Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Very comfy within the hand
- Haptics and adaptive triggers are wonderful
- Built-in speaker
Cons
- More costly than an Xbox controller
- Short battery life
- Limited help on PC
Our Verdict
The DualSense controller feels nice, and options like adaptive triggers are an actual game-changer. However, PC help is missing.
Price When Reviewed
$69
Best Prices Today: Sony DualSense controller
The windfall of Sony’s DualSense controller is obvious the moment you see it—this controller appears like an evolution of the older DualShock controllers Sony has used for the final 20 years. The grips lengthen downward from the principle physique of the controller, tapering extra so than on the DualShock 4 and earlier iterations. On the best aspect, you’ve got the usual Sony buttons: sq., circle, x, and triangle. Opposite that’s the d-pad. The directional arrows are all separated, which makes them very tactile and straightforward to press, however this design isn’t pretty much as good for preventing video games or the rest the place diagonal d-pad enter is used.
Sony’s controller makes use of symmetrical thumbsticks versus the offset sticks you see on all Xbox-style controllers. In the center, you’ve got a big clickable trackpad, which is unfortunately nearly ineffective on PC. You additionally get a share button and menu/pause button on the face. Plus, there’s a tiny speaker lifeless middle on the DualSense, which may add atmospheric sounds to your gameplay expertise.
On the highest edge, the DualSense appears extra like your conventional recreation controller. Looks could be deceiving, although. There’s a single USB-C port, which is able to hyperlink your controller to a pc in addition to recharge the built-in battery. You nonetheless need to pay additional to get rechargeable battery packs for the Xbox controller, however neither comes with a USB-C cable.
The shoulder buttons work as you’d anticipate, however the triggers are one thing particular. Developers can change the quantity of resistance for the triggers, making them really feel totally different when performing totally different actions within the recreation. While you’ll be able to’t inform simply by wanting on the exterior, the DualSense has monumental vibration motors within the grips. This permits the controller to create superior haptic experiences, once more, relying on developer help.
The matte plastic exterior is smoother than the Xbox controller, however it’s nonetheless sufficiently steady with the longer grips. Aesthetically, it’s a sexy piece of know-how if you happen to just like the PlayStation 5’s look. There aren’t any uncovered screws, and lots of the plastic seams are built-in with the design language to kind PS5-style destructive area and lighting bars. It’s a gamepad from the longer term.
Sony DualSense: Features and hands-on expertise
Many players are entrenched of their controller format preferences. If you’ve been utilizing Xbox-style controllers for years, there is likely to be a studying curve with the DualSense. Xbox followers shouldn’t low cost this one, although. The DualSense weighs in at 281 grams, about the identical because the current-gen Xbox controller. However, we discovered the DualSense to be extra comfy within the hand throughout lengthy gaming periods. The Xbox controller feels a bit chunky by comparability.
The buttons on the face are all tactile and straightforward to press, though the pause button may be very flat and could be onerous to search out by really feel. The thumbsticks have a grippy rubberized texture and simply the correct quantity of resistance. It takes much less power to click on the sticks on Sony’s controller in comparison with Microsoft’s, however it’s not so little that you simply’ll do it by chance.
Ryan Whitwam / Foundry
The controller’s distinctive {hardware} works wirelessly with the PS5, however on PC, you’ll have to make use of a USB-C cable to get correct help in DualSense-optimized video games. When a recreation helps the DualSense, it actually elevates the expertise. For instance, Returnal makes use of the DualSense’s haptics to relay details about your character’s standing and the atmosphere. If you attempt to use your alt-fire earlier than it’s recharged, the controller provides you an angry-feeling vibration within the set off area. In locations the place it’s raining, the superior haptics may even simulate the sensation of raindrops hitting the controller. Combined with the speaker, the DualSense makes for a way more immersive expertise.
The adaptive triggers are much more spectacular than the haptics. Without adjustment, the triggers are easy and straightforward to press, with about the identical journey because the Xbox controller. Games can ramp up the resistance to make in-game actions really feel extra actual, however the set off adjustment will also be purposeful. Going again to Returnal, the builders created a two-stop button out of the left set off. Depress it to the primary cease, and your character goals for elevated precision. Push previous the tactile bump, and also you activate alt-fire mode. It’s extraordinarily cool and helpful in a fast-paced title like Returnal.
In wi-fi mode, we’re averaging round eight hours of gameplay per cost, which is much wanting the 25 to 30 hours you get with the Xbox controller. Granted, the DualSense does much more, however the enhanced haptics and triggers solely work in choose video games and over a wired connection. That makes wi-fi mode on PC underwhelming.
As a bit of {hardware}, the DualSense is much superior to the present Xbox choices. It’s extra comfy, the buttons really feel higher, and options like adaptive triggers are revolutionary.
Sony DualSense: Compatibility
Naturally, the DualSense works finest with the PS5. The trackpad, adaptive triggers, and haptics are utilized in nearly all video games, and you may play wirelessly. Connecting the DualSense to a PC over Bluetooth is fast and straightforward, however it’ll solely be detected as a generic recreation controller. Steam permits you to map Xbox controls onto to DualSense, so all controller-optimized video games will no less than perceive it as an enter gadget.
There are about 30 whole video games on PC that help DualSense haptics and/or adaptive triggers. Most of them are PlayStation ports like Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered and the aforementioned Returnal. In all different PC video games, the DualSense works like a daily controller with no particular options. Although, it’s a reasonably comfy one.
If you’re taking part in a recreation with out DualSense help, you’ll be able to play wirelessly and never lose something. However, you must stick with wired enter for DualSense-supporting video games. We would like to see Sony unlock the DualSense expertise over Bluetooth for PCs. In the meantime, the third-party DualSenseX software program could make the controller extra helpful on Windows, however it takes loads of tinkering to get it working accurately.
Ryan Whitwam / Foundry
Should you purchase a Sony DualSense?
The DualSense is a really spectacular gamepad, marrying {hardware} and software program to allow extra immersive gameplay. As a bit of {hardware}, the DualSense is much superior to the present Xbox choices. It’s extra comfy, the buttons really feel higher, and options like adaptive triggers are revolutionary. Sony’s exact, immersive haptics are on a special stage in comparison with different controllers, which simply rumble at various intensities. It’s like evaluating iPhone haptics to some other cellphone—there isn’t any comparability.
We like that Sony’s controller comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, however the battery life could possibly be higher. At about eight hours per cost, you’d do properly to choose up a charging dock so that you don’t neglect to juice up the gamepad if you’re not taking part in. You’ll additionally want to offer your individual USB-C cable, because the controller doesn’t include one.
However, you’ll solely get the perfect expertise on the PlayStation 5. Only a handful of PC video games help the controller’s superior options, and so they all require a wired connection. Over Bluetooth, the DualSense is only a generic controller. The Sony DualSense is the premium controller that PC players deserve. But sadly, the help isn’t there but.