Sony released their first Pro controller in early 2023. The Edge controller was a direct response to the Xbox Elite Series 2. Although it features a similar design, it has a lot going for it under the hood. So, is the DualSense Edge the perfect controller to get in 2024? Or are there other options in the market?
Let’s find out!
Design Changes of the DualSense
The Killer Feature
Software for the Dualsense Edge
Battery Life of the Edge
Is the Dualsense Edge Worth It?
Design Changes of the DualSense
The DualSense Edge has a design that feels more like a refresh of the PS5’s DualSense, rather than an entirely new version of it. The transition from one controller to the other won’t feel jarring and is going to have a minimal learning curve.
It comes in a two-tone case that matches the aesthetics of the black-and-white PS5 controller. The case also houses some interchangeable bits as well as some accessories. There are two different back buttons you can use: a lever-style option and a dome-shaped button. The analog sticks can also be replaced with two different convex analog sticks.
The case also has a braided 9.1-foot long USB-C cable along with a mechanism that you can add to ensure the cable doesn’t get pulled out during your rage-filled Call of Duty sessions.
There is a function button below every analog stick which allows you to swap between custom profiles. Both analog triggers also have stop sliders which can reduce the travel distance, which is great for twitch shooters. You can switch between full, medium, and short ranges.
The Killer Feature
Let’s be honest, we all hate to see the annoying stick drift when playing our favorite shooters. Thankfully, the Edge controller takes the edge here, as it offers the option to fully replace the analog stick modules.
Stick drift is still an issue, and for the life of me, I don’t understand why console manufacturers can’t switch to Hall Effect analog sticks. However, this is still an effective solution that doesn’t require you to replace your entire controller.
The replacement analog sticks cost $20 per analog. Edge’s analog sticks are the same as the ones found on the standard DualSense.
Software for the Dualsense Edge
After you connect the DualSense Edge to your PS5 for the first time, you will have the option to take a short tour. Here, you will be able to see some of the features including an introduction to the Function menu, which allows you to create your profiles.
Each profile has various features you can customize. You can remap every button on your DualSense Edge as well as assign the buttons to the back buttons. In this menu, you can also adjust the dead zones for your analog sticks and choose from preset curves for sensitivity.
You can also adjust the dead zones for the analog triggers. There are options that allow you to adjust the adaptive trigger intensity as well as the vibration.
Holding the Function button will bring up an on-screen overlay that shows you the four profiles. Here, you can also create a new one, and adjust the mix as well as the headphone audio.
Battery Life of the Edge
There isn’t a lot of improvement to the battery life of the DualSense Edge. During my testing, the battery seemed to last between four to five hours of gameplay. The controller disconnected after less than six hours.
However,this number can vary, based on the type of game you play, the frequency of button presses as well as the usage of various features like the mic and haptics.
With all that, it’s safe to say that the DualSense doesn’t have an edge in terms of battery life.
Is the Dualsense Edge Worth It?
Although the DualSense Edge is a great controller for the price, I just can’t recommend it because of one major flaw: the analog sticks.
The $20 replacements are great, but they still are going to need frequent replacements which means that you’re going to have to invest a lot more money in the controller in the long run.
For the same amount of money, I recommend getting the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro which is a Sony-licensed controller with most of the features from the DualSense and more.
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro uses the Hall Effect technology that offers more precise controls as well as analog sticks that won’t wear out over time. You can also switch seamlessly between a wired and wireless connection and you can create four profiles per platform.
You also have three sets of weights, three joystick sizes, and heads as well as 60 customization options. This controller can be used with PC, PlayStation 4 and 5.
Wrapping Up
Whether you take on my suggestion of Nacon Revolution 5 Pro or get your dream DualSense Edge, at a $200 price tag, it’s important to be smart about which controller you choose for your gaming console.
A little side note, no matter which controller you go for, it’s important to have a fast, reliable internet connection so you can always reliably snipe all the noobs. On that account, feel free to contact the Xfinity phone number to find out about their internet plans for smooth gameplay.