14 Best Released & Upcoming Games For The DualSense Controller

With the launch of PlayStation 5, everyone wants to know what games they could enjoy with the new, addicting DualSense controller. First, a few words about some of the best features of the DualSense controller. Everyone remembers PS4's DualShock controller, arguably the best controller in PS history. PS5 used its design and took it to a whole new level. They also made the haptic feedback far more sensitive, creating a much better experience for players.

The best feature PS has addressed is the battery life. While the DualShock 4 lasts about eight hours, the DualSense controller lasts up to 12. And the most exciting part is the new built-in microphone that sweeps any veteran gamer off their feet. PS5 has truly gone above and beyond introducing these new features in sound, graphics, and especially, the new DualSense controller. These exclusive games take advantage of all these new features in the best way.

Updated June 24, 2021 by Mark Sammut: The PlayStation 5 is slowly approaching its first birthday; over the months since the console's debut, a select few games have been released that truly showcase the system's unique selling points. The DualSense is a huge deal, and developers are arguably only just starting to tap into the controller's full potential. Since the publication of this list, a handful of titles have come out that showcase the DualSense at the height of its capabilities. The future looks bright for the controller, so a couple of games that have been confirmed to make use of its features will also be highlighted in this article.

Astro's Playroom (November 12, 2020)

Release Date: November 12, 2020

Astro's Playroom is a sequel to Astro Bot Rescue Mission, which introduced the VR headset back in 2018. That being a hit that it was, PS made the demo game of the DualSense controller a sequel starring Astro.

Contrary to some beliefs, this is not a boring demo with the sole purpose of introducing the new features of PS5. It has four worlds and 16 levels with all kinds of Easter eggs, a whole lot of collectibles, and secrets in each. Those who liked the 1995 PS game Jumping Flash or the PS3 game Pain will surely get a lot of hidden references that most people miss.

In a way, this game is like a love letter to PlayStation. The graphics are beautiful, the character is loveable, the journey is exciting, and the new DualSense controller takes it to a whole new level. For those thinking about skipping this "PS5 tutorial," think twice.

NBA 2K21

Release Date: November 12, 2020

NBA 2K21 also utilizes some PS5 features, including the DualSense controller. Here are the most intriguing details shared by the creators.

Players will actually feel the amount of stamina by the use of the controller. The sprint trigger will begin to resist after running for a long time. Haptic feedback will also be used mainly in collisions, but throughout the entire game. Players will be able to feel the style of play, only by the haptic feedback. The controller will tell players whenever they play more aggressively.

Black Ops Cold War

Release Date: November 13, 2020

Speaking of more lifelike weapons, the PS5 version of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War utilizes the DualSense controller's haptic feedback, to give a deeper feel to various weapons and environments.

If someone has the PS4 version of Black Ops Cold War and plans on emigrating to the PS5 iteration, the cross-gen edition only costs an extra 15 dollars, and will automatically upgrade the game to the PS5 edition.

Observer: System Redux

Release Date: November 12, 2020

Observer has been updated to incorporate the PS5's new features, like a lot of PS4 games. But the creators of this game went full-out, utilizing literally all of the features: 3D audio, 4K resolution, and the entirety of the DualSense controller. Observer: System Redux tells the story of a mind-hacking detective searching for his son. Players will have to discover this universe in the dystopian future.

When it comes to horror games, the key is in the details. And by "details," that means the senses. The introduction of the new PS5 features opened a playground for horror-game developers, and they're eager to play with all the toys. With the new controller, players will be brought closer to the game, almost annihilating the border between the person and the screen. Trying to open a locked door will lock the controller up, and players phísically won't be able to open the door or move the box.

Horror games have never been scarier. Being in a pitch-black room and feeling the slight vibration of the controller is exhilarating. And running from something then realizing that the door won't open has never been more horrifying.

Marvel's Avengers

Release Date: March 18, 2021

Creators of the next-gen version of Marvel's Avengers game stated they would be taking full advantage of the new features, and that proved to be the case once the ninth generation version released. With the features of the DualSense controller, Marvel's Avengers makes its roster of characters feel as distinct as possible.

The haptic feedback greatly enhances the immersion, but the DualSense's adaptive triggers are the true stars of the show. The triggers reflect the actions of the hero, adapting the resistance presented depending on whether the player is swinging Thor's hammer or shooting Black Widow's pistol.

Returnal

Release Date: April 30, 2021

Housemarque's third-person shooter received critical praise upon its release, particularly for its satisfying gameplay loop and horror elements. Due to its roguelike elements, Returnal's gunplay needed to be spot on to encourage repeat playthroughs as, sooner or later, everyone will have to start almost from scratch.

Through the DualSense's adaptive triggers, Returnal permits different firing mods of a gun to be selected depending on the pressure used by the player. Returnal also makes clever use of the controller's haptic feedback to subtly convince the user they are actually on Atropos.

