Sony DualSense Wireless Controller

Sony DualSense Wireless Controller

Welcome To The Fifth Generation

With a new generation of PlayStation comes a new controller - a new design, new functions, and interface that will be the new normal for years. With so many third-party controllers available to gamers, does Sony's DualSense truly offer the best experience for PS5 and PC?

Hardware & Design

Sony's DualSense Wireless Controller is available in midnight black, white, and cosmic red.

It features a built-in microphone and a 3.5mm headphone jack, alongside a dedicated mute button.

An integrated speaker in the controller means that some sounds can come through the controller instead of speakers or headphones, but this isn't a particularly new design choice - the PS4 had this as well.

In place of the previous generation's "Share" button is the "Create" button, which can do everything the DualShock did and more.

The built-in battery is charged with USB Type-C cables, and offers up to 10 hours of battery life.

Features

Haptic feedback has made its way into Sony's fifth generation, from the same team who oversaw the implementation of haptic feedback in the Nintendo Switch. A large step up from the limited ability of traditional rumble motors, the DualSense can give responsive feedback with dual actuators.

The DualSense has a motion sensor, and a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope.

Finally, and the newest to the scene, are adaptive triggers. Now, L2 and R2 can offer varying levels of tension and force to press, depending on what's happening in-game.

Naturally, all the above are only what game developers make of them - a game needs to design for these in order for gamers to experience them at their fullest potential. However, haptic feedback especially is becoming a standard feature in the latest next-gen tech.  

Key Specifications

• Wireless
• Width: 2.75 in
• Height: 7.5 in
• Depth: 7.5 in
• Weight: 360g
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• 10h battery life
• USB Type-C

Performance (UI & UX)

Comfort is always going to be a concern when it comes to new controllers and whether they're worth considering. Users need not worry when it comes to the DualSense, because they feel fantastic to hold. The design features longer grips, with a subtle texture that keeps the controller from slipping out of your hands.

In general, the DualSense feels sturdier to hold. The face buttons, for example, are more firm to press than the previous generation, which is a small change that makes a huge improvement when it comes to gaming experience.

The haptic feedback feels fantastic and can be felt throughout the entire controller. Similarly, the adaptive triggers are a marvel to experience and is DualSense's most new and exciting next-gen feature.

The main downside of the DualSense is its sub-par battery life. Comparing it to Nintendo's Switch Pro controller with up to 30 hours of battery life, Sony's measly 10 hours of battery is disappointing.

Sony's choice to add a mic into the controller isn't a bad choice, but gamers will rarely find themselves using it. It does a good enough job of filtering out background noise and picking up on speech, but gamers who use microphones regularly will find headsets to be a superior solution.

Price

While each PS5 comes with a controller at no extra cost, individual controllers are on sale for $69.99 USD.

The Verdict

The Pros

• haptic feedback
• adaptive triggers
• sturdy and comfortable
• sleek design

The Cons

• battery life is sub-par
• only passable mic quality

TL;DR

Gamers will be relieved to find that Sony's stepped up their game with the PS5's official controller. While the DualSense's battery life could be better, its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are something to get excited about.