The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is one of the most unique controllers to hit the market. While it still functions as a traditional controller, the PS5 DualSense controller includes new features like a built-in microphone, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers have been especially well-received, with many praising them for increasing immersion during gameplay.
While many have been impressed with the PS5 DualSense controller's functionality, some have been underwhelmed by its appearance. At the time of this writing, the PS5 DualSense controller only comes in plain white, matching the launch PS5 consoles, with no other color options or special designs available in an official capacity. But while Sony has yet to release PS5 DualSense controller variants, fans and other companies have picked up the slack.
Here are the most impressive custom PS5 DualSense controllers that have been released so far. Please note that not all of these controllers are actually available for purchase, so fans will likely have to wait for Sony to release its own custom controllers before they will be able to get their hands on any.
Gold DualSense
Russian company Caviar has turned heads with its custom PS5 console and DualSense controllers. Like the gold PS5 it accompanies, the PS5 DualSense controllers from Caviar feature real gold on them, with the gold making up the controller's touchpad. How exactly this impacts the DualSense controller's touchpad in terms of actually using it in a video game is unclear, but there's no denying that the look is rather striking, as evidenced by the LetsGoDigital mock-up.
While Caviar could have added the gold to the DualSense controller and called it a day, there are some other details about the controller that make it stand out. Caviar's custom PS5 DualSense controller has been painted black and it features crocodile leather for the grips. It's a rather extravagant design for a video game controller, but it also comes with a rather extravagant price. The exact price of Caviar's gold PS5 console and DualSense controller hasn't been revealed to the public, but it cost nearly $2 million to make, so it's definitely going to break the bank. Only one is being made as well, so this particular DualSense controller may become one of the PS5's rarest collector's items.
PlayStation 2
In an attempt to celebrate PlayStation, a company called SUP3R5 was set to launch PlayStation 2-themed PS5 consoles and controllers. These consoles and controllers featured custom designs meant to mimic the look of the PS2, and would have been available at relatively reasonable prices, albeit in small quantities. SUP3R5's PS2-themed DualSense controller sported a simple but accurate look, with colored face buttons, the PS2 logo on the front, and a black color scheme resembling the PS2 DualShock 2 controllers.
Unfortunately, SUP3R5 had to cancel all of its custom PS5 console and controller orders after credible threats were sent to its team. It will be interesting to see if other companies move forward with their own custom PS5 console and controller designs after that incident, or if fans will just need to wait for official releases from Sony instead. One has to wonder if future custom PS5 console and DualSense controller designs will be only be based on new games, or if they will pay homage to the earlier days of PlayStation like SUP3R5 attempted to do.
PlayStation Symbols
PlayStation fan and Twitter user Oskunk's custom PS5 design is one of the more striking that has hit the Internet so far. Much of the work is focused on the custom PS5, which highlights various PlayStation franchises with impressive artwork, specifically God of Wawr, Death Stranding, The Last of Us 2, and Spider-Man. However, Oskun's custom work also applies to the PS5's DualSense controller as well.
Compared to the art on Oskunk's custom PS5, the designs on the DualSense controller are pretty lowkey. However, the controller still looks great, sporting the PlayStation controller face buttons on its left grip. It matches very well with the custom PS5 and would be a great addition to anyone's collection.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Since Spider-Man: Miles Morales is one of the PlayStation 5's biggest launch titles, it makes sense that a lot of the early custom PS5 designs have been based on the game. Perhaps the most impressive of these is from digital artist Giuseppe Spinelli, who created a gorgeous custom PS5 console inspired by the game, as well as matching DualSense controllers to go with it. The Spider-Man: Miles Morales-themed PS5 DualSense controllers are mostly black with a webbing design on them, and include a red light for the touchpad as well as the slogan "Be yourself" written across the touchpad.
If previous console generations are any indication, it's quite likely that Sony will release plenty of official PS5 DualSense controller variants for fans to add to their collections. While they wait, they can try to customize their DualSense controllers on their own.