If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on Sony’s newest game beast, the PlayStation 5, then you probably already know what I’m about to say. So far the best thing about next-generation gaming consoles isn’t so much the power of either PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, it’s how they create better experiences with said muscle. While Xbox demonstrates a bit more under the hood visually, PlayStation 5’s newest controller the Dualsense brings more sensory to the overload.
PlayStation Dualsense controller isn’t a radical redesign of its staple DualShock seen in all previous console generations. The small differences it does add bring it to an Elite level which competitor Microsoft previously sold to its consumer base separately in the Xbox One era. The overall shape of the Dualsense has changed just slightly – 6.25 x 4.22 x 2.47 inches (WDH) versus the 6.22 x 3.94 x 2.44 of the DualShock 4 – it has longer, beefier handles, which rest and fit in your hands better because there’s simply more controller to grip. Weighing 282 grams, it’s considerably heavier than the DualShock 4’s 215 grams. That weight is well-balanced and ultimately leads to a more comfortable feeling as you hold it.
It’s no surprise the haptic feedback of the Dualsense integrates itself subtley in PS5 games. When you shoot a web to swing across the New York skyline in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the slight vibration travels from the bottom of the controller handle to almost the trigger point in a way that mimics what a genuine “thwip” from Spidey’s web shooter would feel like. Combined with the tension snap when Spidey auto releases the line to grab it, creates such a more visceral experience to traversal mechanics that were nearly perfect in the PS4 era.
Buttons themselves have a quicker response when pushed. The differences are microseconds but in gameplay, during heavy button mashing, you’ll notice the difference. As with the later DualShock 4, the light is customer-facing in the touchpad area. The share button has been replaced by the “create” button with the same sharing features of screenshot, game clip, but with added one-touch streaming.
Outside of Demon Souls and Marvel Spider-Man: Miles Morales there isn’t much in the way of quality Sony exclusive launch software for PlayStation 5 that truly makes use of Dualsense yet. Astro’s Playroom which comes with PS5 is a half controller tech demo and half surprisingly fun game. Its tech demo side shows off all the Dualsense features including the controller’s built-in mic just below the PS button. By default, the mic is on when booting the system but if you find the idea of a hot microphone unsettling, sony has also placed a convenient mute button on the controller right below the PS button. Also, you have a 3.5mm audio jack for a wired headset and copper pick-ups, which allow it to connect to Sony’s charging cradle.
The switch from mini-USB to USB-C charging is a welcome addition that makes for quick rapid charging for the impatient crowd. Battery however once again is an issue. A full charge lasts around 10 to 13 hours, which is long enough so that you don’t need to charge it every day, but short enough that you will frequently find yourself running low on power if you don’t. I got to roll credits on Miles Morales having only needing to charge the controller once towards the ending. Just remember, internal batteries in every device follow the laws of diminishing returns and we won’t know for a few months just how much degradation there is in the quality of the charge it will hold.
Dualsense being standard for PlayStation 5 is a win over its competitor. Sure Xbox Elite controllers are on par with comfort, quality, and trigger options. Dualsense sets itself apart because PS5 games take full advantage of its features from the ground up. It shows the next-generation of gaming isn’t simply about waggle commands or camera measuring, but instead incorporating a new layer of touch possibilities to games. Dualsense is the best reason to make the next-generation leap to PlayStation 5 right now.
