When it comes to the DualSense Edge Wireless Controller for PlayStation 5, gaming is a sure thing. I had the opportunity to practice with a high-performance and highly customizable controller, trying out some of the interchangeable parts, the controller's customization options on the console, and testing it in different games. Key takeaways: Whatever your overall experience with a customizable controller designed for precision gaming, the DualSense Edge controller combines premium design with intuitive user settings.
To get a closer look at what inspired the console's form factor and customization options, we caught up with the minds that helped design it. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how PlayStation's first highly customizable console was created:
High quality box
The DualSense Edge Controller features a slim and durable clamshell design that keeps your controller and accessories safe and organized. A nice touch is the detachable cover where a braided USB charging cable can be inserted, allowing the keyboard to be charged while in the case.
fashionable form factor
The controller feels instantly familiar from the moment PlayStation engineers worked to adapt the shape and size of the original DualSense controller. A closer look at the DualSense Edge controller reveals subtle examples of premium build quality, like the raised white plastic surface that wraps around the handle and added texture to the touchpad and triggers.
Adjustable trigger length
Players can adjust the length of the trigger using the built-in switches of the R2 and L2 buttons. This makes it easy to configure on the fly without having to change console profile settings. An example from my time is going from God of War Ragnarok, where I wanted the R2 button to be fully accessible, to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, where a shorter trigger pull helps me fire faster.
Replaceable adhesive cap
The DualSense Edge controller comes with three sets of joystick caps to help with quick setup. The two standard cups are the same as the Sharp Stick DualSense controllers, while the high and low cup combinations provide a nice concave feel. I appreciate the ability to replace the high dome with a real analog stick, which allows for a higher level of skill when aiming for Call of Duty or Apex Legends.
Flexible back button
The DualSense Edge controller also has an additional back button. The rear bar is longer, flatter and faster. The semicircular recoil button provides a low profile and precise feel. They opened up new possibilities for button configuration, and once I adjusted to the new inputs, I felt like a flowing force. An example includes...
Ragnarok god of war
Mapping the dodge button to the left back button and getting Kratos Ax Leviathan attacks/items to the right back button allows me to keep my thumb on the right stick and control the camera at all times during combat. I reduced the length of the left trigger to speed up aiming ranged attacks, but left the default right trigger to experience the immersive magic of adaptive trigger during melee combat. The results are very satisfactory. You're already planning a second showing of Santa Monica Studio's incredible sequel following the launch of the DualSense Edge controller.
Customizable control profiles
Options to enhance your game go beyond accessories and include setting up custom controller profiles. A good tutorial automatically appears the first time you connect your controller to the PS5 console. Some powerful advanced options include:
- Up to 3 profiles are stored in the same console
- Custom keymaps (for example, to configure FPS profiles, driving profiles, action game profiles, etc.)
- Sensitivity stick and dead zone adjustment
- Enable the deadband setting
- vibration intensity
- The severity of the stimulus effect
Default profiles for stick sensitivity
Several preset profiles for adjusting joystick sensitivity offer a gentle path for players who may not want to dive deep into unexpected adjustments. Here's what the system settings describe (can be changed):
- Fast : The number of recorded inputs increases as you tilt the stick. Great for quick moves. Gain an edge by aiming quickly with the fast shooter.
- Accuracy - Minimum input is recorded when the stick is tilted. Great for subtle movements. Shooter enthusiasts can find the ability to aim slowly and precisely very useful.
- Fixed - limited input registered, even if you tilt the joystick a lot. Provides smooth and stable movement. Perfect when you need to move smoothly in an action game.
- Digital - A slight tilt of the stick registers the maximum input of approx. It works just like the directional buttons on a controller. Get instant data response for action and fighting games
- Dynamic - Input registers are limited when you lean the stick lightly or hard, but accelerate in the mid-range. It offers a versatile shooting game where you may need to aim carefully but also bounce back quickly.
Function keys
These two buttons are located below the joystick, providing easy access to the dedicated DualSense Edge controller menu that appears whenever you press it in the game or system menu. These buttons allow you to easily switch between profiles, adjust headphone volume, balance game/party chat audio, and more. Being able to directly access the console's profile menu after pressing a few keystrokes is very important, allowing you to make changes quickly without interrupting your game. This experience reminded me of directly unlocking weapon loadouts pending respawn in Call of Duty. talk about...
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Function keys appear when jumping into Modern Warfare II matches. I quickly noticed that the controller profile was still set in God of War Ragnarok, but thanks to the trigger switch on the controller, I quickly shortened it for faster aiming and firing. I then used the function keys to quickly switch to the profile I set based on the "quick" preset. I assigned jump to the left back button and crawl/drag to the right back button, allowing me to seamlessly control my movement around the map while keeping my thumbs ready for combat. I also replaced the high dome cap with the right analog stick, which gave me more control when aiming.
Going into the hands-on experience with the DualSense Edge controller, I expected to be impressed by the high-quality engineering and great customization options of the physical controller. What impressed me was the intuitive tutorial inside the keyboard and smooth navigation through the menus thanks to the function keys. Whether you're a competitive gamer looking to get the most out of it or just want to get the most out of your gaming experience on your favorite titles, the DualSense Edge controller is here when it launches 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 only available to pre-order from direct.playstation.com (while supplies last). The DualSense Edge Wireless Controller will be available at other participating retailers starting February 23, 2023.