Even though the DualSense has earned plenty of praise since its debut alongside the PS5 in 2020, that hasn’t stopped Sony from striving to refine its technology even further. During this year’s Gamescom Opening Night Live event, the publisher subsequently announced the next stage of the controller’s development. Dubbed the DualSense Edge, the second-generation device promises to be a premium experience and PlayStation’s answer to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite controllers.
As it stands right now, though, it’s unclear when exactly the DualSense Edge will hit store shelves. Sony has also been noticeably coy on the topic of how much the premium controller will cost players monetarily when it’s finally released. On the other hand, when it comes to its features list, a clearer picture has already started to take shape. Players subsequently have a solid idea of what the controller will look and feel like when the option to buy it eventually goes live.
Changeable Sticks
Although the original DualSense has been praised by many, Sony’s controller didn’t make a perfect first impression on everyone. Since it launched alongside the PS5 in 2020, some players have had issues specifically with its sticks. While drift problems have been the most frequently mentioned complaint, others have noted that their stick caps have deteriorated quickly as well. Even though Sony has taken steps to address both in recent controller batches via a change in material, the Edge controller takes things a step further.
When the DualSense Edge is released, players will be able to replace its stick caps and the modules below them. Sony has promised that players will find three types of stick caps within the controller’s carry case. Beyond the standard ones seen in the Edge’s marketing photos, a high dome and low dome option will also be available. Each option has been designed to offer players different levels of grip and stability so that they can work out a preference that suits their individual needs. When it comes to the stick modules, though, it’s worth noting that replaceable ones will only be sold separately for a currently undisclosed price.
Customizable Controls
One standout feature the DualSense Edge has over the original controller is its customizable control options. According to Sony, every button on the premium controller has been designed so that players can remap their inputs as they see fit. If a button is of no use in a particular type of game, or prone to being hit accidentally, they can even deactivate it entirely. With the likes of Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 set to release soon, it’s easy to imagine this feature being welcomed by fighting game fans in particular.
The same customization-focused philosophy has been applied to other parts of the DualSense Edge as well. Each of its sticks and triggers, for example, can be individually tuned and even remapped. Players can reportedly customize both aspects of the controller even further though, as sensitivity, travel distance, and dead zone adjustment options have all been mentioned by Sony. Although it's easy to envision these being useful in most games, the publisher has highlighted how franchises like Call of Duty should benefit from them the most.
Returning DualSense Features
Being a premium version of the original DualSense naturally means that large parts of the Edge’s features list will be familiar to current PS5 owners. Rather than being a complete break from tradition, Sony has instead spent time refining each of the preexisting controller’s design concepts. As a result of this, future owners of the DualSense Edge can look forward to the same types of features that they’ve likely got used to using already.
The return of the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback joint headline the Edge’s list of familiar features. Since the launch of the PS5, each has been celebrated by fans as they offer significantly more physical feedback than what the now-defunct DualShock line of controllers was capable of. Between games like Horizon Forbidden West and Stray, developers have already demonstrated in great detail how both can make gaming a more immersive experience.
In general, holding the PS5’s DualSense Edge should feel comparable to the original controller for any player that’s already used one. That’s largely down to the fact that Sony has chosen to maintain the first DualSense’s form-factor and shape within the premium incarnation. Its built-in microphone, motion controls, and USB Type-C charging port are all set to make a return to aid this sensation as well. The latter has been upgraded slightly, as the charging wire can now be locked into place.
The Edge’s Back Buttons
Toward the end of the PS4’s lifecycle, Sony experimented with the concept of back buttons. For the DualShock 4 players could subsequently buy an attachment that latched onto the back of their controller via its USB port. With the DualSense Edge, the publisher has taken the opportunity to revisit and push the concept even further.
Unlike the DualShock 4 attachment, the DualSense Edge’s back buttons are built into the reverse side of the controller. Beyond arguably looking neater, this decision has allowed Sony to do more with them functionally as well. Just like the other buttons that have been mentioned previously, players will be able to customize and shut off their functions. Similarly to the controller’s sticks, multiple types of back buttons will also come packaged with the controller. These include a half-dome and lever-shaped option.
The Edge’s Controller Profiles
In order to make the DualSense Edge’s customizable options more accessible on the PS5, Sony has added several buttons into the mix that are dedicated specifically to the concept. On the bottom of the new controller, players will subsequently find the ‘Fn buttons’. Beyond being able to use these to access and navigate the controller’s customization interface, it’s here that owners will also be able to save several of their favorite custom setups.
What’s impressive about these saved profiles is the fact that players will then reportedly be able to swap between them on the fly via new switch-like buttons on the controllers back. Sony has made a big deal about how players can go from one load-out in God of War: Ragnarok, to a more battle royale appropriate setup in a different game within just a few button presses. These buttons can also be used to adjust game volume and chat balance without diving into a menu, similar to the PS5’s Pulse 3D headset.
