Sony DualSense controller overview: A gamepad from the long run

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The windfall of Sony’s DualSense controller is evident the moment you see it—this controller seems like an evolution of the older DualShock controllers Sony has used for the final 20 years. The grips lengthen downward from the principle physique of the controller, tapering extra so than on the DualShock 4 and earlier iterations. On the precise aspect, you may have the usual Sony buttons: sq., circle, x, and triangle. Reverse that’s the d-pad. The directional arrows are all separated, which makes them very tactile and simple to press, however this design isn’t pretty much as good for preventing video games or the rest the place diagonal d-pad enter is used.

Sony’s controller makes use of symmetrical thumbsticks versus the offset sticks you see on all Xbox-style controllers. Within the center, you may have a big clickable trackpad, which is unfortunately virtually ineffective on PC. You additionally get a share button and menu/pause button on the face. Plus, there’s a tiny speaker lifeless middle on the DualSense, which may add atmospheric sounds to your gameplay expertise.

On the highest edge, the DualSense seems extra like your conventional recreation controller. Appears to be like will be deceiving, although. There’s a single USB-C port, which can hyperlink your controller to a pc in addition to recharge the built-in battery. You continue to should pay additional to get rechargeable battery packs for the Xbox controller, however neither comes with a USB-C cable.

The shoulder buttons work as you’d anticipate, however the triggers are one thing particular. Builders can change the quantity of resistance for the triggers, making them really feel completely different when performing completely different actions within the recreation. When you can’t inform simply by wanting on the exterior, the DualSense has huge vibration motors within the grips. This enables the controller to create superior haptic experiences, once more, relying on developer assist.

The matte plastic exterior is smoother than the Xbox controller, nevertheless it’s nonetheless sufficiently secure with the longer grips. Aesthetically, it’s a gorgeous piece of expertise when you just like the PlayStation 5’s look. There are not any uncovered screws, and most of the plastic seams are built-in with the design language to kind PS5-style adverse house and lighting bars. It’s a gamepad from the long run.

Sony DualSense: Options and hands-on expertise

Many players are entrenched of their controller format preferences. Should you’ve been utilizing Xbox-style controllers for years, there could be a studying curve with the DualSense. Xbox followers shouldn’t low cost this one, although. The DualSense weighs in at 281 grams, about the identical because the current-gen Xbox controller. Nevertheless, we discovered the DualSense to be extra snug within the hand throughout lengthy gaming classes. The Xbox controller feels a bit chunky by comparability.

The buttons on the face are all tactile and simple to press, though the pause button could be very flat and will be exhausting to seek out by really feel. The thumbsticks have a grippy rubberized texture and simply the correct quantity of resistance. It takes much less drive to click on the sticks on Sony’s controller in comparison with Microsoft’s, nevertheless it’s not so little that you simply’ll do it by chance.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

The controller’s distinctive {hardware} works wirelessly with the PS5, however on PC, you’ll have to make use of a USB-C cable to get correct assist in DualSense-optimized video games. When a recreation helps the DualSense, it actually elevates the expertise. For instance, Returnal makes use of the DualSense’s haptics to relay details about your character’s standing and the atmosphere. Should you attempt to use your alt-fire earlier than it’s recharged, the controller offers you an angry-feeling vibration within the set off area. In locations the place it’s raining, the superior haptics may even simulate the sensation of raindrops hitting the controller. Mixed with the speaker, the DualSense makes for a way more immersive expertise.

The adaptive triggers are much more spectacular than the haptics. With out adjustment, the triggers are easy and simple to press, with about the identical journey because the Xbox controller. Video games can ramp up the resistance to make in-game actions really feel extra actual, however the set off adjustment may also be purposeful. Going again to Returnal, the builders created a two-stop button out of the left set off. Depress it to the primary cease, and your character goals for elevated precision. Push previous the tactile bump, and also you activate alt-fire mode. It’s extraordinarily cool and helpful in a fast-paced title like Returnal.

In wi-fi mode, we’re averaging round eight hours of gameplay per cost, which is much in need of the 25 to 30 hours you get with the Xbox controller. Granted, the DualSense does much more, however the enhanced haptics and triggers solely work in choose video games and over a wired connection. That makes wi-fi mode on PC underwhelming.

Sony DualSense: Compatibility

Should you’re taking part in a recreation with out DualSense assist, you possibly can play wirelessly and never lose something. Nevertheless, you need to follow wired enter for DualSense-supporting video games. We’d like to see Sony unlock the DualSense expertise over Bluetooth for PCs. Within the meantime, the third-party DualSenseX software program could make the controller extra helpful on Home windows, nevertheless it takes loads of tinkering to get it working appropriately.

Ryan Whitwam / Foundry

Do you have to purchase a Sony DualSense?

The DualSense is a really spectacular gamepad, marrying {hardware} and software program to allow extra immersive gameplay. As a chunk of {hardware}, the DualSense is much superior to the present Xbox choices. It’s extra snug, the buttons really feel higher, and options like adaptive triggers are revolutionary. Sony’s exact, immersive haptics are on a distinct stage in comparison with different controllers, which simply rumble at various intensities. It’s like evaluating iPhone haptics to some other cellphone—there isn’t any comparability.

We like that Sony’s controller comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, however the battery life may very well be higher. At about eight hours per cost, you’d do effectively to select up a charging dock so that you don’t overlook to juice up the gamepad whenever you’re not taking part in. You’ll additionally want to offer your individual USB-C cable, because the controller doesn’t include one.

Nevertheless, you’ll solely get the very best expertise on the PlayStation 5. Solely a handful of PC video games assist the controller’s superior options, and so they all require a wired connection. Over Bluetooth, the DualSense is only a generic controller. The Sony DualSense is the premium controller that PC players deserve. However sadly, the assist isn’t there but.