Sony’s first official foray into the “pro” controller scene has finally arrived with the DualSense Edge, a $200 answer to Microsoft’s $180 Xbox Elite Series 2. Its design feels instantly familiar, but it comes standard with all the trappings you’d expect from a pro controller at this price point: swappable back buttons, adjustable analog sticks, added grips and customizable profiles. However, what sets it apart is the deep integration of system-level hardware and software that third-party controller manufacturers simply can’t match, and the ingenuity of the new function buttons make customization and switching between profiles second nature.
DualSense Edge – Pictures
DualSense Edge – design and features
The design of the DualSense Edge doesn’t deviate much from that of the standard DualSense controller, making the transition from one to the other a seamless upgrade with minimal learning curve. That being said, it’s packed with a lot of exciting technology and makes the high-end controller features more accessible to the wider PlayStation audience.
Everything comes neatly packaged in a two-tone hardshell case that matches the white and black PS5 and is made from what appears to be the same plastic as the controller itself. Inside, you’ll find the DualSense Edge front and center, as well as a small selection of accessories and interchangeable tips. There are two different reverse buttons – a half-dome-shaped option and a lever-style option – as well as two different raised analog stick heights to replace the default sticks with. There’s also a 9.1-foot-long, braided USB-C cable, as well as a small plastic mechanism that can be added to the top of the DualSense Edge to ensure that the cable doesn’t accidentally get pulled while gaming. There’s even a small cover on the back of the case that lets you charge the controller while it’s inside.
The most notable physical change between the DualSense Edge and the standard DualSense is the addition of a function button below each analog stick, which lets you save or switch custom profiles, as well as adjust audio settings on the fly. This is coupled with a sleek PS5 interface that makes switching between your profiles a breeze. You can even “pin” your four most frequently used profiles to the face buttons for quick access.
In addition to the function buttons, the back of the DualSense Edge also has some fancy pro-level features. Both analog triggers feature stop sliders to reduce travel distance, with three presets available. You can choose between full range, medium range and low range for more instant activations. You can also adjust individual deadbands for each analog trigger in the software settings – but more on that later.
Below the stop sliders are the LB and RB slots where you can put the optional back buttons. You can choose between lever-style buttons or semi-domed back buttons, both of which are constructed with premium metal construction. The levers are longer and shallower, follow the curve of the controller and will be familiar to people who have used other pro-style controllers like the Xbox Elite. These lever-style buttons are a little easier to press, as they sit naturally against the controller’s grips.
The half-dome alternatives, on the other hand, don’t look like the back buttons I’ve used before. They have a unique shape, similar to an analog stick cut in half, and sit diagonally across the back of the controller. They require more deliberate pressure, but feel much sturdier than lever-style options, and you’re less likely to see accidental presses. The placement of the half-domes requires your middle fingers to rest much higher on the back of the controller, but also means they can be easily ignored when holding it normally. This makes them a less intrusive back button option if you intend to keep them attached permanently. Otherwise, you can always remove them and store them in the case when not in use.
The killer feature of the DualSense Edge is the fully interchangeable analog stick modules.
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The killer feature of the DualSense Edge is the fully interchangeable analog stick modules. While stick drift hasn’t plagued the DualSense as much as the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, it still happens, and it’s very frustrating to have to replace an entire controller when the problem pops up under your thumbs. The DualSense Edge gets around this problem by allowing you to completely replace the stick module (replacements are sold separately for $20 each, much cheaper than I expected) if and when the sticks start to fail. I wish Sony had just equipped the DualSense Edge with a more reliable one Hall effect sensorswhich shouldn’t be bias-prone in the first place, but the inclusion of easily replaceable modules is a user-friendly option that I’m glad to see nonetheless.
The analog sticks themselves are identical to those of the standard DualSense controller, shape and all. As mentioned earlier, there are also two interchangeable analog stick options: a tall, convex shape for more precise movements; and a short, flared shape designed for faster run-and-gun style play. Both sticks are made of a semi-hard rubber material with a textured surface for better grip. For what it’s worth, the short, protruding sticks are almost identical to PlayStation controllers from the PS1 to PS3 era, and they feel great.
Some minor differences include textured rubber grips on the inside of the controller stems and added texture to the ends of the L2 and R2 buttons to keep your fingers in place during gameplay. Both textures feature miniature versions of the four iconic PlayStation symbols – a design choice that is used even more heavily throughout the controller than the standard DualSense.
In addition to these new pro-level upgrades, all the standard DualSense features are here, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and more. To further differentiate it from the default controller, the DualSense Edge has a slightly edgier (sorry) look with black face buttons, a black D-pad and an all-black touchpad emblazoned with the iconic PlayStation symbols. This touchpad feels a bit sturdier and has a more square edge. These changes are subtle enough that the DualSense Edge will work with your existing DualSense charging station, so there’s no need to buy a new one.
For better or worse, the overall ergonomics of the DualSense Edge haven’t improved much, so those who find the standard DualSense uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time won’t see much of a difference here. That said, it’s quite a bit heavier, weighing in at roughly 325 grams compared to the original DualSense at around 280 grams – or about a 16% increase in weight. It’s definitely noticeable on first pick up, especially in the controller stems and center. However, it’s still lighter than the Xbox Elite Series 2, which weighs 345g before any modifications.
DualSense Edge – Software
After connecting your DualSense Edge to your PS5 for the first time, you’ll be given the opportunity to go through a short tour that introduces you to its main features. This tutorial does a great job of introducing the features menu and helping you create and customize your first profile.
Each profile has a number of individual options that you can customize. The first area allows you to remap each individual button on the DualSense Edge, as well as apply button mappings to the back buttons. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t update anything in the game you’re playing, so if a button prompt appears on screen, you’ll need to remember where you mapped it. The second tab allows you to adjust the analog stick’s dead zones, as well as choose from preset sensitivity curves. The last section allows you to adjust the dead zones for the analog triggers. There are also options to adjust vibration and adaptive trigger intensity.
DualSense Edge – Settings and User Interface
Holding down the Function button brings up a small on-screen overlay menu that shows your four preset profiles – one for each face button – as well as the option to create a new profile or adjust the headphone volume and audio mix. When switching to another profile, the controller emits a small burst of haptic feedback and a notification lets you know that the active profile has changed. It’s quick and relatively unobtrusive to your gameplay, but can be further customized or turned off entirely if desired.
Creating, editing and switching profiles is extremely intuitive, and the sleek interface creates an engaging experience everywhere. The Custom Profiles section in the Settings app (which you can quickly jump to via the Feature button) lets you see your four assigned profiles, and hovering over each one shows which buttons and settings have been adjusted at a glance, in case your convention for naming was not descriptive enough. There’s no limit to the number of unassigned profiles, so you’re free to experiment with any custom assignments before summoning your favorites to the majors in your Quick Access slots. The PS5 interface isn’t perfect and can be downright confusing at times, but I think Sony nailed it with the affordability and simplicity of the DualSense Edge experience.
DualSense Edge – Battery life
One area that doesn’t see a major improvement over the standard DualSense is the life of the built-in rechargeable battery, something that’s been a common complaint with PlayStation controllers for years. During my testing, I got a low battery notification after about 4.5 hours of play and the controller lost power in just 5.5 hours. This number can and probably will vary, as it largely depends on the type of game you’re playing and what functions the controller uses often – mostly, the more often the haptic is triggered, the shorter the battery life…
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