since the Playstation 5 console launched in 2020, the DualSense controller has received a lot of praise from gamers, but Sony doesn’t seem to want to rest on that success alone. During Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, Sony unveiled the DualSense Edge, a premium controller designed to rival the Xbox Elite controller series. With an impressive feature set on top of the DualSense base controller’s loaded features, the DualSense Edge looks poised to compete for that top spot.
Since the debut of the DualSense Edge, Sony has been happy to talk about the lavish feature set the controller will have, but far 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 if the ultimate 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 Xbox One’s Elite controller that offered expanded buttons on the back of the controller, various 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 thumbstick tension and even more trigger sensitivity for fans who like competitive shooters. With its feature set, the DualSense edge seems to have learned a lot from the Xbox Elite controllers, and in many ways it takes a step forward from them.
The PS5 DualSense controller was already a major upgrade from the DualShock 4 controller that came with the PS4, with many new features and building on some of the best innovations of the DualShock 4. With adaptive triggers that resist players, haptic feedback and a touchpad that has more in-game functionality this time around, there are plenty of great and immersive features that even Xbox boss Phil Spencer gave the DualSense controller a lot of credit when it launched in 2020. Despite the overall success of the DualSense, there were some issues with the controller as well, including concerns about controller life and an issue with the thumbstick that caused a drift issue similar to that of the Xbox Elite controller.
Given the thumbstick problems that premium controllers have had, Sony subsequently came up with an innovative and effective solution that also gives gamers the assurance that their controller will have a longer lifespan. Not only is the standard premium controller feature of replaceable stick caps with different sizes and textures available with the DualSense Edge, but the entire stick module can also be replaced. Replacements are sold separately, but the maddening drag of a thumbstick will no longer automatically make a player feel like they have to wait for a long repair cycle or get a new controller.
Improved customization for the DualSense Edge
A feature of the DualSense Edge that is unique to the Sony brand is the dedicated Fn button on the bottom of the controller that gives users full direct functionality control over their settings and preferences. A press of the Fn button will open 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. The menu also allows players to set up profiles and button configurations to try out the PlayStation 5 game they’re currently playing, giving the DualSense Edge a level of instant customization that the Xbox’s Elite controller doesn’t have.
The Xbox Elite controller has customizable paddles for the back of the controller that can be assigned to any button, and the DualSense Edge has a similar function. Sony’s controller contains two separate types of buttons that can be placed on the back of the controller, one being a half dome and the other being the lever variant. With all the loose accessories, the accompanying case is nice for DualSense Edge owners, giving them an organization comparable to the Xbox Elite controller carrying case. In addition to the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the DualSense Edge also brings DualSense features such as a built-in microphone and motion controls — both things the Xbox Elite doesn’t have. Future versions of the DualSense Edge could learn even more from the rubber grips of the Xbox Elite Series 2, a great touch for when players’ hands get a little extra sweaty during an intense match.
Premium controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller and DualSense Edge aren’t for everyone, and the price will likely be high when it’s finally announced. Button mapping, hair triggers and customizable sticks are designed to appeal to the hardcore gamer, especially those who participate in Playstation 5 online games like Overwatch 2 or Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 where an extra bit of performance can make the difference between winning and losing. Fans will have to decide if the DualSense Edge price is reasonable, especially if it’s mainly single-player gamers who would rather use the controller for God of War: Ragnarok then FIFA 23 or Battlefield 2042.
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