Sony has been hesitant about making a Pro Controller for its PlayStation consoles but finally took the leap with the DualSense Edge controller for the PlayStation 5. While customisable controllers have been available from third-party manufacturers, they never really delivered when it came to quality. However, Sony’s DualSense Edge is not only an impressive pro controller, but it also comes at the perfect time.
Other pro controllers by Sony’s competitors have laid the groundwork for the DualSense Edge, but PlayStation takes it a step further with a modular design and even more customisable options and other valuable features.
PlayStation DualSense Edge: What’s Included In The Box
The DualSense Edge controller is packed with all the necessities one would want to customise their experience. The controller is nestled in a hard white plastic case that feels great and sturdy enough to withstand all kinds of abuse. The case also has a detachable flap at the back which users can remove to charge the controller while it sits inside the case. This lets users charge the controller without actually taking it out and keeping it safe at the same time. While any USB-C cable can charge the controller, the controller comes with a braided cable that is long enough to charge it via a PlayStation 5 from a considerable distance.
Inside the case, users will find various trinkets that can be used to customise their experience. For starters, a pair of high-dome and low-dome thumbsticks can be easily swapped when needed. In addition, the controller is outfitted with the default concave thumbsticks that are also found on the regular DualSense controller. The case also contains a pair of back pedal triggers that can easily be attached and removed. Finally, a connector housing can be attached to the controller’s charging port, which can lock the mechanism to prevent the charging cable from detaching.
PlayStation DualSense Edge: Build Quality
The DualSense Edge controller feels weighty at first due to the nature of the materials it has been constructed from. Compared to the regular DualSense, the Edge feels a lot more premium and luxurious. The little details that are not present in the regular controller make the design stand out. For example, the inner thigh of the handle feels rubberised, which comes in handy when players get their palms sweaty.
Other new additions include a glossy front that makes the controller a bit shinier to look at. However, within this glossy part are two new Function buttons that let users switch to different custom profiles on the fly. Finally, at the back of the controller, users will find two sliders next to the L2 & R2 triggers that let them adjust the sensitivity that best suits them or the game they are playing.
What’s spectacular about the DualSense Edge is that every new feature has been incorporated into the same housing as the regular DualSense controller. This means players will find the controller familiar when they first pick it up to use it with the PlayStation 5 and won’t need much time to adjust to it. While the weight might take some time to get used to, overall, users will feel right at home.
PlayStation DualSense Edge: Modular Features
The modular nature of DualSense Edge makes it stand out from the plethora of pro controllers available. Not only is this a first-party offering, but it is also a superior option to consider. For starters, the ability to swap out the Analog sticks module makes the DualSense Edge controller superior to any other. Unfortunately, stick drift is a recurring problem for controllers, and there isn’t a permanent fix. To circumvent that, Sony lets users swap out the entire module if that situation ever arises, a feature not available for other controllers. Sony sells these modules separately, which is much more cost-effective than buying a new controller. Like the module, players can swap the analog stuck if they prefer to use the classic high/low dome thumbsticks.
The regular DualSense controller is already the more enjoyable controller from this generation; however, users can customise some of its marquee features on the Edge controller. For example, users can choose from three different trigger sensitivity options that they can change on the fly.
For single-player experiences, using the controller in the highest setting is recommended. However, players can adjust it to the lowest setting for games such as Call of Duty Warzone and other competitive games that require more precision. Previously, one would have to turn off the feature altogether while playing competitive games, but with the DualSense Edge, that is no longer the case.
Similarly, players wanting additional buttons apart from the four face buttons can attach two pedals or buttons at the back, which can be mapped using the Function button. These pedals/buttons come in handy when players don’t have enough reaction time to lift their thumb and press one of the other face buttons. The additional back buttons can act as additional ‘O’ and ‘▢’ buttons which can be activated by tapping the pedal. The pedal is mainly used when players are in a tight situation in games like Warzone or Fortnite, giving them a competitive edge. In addition, the back pedals can be mapped to any button on the controller, giving players more freedom. However, it is worth pointing out that the two back buttons might not be enough for everyone, as other pro controllers provide the option to use four.
Since any button can be mapped on the DualSense Edge controller, players can save them as custom profiles in the PlayStation 5 menu. To switch to these different profiles, users need to use any of the two Function buttons. Additionally, the Function button can also be used to adjust the headset volume and chat/game balance, which is yet another quality-of-life improvement as players are no longer required to navigate PS5’s complicated menus.
PlayStation DualSense Edge: Battery Life
The one feature that needed much improvement was the battery life; however, the DualSense Edge does not deliver in this department. In fact, it has a smaller 1050 mAh battery compared to the regular DualSense’s 1,560 mAh. This results in the controller lasting about 4 to 5 hours, a shorter duration than the regular DualSense. This is also shorter than Xbox’s Elite Controller, which can last up to a few days. While adding a bigger battery would have made DualSense Edge heavier and unwieldy, it still doesn’t strike the right balance to make it suitable for extra-long gaming sessions.
PlayStation DualSense Edge: Verdict
The DualSense Edge is not an affordable controller by any means, but for Rs 18,990, players get quite a few customisation options that might give them the competitive Edge in multiplayer titles. With the ability to change the analog stick module, users can use the DualSense Edge as their only controller for the PlayStation 5 without ever worrying about stick-drift issues. However, the low battery life and the hefty price tag might be things to consider before committing to such an expensive upgrade. However, due to the many customisable features and meaningful upgrades, the DualSense Edge is currently the ultimate pro controller for the PlayStation 5.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Pros
- Modular Analog Sticks & Module
- Meaningful Accessories
- Premium Build Quality
- Several Customisation Options
Cons
- Only Two Back buttons/Pedals
- Short Battery Life
- Expensive
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