PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge review: Is this pro controller worth it?

Demand for high-end console controllers was once filled exclusively by third-party companies such as Scuf and Astro, but Microsoft jumped into the fray in 2015 with the Xbox One Elite controller (although it had a hard time with the Series 2 in 2019). ware has been updated). Professional gamers and serious amateurs flocked to these gamepads. This was a real advantage over the competition thanks to the paddles on the back and customizable sensitivity settings for the analog sticks and triggers. It was amazing that I had just dipped my toe in the same waters with a back button attachment that slapped the controller.

That all changes with the DualSense Edge, a high-end controller straight from Sony that launches January 26th for $199.99 and offers many of the features that have made the Elite and other pro controllers so popular. Programmable rear buttons, custom profiles, adjustable triggers and analog sticks. But is it too late for Sony to come to the party?

DualSense Edge feature set

If you’re already familiar with the PS5’s DualSense controller, you should know that the DualSense Edge comes with all the same benefits: adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and the ability to wonder why the controller is talking. Weird mic/speaker setups that let you down. to you. However, there are some notable differences.

DualSense Edge comes with two styles of back buttons: paddle or half-dome nub. There are four attachments included, but there are only two slots for the back buttons, so you’ll have to decide which of the two styles you prefer. But it’s familiar, sits neatly under the natural controller grip, and is easy to squeeze and activate. While this seems convenient, I found myself accidentally activating the paddle during tense moments using both the Elite controller and the Edge.

That’s why we’re thrilled that Sony has included half-dome nubs. . The click feeling at the time of activation is satisfactory, War God Ragnarok‘Valkyrie Queen is much easier, keeping your thumb on the analog stick and using the back button to dodge and fire arrows.

That said, we can’t ignore the fact that the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller has four back button inputs versus two for the DualSense Edge. would be enough. But if you wanted to program every face button (or every directional pad input) to the back button, the DualSense Edge just couldn’t do it.

Sony’s solution to this limited button set is to place function buttons under each analog stick. Press and hold the function button to select a pre-created profile. Each profile allows you to fully reassign all buttons on your controller (including the back button) and change analog stick sensitivity and dead zones.

Most obvious use case: let’s say you’re playing Spider-Man: Miles Moraleswant to switch to Call of Duty: WarzoneThe ideal button mapping for each game can vary dramatically. These function buttons allow you to switch on the fly. Simply press and hold the button on your face to select a profile. It’s a very sophisticated process and the menu for creating new profiles is very intuitive.The Elite Series 2 controller offers the same functionality, but it takes multiple taps to cycle through the four profiles. I need it and it’s a bit awkward.

Another feature that Sony essentially matches with the Elite Series 2: Trigger Stop. This reduces the amount the R2 and L2 triggers need to be pulled before activating. Using this feature disables the Adaptive He Trigger feature, but for serious players, it’s a small price to pay for more responsiveness and less finger strain.

When should analog sticks be replaced?

Photo: Russ Frushtick/Polygon

There is one feature that the DualSense Edge includes that the Elite Series 2 does not. Both analog stick modules are completely interchangeable. In the age of analog stick drift, controllers have a shorter lifespan. Sony seems to understand that if one of the analog sticks starts going crazy, he doesn’t want to pay for a DualSense Edge for another full price. So with Edge you can slide everything in and replace it with a new one (Sold separately $19.99).

I feel very strange about this feature. On the one hand, yes, it’s nice not to have to throw out the entire controller or send it back to Sony if the analog stick stops working.On the other hand, this is like a cry from the rooftops that these (premium-priced) things are about to break.Starting PS5 Owners I’m starting to see some DualSense drift issues Pretty early in the console’s lifecycle, this feature feels like Sony’s acknowledgment that modern analog sticks fail as a matter of course. You’ll have to pay Sony for the privilege of a quick fix, rather than being able to rely on the company that came up with the sensible design.

Even the Elite Series 2, a direct competitor to the DualSense Edge, Dissatisfied with durability, bumper failure is the most common problem. So if you’re looking for a first-party pro controller, I think you’re kind of stumped. It’s too early to say if the DualSense Edge suffers from the same durability issues.

What else is in the box?

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

In addition to all of the above, the DualSense Edge comes with a deluxe carrying case to keep all your small items safe. Inside you’ll find a braided USB cable for charging, a cable lock to prevent accidental plugging and unplugging of the controller (probably most useful in a tournament setting), and several different styles of analog sticks. Good news for him, one of those who miss his analog sticks from the PlayStation era Half Dome. In addition to the concave style featured on all his DualSense controllers, there are two different heights to choose from. (Also: what happened? Those analog sticks sucked.) [Ed. note: No, they were not.]

The carrying case is a nice touch, especially since it features a Velcro door where you can slide the USB cable in and charge the controller while it’s safe in its cocoon. It all feels very premium and high-end, and since you’re paying $200, it should be.

how about the design?

Needless to say, how a controller looks is purely a matter of taste. The DualSense Edge looks… nice. I don’t think it’s ugly, but I think it’s a downgrade from the more uniform standard DualSense controller. The Edge’s most prominent design feature is the glossy plastic patch in the center of the controller. This is a removable section that allows access to interchangeable analog stick modules. I’m not sure if Sony has the premium look and feel it’s commonly known for. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sell plates for

While we’re talking about design, Microsoft now lets you completely customize the look of the Elite Series 2 controller by changing the colors of the buttons, triggers and faceplates. The customized gamepad comes at a premium price ($10 more than the DualSense Edge if you buy all the accessories), but it’s a great option that Sony is missing at the moment.

And what is that price?

The DualSense Edge is priced at $199.99, half the cost of the digital-only PS5 model. This is… pretty steep, but Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 is priced at $179.99 (although sales often drop to around $150). I’m sure professional streamers and esports athletes have no problem spending money to write off their taxes. But for average people, it costs a lot. Play PS5 games more comfortably? Definitely. For example, do you have the advantage of being able to aim and jump at the same time? fortnite Is it because of the back button? Yes, it is.

That said, these days, you’ll be more comfortable buying a high-end premium controller knowing it will last you at least five years. But until we get hundreds of hours of gameplay on the DualSense Edge, we don’t know what the longevity will be. Given that, making that long-term investment is more difficult.

Also $200. And just because you have two more inputs at your disposal doesn’t mean you’re expanding your leaderboard.It’s the epitome of better to have — but if you’ve been playing a lot of PS5 games, that might be all you really need to justify it.

dual sense edge This review was done using the controller provided by Sony. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not affect editorial content, but Vox Media may earn commissions on products purchased via affiliate links.discoverable Additional information on Polygon’s Ethics Policy can be found here.