Play is trust when it comes to the DualSense Edge wireless controller for PlayStation 5. I had the chance to get hands-on experience with the high-performance, super-customizable controller, trying out many interchangeable parts for the PlayStation 5. different, controller settings on the console, and tested everything on a variety of games. Key takeaways — no matter how your overall experience with a customizable controller designed for precise play, the DualSense Edge controller experience combines premium construction with options intuitive users.
For a closer look at the form factor and customization options that inspired the controller, we sat down with the people who helped design the controller. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the first highly customizable controller developed by PlayStation was created:
High quality shell
The DualSense Edge controller comes in a sleek and sturdy box to keep your controller and its accessories safe and organized. A nice touch is the removable cover, where the included braided USB charging cable can be fitted, allowing you to charge the controller while it fits in its case.
Familiar form factor
The controller felt instantly familiar as PlayStation engineers began designing it to match the shape and size of the original DualSense controller. Close inspection of the DualSense Edge controller reveals exquisite examples of its premium finish, such as increased surface area for the sticky white plastic around the handle and additional texture on the table. hover and trigger buttons.
Trigger length is adjustable
Players can adjust the length of the triggers using built-in switches for both the R2 and L2 buttons. This makes quick customization easy without adjusting any controller configuration settings. An example from my day included jumping from God of War Ragnarök, where I wanted the full R2 button, to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, where clicking a shorter trigger length helped me fire faster. .
Convertible cap
The DualSense Edge controller features three sets of sticky caps for quick customization. The two standard caps resemble the DualSense controller’s flexible levers, while the high and low dome caps provide a satisfying recessed feel. I appreciate being able to swap out the high-dome cap on the right analog stick, which offers a greater level of refinement when targeting in Call of Duty or Apex Legends.
Flexibility of the back button
The DualSense Edge controller also has optional back buttons. Rear lever buttons provide a longer, flatter form factor that activates quickly. The half-arch rear buttons are low profile and feel accurate. They open up new options for node configuration, and as I’ve adapted to the new inputs, I feel like an agile powerhouse. An example includes…
God of War Ragnarok
Assigning the dodge button to the left back button and Kratos’ ability to recall Leviathan Ax/attribute attack to the right back button allows me to keep my thumb on the right stick and control the camera at all times of combat. I reduced the length of the left trigger to increase the speed of targeting ranged attacks but kept the right trigger to feel the adaptive trigger’s immersive magic in close combat. The results are very satisfying. I’ve been planning on playing for a second time the great Santa Monica Studio sequel once the DualSense Edge controller comes out.
Customizable controller configuration
Options for optimizing your playing style extend beyond accessories and trigger adjustments to customizable controller configurations. A cool tutorial will pop up automatically when you plug your controller into your PS5 console for the first time. Some powerful additional options include:
- Up to 3 profiles are stored on the controller itself
- Custom button assignments (e.g. to set up FPS profiles, driving profiles, action game profiles, etc.)
- Sound sensitivity and dead zone adjustment
- Enable deadzone adjustment
- Vibration intensity
- Activation effect intensity
Preset profiles for sound sensitivity
The wide variety of preset profiles for adjusting bar sensitivity provide a gentle start for players who may not want to delve into the tail end of out-of-the-gate customization. Here’s what the system settings are described for (subject to change):
- Fast – The number of registered inputs will speed up when you tilt the bar. Good for making quick movements. Gain the upper hand by quickly aiming in the fast paced shooter.
- Exactly – Minimum input is registered when you tilt the bar. Good for making precise movements. Shooting game fans may find slow and precise aiming very useful.
- Steady – Registered input is limited even when you tilt the bar away. Allows smooth and steady movement. Ideal when you need smooth movement in action games.
- Electronic – Tilting the bar even slightly will record almost the maximum amount of input. Function as navigation buttons on the controller. Get instant input for your fighting and action games
- Dynamic – Registered input is limited when you tilt the lever slightly or far but accelerates in the mid-range. Allows for flexible gameplay in shooting games where you may need to aim carefully but also rotate quickly
Function buttons
These two buttons are located below the thumbs, making it easy to access the DualSense Edge controller-specific menu that pops up whenever pressed, whether in game or in the system menu. These buttons make it easy to switch between profiles, adjust headset volume, sound balance in game/party chat, etc. Quick jump option directly into controller configuration menu after one A few quick button presses are crucial, allowing you to make quick adjustments without interrupting gameplay. This experience reminds me of jumping into mod weapon loads while waiting for respawns in Call of Duty. Talk about…
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Featured function buttons when participating in a Modern Warfare II match. I immediately realized that I was still configuring the controller for God of War Ragnarök, but thanks to the trigger switches on the controller, I quickly adjusted them to shorter lengths to aim and shoot. faster. I then use the function buttons to quickly jump to the profile that I set up using the “Quick” preset as a base. I’m just going to jump to the back button on the left and crouch/slide to the back button on the right, allowing me to smoothly control my movement across the map while keeping my thumb ready for a call. gunfight. I also swapped out the high dome cap for the right analog stick, which offers better control while aiming.
Starting my hands-on experience with the DualSense Edge controller, I expected to be impressed by the top-quality engineering and exciting physical controller customization options. What surprised me was the intuitive guide on the control panel and the easy menu navigation thanks to the function buttons. Whether you’re a competitive player looking for every edge or simply interested in maximizing the gaming options in your favorite games, the DualSense Edge controller is ready to deliver. level at launch on January 26, 2023.
Learn more about the DualSense Edge wireless controller here.
Download directly from PlayStation at direct.playstation.com
In the US, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, the DualSense Edge wireless controller is available for pre-order only through direct.playstation.com (while supplies last). The DualSense Edge wireless controller will be available at other participating retailers starting February 23, 2023.
