The PS5 DualSense controller is Sony’s newest console controller with new features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The controller also features quite a different design in comparison to the DualDhock 4, being noticeably larger and changing the main colour from black to white.  

Aesthetics  

On first appearance you can immediately see that the controller is much bigger than its previous generation. Although the larger controller is helpful for holding on to, the actual shape can sometimes be harder to grip. Yet this is where you will find one of the Dual Sense’s hidden features. The Grip on the rear of the controller is actually comprised of the PlayStation buttons. I think this is quite a cool feature that they didn’t have to do but once noticed is appreciated as a small detail.  

Adaptive Triggers 

The adaptive triggers in my opinion are the best feature of the DualSense controller. Depending on the game you are playing the triggers will give you a varying level of tension and force to help you interact with your games on a deeper level. This is definitely best seen when playing PlayStation exclusives as they use the DualSense features to their fullest.  

An example of the adaptive triggers features is that in some of the games I played the triggers will be used for weapon alternate firing modes. So, if you were to use a light amount of pressure it would be semi-automatic and then with full pressure will change it to fully automatic. This small example shows how one trigger can have multiple functions in a game, changing it from being one use. To me this versatility is what takes this controller to the next level as it increases how many controls you can have in games without over cluttering the controller.  

Haptic Feedback  

The haptic feedback in the DualSense controller replaces the rumble motors seen in the DualShock 3 and 4 with dual actuators for a more immersive and dynamic vibrations when gaming. Now at first glance it doesn’t sound like anything new. I thought it was just going to be another over reactive motor to really hit home when I have died in a game but to my shock I was very wrong.  

When playing an action game these haptic feedback actuators really help you feel the bite of every action you make, from simulating recoil to the quake of swinging an axe. When running out of ammo you can feel the controller begin to shake more intensely near the end of a magazine.  However in common with other controllers after some time playing it can cause a level of fatigue in your hands so it would be ideal for you to change the levels in the actuators. 

Touchpad 

When the controller touchpad was introduced on the DualShock 4 it was its newest feature, offering new ways to interact with games (although a bit temperamental with some movements). Now with the new improvements to it on the DualSense I think I would be lost without it.  

The touchpad on the DualSense controller has the capability for swiping inputs with your finger like a touchscreen as well as directional haptics on each edge. Most games seem to use this swipe up action as a way to open books or maps helping you not get bogged down in the start menu and inventory for faster paced gaming.  

Speaker 

The speaker on the controller is not a new feature but one that Sony has been steadily trying to perfect since the DualShock 4. Although I can clearly see the aim for the speaker in the controller as a new way to immerse players, it unfortunately doesn’t do the trick for me. 

So far there have only been a couple games that I have been able to truly enjoy with the speaker whereas in the rest I have either turned down or muted it. The reason for this is that most games don’t use it that often so when they do its a sudden shock that almost makes you feel like it doesn’t belong like a sudden intruder in your home. This is just my opinion on the speaker but i’d advise you turn it down in the device settings. 

In conclusion 

As someone who has been a Sony console user since the PlayStation 2, I definitely think this is their best functioning controller and most innovative since the DualShock 3 with all the new features increasing immersion and fun. Even though I’m not a fan of the speaker and some of you may well be, it is still an interesting feature trying something new. I think the controller is a great product whether you are using it on PS5 or PC.  

You can buy the DualSense controller in our store here