs for warnings. directional buttons for menu navigation and all the other buttons.

so what I am saying is that if they find a reason to add another button(s) they will unless they can't fit it in the controller design.

edit: I agree in part with what ajescent said but for the moment there is still some things these kinds of interfaces can't do and buttons can do very well so it would depend on the kind of improvement and what suits it as well imo.

I like the 360 controller as it is, and I think that adding buttons would ruin it. If anything, fewer buttons is the way forward now.

i'm not sure more buttons are needed but maybe more inputs.  the rumored touch screen input on the cafe is a good idea.  i wouldn't mind if sony/ms ripped that one off right away.  has to be multi-touch though.

analog face buttons perhaps, more than just the pressure sentitive buttons on the dualshock.

better accuracy motion detection.

two-handed controler for better freedom of motion.

the ir-pointer worked into the "standard" controller instead of a dualshock/move distinction.

incorporated body (kinect) controls with regular controller.

voice control.

i dunno what else -- i'm not a creative.  but in general, more, better, and diverse set of inputs is a good thing.

I hope not. For whatever reason, some developers feel like they have to assign an action for each and every button, which usually results in pretty poopy controls.

PS4's controller should include some of the technology present in the current Move and Nav controllers. They should launch with 2 different SKUs too, one hardcore bundle with the new Dualshock4, and the new updated Move bundle, with a next-gen PSeye, a new design ofthe Move controller, and a good next-gen motion game (but notice: No dualshock4 in this bundle). Of course current PS3 games should be backwards compatible as well as the peripherals like Move controllers, PSeye and DS3.

All we need is another Atari Jaguar controller

it will be less. 

Hopefully our controller will be our eyes and mind in the future then controls dont hold back games and gaming is more accessible, easier and overall Better.

New buttons? If that were to happen it probably would be something that acceses a new feature or something rather than a complete new controller mechanic.