Play is incredible when it comes to the DualSense Edge wireless controller for PlayStation 5. I got hands-on with the ultra-customizable high-performance controller, experimented with multiple interchangeable parts, experimented with controller configuration options on the console, and tested it all in different games. The bottom line — Regardless of the overall experience of a customizable controller designed for precision play, the DualSense Edge controller experience combines premium construction with intuitive user options.
To take a closer look at what influenced the controller’s form factor and customization options, we spoke to the people who designed it. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how PlayStation’s first-ever highly customizable controller was created.
high quality case
The DualSense Edge controller comes with a sleek, rugged shell-like case to safely organize the controller and its accessories. One good thing is the removable flap that houses the included braided USB charging cable, allowing you to charge the controller while it’s still in the case.
Familiar form factor
PlayStation engineers tried to match the shape and size of the original DualSense controller, so the controller feels instantly familiar. A closer look at the DualSense Edge controller reveals subtle examples of its premium build quality, such as the increased surface area of the non-slip white plastic around the handle and extra texture on the touchpad and triggers.
Adjustable trigger length
Players can adjust the trigger length with built-in switches on both the R2 and L2 buttons. This allows for easy on-the-fly customization without having to tweak your controller’s profile settings. One example of him in my time was from God of War Ragnarok, which required the full range of the R2 button, to Call of Duty, where clicking to a shorter trigger length allowed him to shoot faster. A jump to Modern Warfare II was included.
switchable stick cap
The DualSense Edge controller features 3 sets of stick caps to facilitate quick customization. The two standard caps are the same as the snappy sticks on the DualSense controllers, but a set of high and low dome caps offer a satisfyingly concave feel. We appreciated the ability to swap out the tall dome cap on the right analog stick, which offers greater finesse when aiming in Call of Duty or Apex Legends.
Back button versatility
The DualSense Edge controller also features an optional back button. The lever back button offers a long, flat form factor for quick activation. The half-dome back button features a discreet and precise feel. They opened up new options for button configuration and felt like a nimble powerhouse once I got used to the new inputs. As an example…
War God Ragnarok
By assigning the dodge button to the left back button and Kratos’ Leviathan Ax retrieval/elemental attack charge to the right back button, you can keep your thumb on the right stick and control the camera at every moment of combat. We shortened the length of the left trigger to speed up aiming for ranged attacks, but left the right trigger at default to feel the immersive magic of the adaptive trigger during melee combat. The results are so satisfying that he’s already planning his second playthrough of the stunning Santa Monica Studio sequel after the launch of the DualSense Edge controller.
Customizable controller profile
Options for optimizing your playstyle extend beyond accessories to trigger adjustments to customizable controller profiles. A sleek tutorial pops up automatically the first time you connect a controller to her PS5 console. Robust additional options include:
- Up to 3 profiles stored on the controller itself
- Custom button assignments (e.g. to set FPS profiles, driving profiles, action game profiles, etc.)
- Stick sensitivity and deadzone adjustment
- Trigger deadzone adjustment
- vibration intensity
- strength of the trigger effect
Preset profiles for stick sensitivity
Diverse preset profiles for adjusting stick sensitivity provide a gentle entry point for players who don’t want to dive into the depths of customization out of the gate. Here’s a description of the system settings (subject to change):
- quick – Tilt the stick to accelerate the amount of input registered. Suitable for quick movements. Take quick aim against fast-paced shooters to gain the upper hand.
- correct ・When you tilt the stick, the minimum input is registered. Good for making precise movements. Fans of shooter games may find it helpful to be able to aim slowly and accurately.
- stabilized ・Registration input is restricted even if the stick is tilted a lot. Allows smooth and stable movement. Perfect for when you want to move smoothly in an action game.
- Digital – Almost maximum input is registered when the stick is tilted even slightly. Works like the directional buttons on a controller.Instantly respond to input in fighting and action games
- dynamic – A little or a lot of stick tilt limits the registered input, but accelerates in the midrange. It enables versatile gameplay where you need to change direction quickly, even in shooters that require careful aiming.
function button
These two buttons are located below the thumb stick for easy access to DualSense Edge controller-specific menus that pop up with each press, whether in-game or in system menus. These buttons make it easy to snap between profiles, adjust headset volume, game/party chat audio balance, and more. Having the option to jump straight into the controller profile menu instantly with a few button presses is very important, allowing quick adjustments without interrupting gameplay. This experience reminded me of diving into editing weapon loadouts while waiting to respawn in Call of Duty. Speaking of…
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Jumping into a Modern Warfare II match, the function buttons stood out. I quickly noticed that the God of War Ragnarok controller profile was still set, but thanks to the on-controller triggering his switch, I quickly adjusted it to a shorter length to aim and shoot. I then used the function button to quickly switch to a profile that had the ‘Quick’ preset as the base. I assigned the left back button to jump and the right back button to crouch/slide so I could keep my thumbs ready for a firefight while smoothly controlling movement across the map. We also replaced High Dome his cap with a right analog stick to make it easier to control while aiming.
Once you get your hands on the DualSense Edge controller, you’ll be impressed with the top quality engineering and great physical controller customization options. What surprised me was his intuitive tutorial on the console and frictionless menu navigation with function buttons. Whether you’re a competitive player looking for every edge or simply interested in maximizing your gameplay options in your favorite games, the DualSense Edge controller is his January 26, 2023 will be released on
Find out more about the DualSense Edge wireless controller here.
Get it directly from PlayStation at direct.playstation.com
In the US, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, DualSense Edge wireless controllers are direct.playstation.com (until stock runs out). The DualSense Edge wireless controller will be available at other participating retailers after February 23, 2023.