Resident Evil Village

Release Date: May 7, 2021

Despite being both multi-platform and cross-generation, Resident Evil Village does not neglect the DualSense. Capcom's action-horror game utilizes the controller's features in two main ways. First, the haptic feedback supplies environmental cues that enhance the immersion. Secondly, the adaptive triggers change how each weapon feels, adding an element of realism to a game that can be pretty outlandish.

Moving forward, this is the type of implementation that will probably become the standard when it comes to third-party studios.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Release Date: June 11, 2021

Over the first six months of the PlayStation 5's lifespan, many games took advantage of the DualSense's features, some to great results. However, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is perhaps the first release to truly hit a home run with the controller. Any doubts someone might have about the DualSense's industry-changing potential should be put to rest once they give Insomniac's game a spin.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart seamlessly incorporates the controller's haptic feedback and adaptive feedback into its design in a way that never feels gimmicky. It enhances the experience, making each weapon feel and sound unique.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Similar to Ghostwire, Kena: Bridge of Spirits will also be released on PC. However, the creators are also experimenting with the new opportunities introduced by the new PS5 features, including a lifelike feel of using a bow and arrow. With the new controller, players should feel the trigger "stiffening up" as they pull the bow back.

This action/adventure game has crept into many hearts due to its imaginative and intriguing title, beautiful graphics, an out-of-this-world plot, and adorable collectible sidekicks on the way.

Deathloop

Release Date: September 14, 2021

This is one of the most intriguing games set to come out in 2021. Deathloop will without a doubt make the most of the newly introduced PS5 DualSense controller. Anne Lewis, senior content manager for Bethesda, shared some information about the use of the new controller in an interview.

Some games have extremely high attention to details, and even include the random and sudden jamming of a gun. Imagine this experience, but in Deathloop, the trigger on the controller actually locks up mid-fire, making this the most wonderfully frustrating experience. Also, with the DualSense controller, the differences between various weapons are highlighted, be it their weight or the way they lock onto targets. PlayStation also posted on Twitter "Feel the clinking of falling nails while reloading the PT-6 Spiker nailgun in Deathloop." Just wow.

Ghostwire: Tokyo

Release Date: October 2021

Ghostwire: Tokyo is a horror/action game that takes place in a distressed Tokyo that is being under siege by spirits. This is said to also come out on PC, but developers spared no expense on taking advantage of the new PS5 features. The game is gorgeous, the characters are colorful, the story is capturing, and all that with the new features is jawdropping.

Walking on the streets of Tokyo has never been easier or more picturesque through a screen. With the added effect of 3D audio, the feel of the game and especially the combat scenes are expected to be astonishing. And yes, players can pet the dog, too. People who want to buy this game should make sure to experience it with the PS5.

Horizon Forbidden West

Release Date: TBC

Naturally, one would assume that most PlayStation exclusives will incorporate the DualSense's unique features into their gameplay. However, the fact Horizon Forbidden West is set to debut on the PS5 and PS4 might raise some concerns on whether the game will take full advantage of the current-gen controller's strengths.

Any such fears could look set to be proven unfounded as Guerrilla Games has already confirmed that Horizon Forbidden West will embrace the DualSense's immersion enhancing potential. For one, players will be able to feel the grass while Aloy is stealthy avoiding the gaze of enemies.

Nour: Play With Your Food

Release Date: TBC

This mouth-watering game, which has been announced for the PS5, will be using as many of the new features as possible. While not sharing specific details, players can surely guess what those features will be, looking at the trailer of the game.

This colorful game truly has a lot of potentials to utilize the new features, but the suspense has only left fans hungry for more.

Gran Turismo 7

Release Date: TBC

Since the start of the Gran Turismo franchise in 1997, Kazunori Yamauchi hasn't let down his fans. And the creating team doesn't plan on letting go of their efforts now. Creators will fully take advantage of the new features introduces by PS5. This sounds promising, looking back at the 2017 Gran Turismo Sport's graphics and design and adding the new features of the PS5. They even cut back on loading time. Also, using the 3D sound feature, players can hear the roaring of each car from every direction, and can even hear the difference between a Ferrari and a Maserati based on only the engine noise.

With the DualSense controller, players can also feel the difference between road types, feeling the gravel under the wheels, or the smooth tarmac on the track. The release date is not certain yet, but Gran Turismo 7 is said to come out sometime in 2022.

Every Game Coming Out In 2021 (And Beyond)

The PlayStation 5's library is steadily stocking up on titles, something that will only intensify as the months go on. As studios grow more accustomed to the DualSense's capabilities, the ways games make use of its features should only expand. Here is a breakdown of every game coming out on the PS5, along with the schedules for the Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

NEXT: 10 Underrated Horror Games (That Came Out In The Last 5 Years)