Since the PlayStation 5 console launched in 2020, the DualSense controller has received a lot of praise from gamers, but Sony appears to not be willing to rest on that success alone. During Gamescom's Opening Night Live, Sony revealed the DualSense Edge, a premium controller designed to go head-to-head with the Xbox Elite controller series. With an impressive feature set on top of the loaded features of the base DualSense controller, the DualSense Edge appears ready to contend for that top spot.
Since the debut of the DualSense Edge, Sony has been happy to talk about the plentiful feature set the controller will have, but much less willing to provide information on things like Dual Sense Edge price point or a release date. Fans probably won't be able to enjoy the advanced options in 2022 but will have more than enough information about the controller to decide whether the eventual cost of the DualSense Edge will be worth it to them.
Xbox Elite Series 2 vs DualSense Edge
Xbox was the first console maker to enter the premium controller market in 2015 with the Xbox One's Elite controller that offered expanded buttons on the back of the controller, different saved button mapping settings, and other premium features. Released more recently, the Xbox Elite controller Series 2 has some key differences from the first version that make it a worthwhile upgrade, including adjustable tension on the thumb sticks and even more sensitivity to the triggers for fans who enjoy competitive shooters. With its feature set, the DualSense edge appears to have learned a lot from the Xbox Elite controllers, and in many ways, it is taking a step forward from them.
The PS5 DualSense controller was already a significant upgrade from the DualShock 4 controller that accompanied the PS4, bringing many new features and building on some of the best innovations of the DualShock 4. With adaptive triggers that give resistance to players, haptic feedback, and a touchpad that has more in-game functionality this time around, there are enough great and immersive features that even Xbox boss Phil Spencer gave high praise to the DualSense controller when it launched in 2020. Despite the overall success of the DualSense, there were some issues with the controller as well, including concern about controller life and a thumb stick issue that caused a drifting problem similar to the Xbox Elite controller's.
Given the thumb stick issues premium controllers have had, Sony has subsequently come up with an innovative and effective solution that will also give gamers the security that their controller will have a longer life span. Not only is the standard premium controller feature of replaceable stick caps with different sized and textures available with the DualSense Edge, but the entire stick module can be replaced as well. Replacements are sold separately, but the maddening drag of a thumb stick will no longer automatically resign a player to the feeling that they will have to wait for a long repair cycle or get a new controller.
Increased Customization for the DualSense Edge
A feature of the DualSense Edge that is unique to the Sony brand is the dedicated Fn button at the bottom of the controller that gives users complete on-the-fly functionality control over their settings and preferences. A push of the Fn button will bring up a menu that allows players to switch between pre-saved button control profiles while still in a game, as well as control things like volume and balance between game and chat audio. In the menu, players can also set up profiles and button configurations to try out on the PlayStation 5 game they're playing at the moment, giving the DualSense Edge a level of immediate adaptability that they Xbox's Elite controller doesn't have.
The Xbox Elite controller features customizable paddles for the back of the controller that can be mapped to represent any button, and the DualSense Edge has a similar feature. Sony's controller includes two separate types of buttons to place on the back of the controller, with one being a half dome and the other being the lever variety. With all the loose accessories, the accompanying case will be nice for DualSense Edge owners, giving them organization similar to the Xbox Elite controller carrying case. Along with the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the DualSense Edge also brings along DualSense features like a built-in microphone and motion control - both things the Xbox Elite doesn't have. Future iterations of the DualSense Edge could learn even more from the Xbox Elite Series 2's rubberized grips, a great touch for when players' hands get a little extra sweaty in an intense match.
Premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller and DualSense Edge aren't for everyone, and the price point will likely be high when it is finally announced. Button mapping, hair triggers, and customizable sticks are designed to appeal to the hardcore gamer, especially those who take part in PlayStation 5 online games like Overwatch 2 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 where an extra bit of performance can make all the difference between winning and losing. Fans will have to decide if the DualSense Edge price is fair, especially if they are primarily single-player gamers who would be more likely to use the controller for God of War: Ragnarok than FIFA 23 or Battlefield 2042.