PlayStation DualSense Edge evaluation: Sony’s expensive however highly effective sidekick for the PS5

The unique got here out approach again in 2015, so it is a marvel why took so lengthy to launch its personal tackle a premium gamepad. However now that the is extra broadly out there (form of), the corporate is lastly prepared to point out the world what it may possibly do. Whereas the $200 DualSense Edge prices a bit greater than its rival, it presents a couple of nifty options you do not get on Microsoft’s controller, mixed with one doubtlessly main shortcoming.

Design

For the Edge, Sony did not stray a lot from its default template. From the highest, the Edge seems to be nearly precisely the identical except for a black D-pad and face buttons and a black touchpad adorned with a refined sample that includes the corporate’s signature ▲ ■ ● and ✖ icons. The place issues get attention-grabbing is if you discover the 2 little nubs that stick out beneath the analog sticks, that are perform buttons reserved for altering your controller’s button assignments.

In again, there are two switches on both aspect subsequent to the shoulder triggers for adjusting their pull size, together with slots to accommodate the gamepad’s detachable rear paddles. The controller comes with two units of rear paddles: longer, extra conventional levers and quick stubby half-domes, the latter of which ended up being my favourite. You additionally get a complete of three totally different joystick nubs (commonplace, short-stemmed convex and long-stemmed convex) that may be swapped out on the fly, and a cable lock which may forestall the included USB-C twine from getting pulled out accidentally.

Each the thumbsticks and the rear paddles connect magnetically, which makes it tremendous easy to check out totally different layouts earlier than discovering a combo you want. The long-stemmed domed thumbstick might be useful for snipers in taking pictures video games, particularly in the event you choose enjoying at decrease sensitivities. However I used to be much less involved with making an attempt to get an edge than I used to be with making the controller as comfy as attainable.

One of many Edge’s spotlight options are these totally replaceable analog sticks. By sliding the discharge toggle in again, the shroud across the analog sticks lifts off, revealing detachable modules that connect through USB-A and might be modified out in seconds. This implies if you begin to expertise some controller drift (which you’ll, given sufficient put on and tear), you possibly can merely purchase substitute thumbstick modules that value $20 every. For hardcore avid gamers that put in a whole lot or hundreds of hours into their consoles, this could signify big financial savings over time. If one joystick begins to get a bit wonky, simply change it out, or substitute each sticks on the identical time and get nearly a brand-new gamepad.

Lastly, to spherical every part out, the Edge comes with a hardshell carrying case that appears and appears like an extra-large area egg. It has a frivolously padded inside and a small mesh pocket for any further equipment you may want (just like the included charging cable). There’s additionally a nifty velcro pass-through flap in again that permits you to route a twine inside so you possibly can cost the controller whereas it stays tucked safely contained in the case.

Software program and options

One other large benefit the Edge has over rivals (particularly third-party choices like ) is the flexibility to set customized button configurations. The PS5 helps 4 quickset choices and has the flexibility to save lots of much more in settings. Switching layouts takes lower than a second and is so simple as urgent both one of many perform buttons and one face button on the identical time. I additionally respect that the PS5 pops up a easy walkthrough on how you can set every part the primary time you join the controller. And everytime you wish to revisit your button presets, all you need to do is open the console’s settings menu.

Different useful options embrace the flexibility to customise your joystick sensitivity, regulate their deadzone and even set the actuation level for the triggers. So relying in your preferences, you possibly can inform the controller to disregard shallow pulls to keep away from inadvertent presses. This additionally works at the side of the slider on the again of the controller which may change the bodily journey distance of the triggers to 3 distances (quick, medium and lengthy), which is good when switching from a racing recreation, the place you need the complete analog suggestions, and an FPS, if you need an actual hair set off setup.

In-game

While you get round to really utilizing the Edge, gaming with it nearly appears like having a Swiss Military Knife. Positive, it seems to be and appears like a normal DualSense, however if you run into a clumsy state of affairs, the gamepad all the time appears to have an answer. For instance: A few of my first console shooters had been Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and on the N64, so I’ve all the time most popular what avid gamers typically name a Southpaw joystick setup, which suggests aiming with the left joystick and shifting with the proper. Sadly, not each shooter helps this format. However with the DualSense I can use it in no matter recreation I need.

Moreover, whereas the DualSense’s deep triggers are nice for racing video games, that lengthy pull is form of annoying in fighters or beat ’em ups like Streets of Rage 4. However just by shifting the toggles in again, I can considerably shorten the pull, making issues really feel snappier and extra responsive.

Now I ought to point out that another premium controllers just like the supply a number of D-pad choices, however in my view, each of them are worse than Sony’s arrow-shaped model. And whereas I will in all probability by no means use the cable lock, I can see it being helpful in event settings the place you need the arrogance of a wired connection however do not wish to fear about your USB cable getting yanked out accidentally.

My one small criticism is that I want you could possibly assign customized actions to the little perform nubs. Proper now they’re devoted to switching button presets and there isn’t any approach to change that, which looks as if a little bit of a waste. There are two nubs, at the very least let me use one in every of them as an additional button, particularly since I really feel like they’re within the excellent location for launching grenades in shooters.

Battery Life

The DualSense Edge’s greatest weak point is its battery life, which is one way or the other worse than the usual PS5 controller. On common I used to be getting round 5 to 6 hours of use on a single cost, in comparison with six or seven for the common DualSense. And that is simply irritating as a result of not solely does the Edge value greater than twice as a lot, the kind of folks that might pay large cash for a premium controller are additionally fairly prone to interact in marathon gaming periods. And there are few issues extra annoying than having to scramble for a USB twine when your controller dies in the midst of the firefight. Fortunately, the Edge comes with a prolonged 10-foot USB cable, so even when it runs out of juice, you may in all probability nonetheless be capable of plug it in and have the cable attain your sofa.

Wrap-up

Whereas the concept of paying $200 for a elaborate controller may appear to be a bit a lot (and it form of is), after utilizing the DualSense Edge I can see the enchantment. It presents a well-known design with a handful of additional options together with straightforward button remapping, a number of joystick nubs, customizable rear paddles and extra. And the Edge is definitely a tiny bit cheaper than some third-party choices like these from Scuf, which doesn’t have replaceable joystick modules. Its quick battery life is certainly a downer and I might have preferred to see Sony embrace help for a second pair of paddles in again, such as you get on of different premium gamepads. But when I had to decide on only one controller to make use of with my PS5 till it dies, the DualSense Edge can be it.