I prefer the PlayStation controller to the Xbox one, it wins hands down for me.

I'm actually so used to the PS controllers that I find the 360 ones a nightmare to use

And I know there's a fair bit of tech in them these days, but the price of the controllers for consoles now is nothing short of a rip-off, and the lack of price difference online is very questionable

Before I bought my PS3, I used to play games on my laptop. I bought a Saitek controller to play racing games. The D-pad and left analogue stick were on a removable base and allowed you to switch between PS3 and Xbox layout. Bearing in mind I had been a PC gamer up until this point (keyb+mouse), I found the Xbox layout easier on my wrists, hands and fingers. It was far more comfortable.

Although I have a PS3 now, I still can't play for too long or my left thumb hurts, especially where it joins to the hand (metacarppophalangeal joint).

I would never defect - at most I would have a PS3 as my 2nd console to play the Sony exclusives. Funnily enough I just bought a Blu-Ray player yesterday. I almost got the PS3 as an alternative but in the end didnt bother.

You can. The Sony BDP-S360 is now under £200.