The DualSense Edge marks Sony’s first ever pro-controller, a massive reason for PS5 players to get excited. But to celebrate the launch of a new controller, many questions regarding what will separate it from the standard DualSense. With this release, there’s a lot to look forward to, and to make things easier, we are bringing you everything you need to know about the upcoming gamepad.
Compared to the regular DualSense wireless controller, the DualSense Edge will offer upgraded features. The DualSense 5 has been highly praised for its bespoke features with the PS5, and since Sony is the last of the three big console manufacturers to offer an advanced controller, there’s a lot to expect.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 are both impeccably designed for the Xbox Series X and Series S, so having an advanced controller for the PS5 feels long overdue. If you’re looking for alternative ways to enhance your gaming experience, it’s worth checking out the best accessories for PS5 too.
DualSense Edge: cut to the chase
- What is it? Sony’s ‘Elite’ DualSense controller
- When can I buy it? January 26, 2023
- What can I play it on? PS5
DualSense Edge: price and release date
Thanks to a recent ‘Features Trailer (opens in new tab)‘ and recent PlayStation Blog post, we’ve now got a release date and pricing information for DualSense Edge. According to Sony, it’ll retail for $199.99 USD / €239.99 / £209.99, launching globally on January 26, 2023 and a month before PSVR 2. Unfortunately, no Australian price was provided.
It puts DualSense Edge above Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which retails for $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.95. With Sony recently pushing up the price of the PS5, we’re not surprised that accessories have followed suit. The DualSense costs $69.99 /£59.99/ AU$109.95, while the Xbox Wireless Controller comes in slightly cheaper at $59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99.
Across the UK, US, and Europe, DualSense Edge and replaceable stick module pre-orders are exclusive to the PlayStation Direct (opens in new tab) store. However, this will later be offered to “other participating retailers” on February 23, though no companies were detailed.
DualSense Edge: design
The DualSense Edge’s silhouette is practically identical to the standard controller. But that’s by no means a bad thing. The DualSense is already a slickly designed, comfortable pad that didn’t need much refinement in the first place.
Its aesthetic differences are more apparent. The central touchpad is a clean matte black, emblazoned with PlayStation’s square, circle, cross and triangle iconography. The d-pad and face buttons have also been changed to black, from the original’s white. What we’ve got holds a striking contrast from the standard white DualSense controller.
The bottom of the controller, which houses the mic, PS button and analog sticks is now a glossier black. The sticks themselves, triggers, as well as the back of the controller, all look to have a more sturdy and textured grip, too.
DualSense Edge: battery life
By far the DualSense’s biggest drawback is its meager battery life. Often clocking in anywhere between 4-10 hours from a single charge, it falls well short of the pads on competing systems. Unfortunately, even with Sony’s recent reveal, we don’t have concrete information on the DualSense Edge’s battery life just yet.
Still, it’s something that Sony should be keen on improving over the base pad, even if it’s just a marginal improvement of a few hours. By comparison, Xbox’s Elite Series 2 packs a battery life of around 35-40 hours on a single charge. We don’t think the Edge will meet this, considering all of the features it has that Xbox’s pad lacks. But we’d like to see an improved battery life of at least around 15-20 hours.
DualSense Edge: features
The DualSense Edge might look the part, but its worth as a pro-standard pad will be judged on its features. For the most part, it looks like Sony is pulling out all the stops in this regard.
As you’d expect, the Edge is going to be highly modular. The sticks, stick caps and back paddles can all be swapped out and adjusted based on your personal preferences. Control layout and sensitivity are also fully customizable. Not only will players be able to fully customize their button layouts, they can also adjust stick deadzones, as well as trigger travel distance and sensitivity.
All this can be done, on the fly, from the controller itself. A dedicated Fn (function) button will bring up a separate UI that lets players customize their controller settings at a moment’s notice. Additionally, you’ll also be able to save profiles for when you’ll need them most. Switching from Demon’s Souls to Gran Turismo 7? Profile switching will ensure your control setup is good to go no matter what game you’re playing.
You can expect all the DualSense’s best features to return. Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and motion controls are all present and accounted for when it comes to the Edge. Lastly, everything come bundled in an included carrying case, and you can charge the controller via USB connection while it’s stored inside.
DualSense Edge – Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DualSense Edge worth it?
The DualSense Edge is intended to build upon the DualSense 5 and make good players into great players. This advanced controller is said to host the most ergonomic design to make gaming for long periods comfortable while aiding gameplay to ensure you’re performing your best. So, if you’re a competitive player, then the DualSense Edge is worth experimenting with to aid your gameplay and ensure you’re making the most of your console.
How long does the DualSense Wireless Controller battery last?
The DualSense battery life spans between 4-10 hours, which can be off-putting for players sitting down to play intensive games for hours at a time. However, since the DualSense Edge is designed to heighten gameplay, it’s expected to build on the battery life of the original console, but there’s no concrete information on how much yet.
