Choosing Between the PS5 DualSense and DualSense Edge Controllers: A Detailed Comparison

The PlayStation 5 offers two excellent first-party controllers: the standard DualSense and the premium DualSense Edge. This comparison will help you decide which best suits your needs, considering price, features, and personal preferences.

Price Point

The most significant difference is cost. The standard DualSense, included with every PS5, retails for $69.99 (often available at discounted prices). The DualSense Edge, however, commands a premium $199 price tag, aligning with other high-end controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2.

Features and Specifications

Both controllers share core features: haptic feedback for precise vibrations and adaptive triggers for realistic resistance. They maintain a similar ergonomic design. Both include the standard PlayStation button layout, touchpad, integrated speakers, headphone jack, and microphone.

DualSense Edge: Customization Reigns Supreme

The DualSense Edge excels in customization. It offers interchangeable thumbsticks (with different cap types) and back buttons, easily mapped to any controller function. Crucially, it features replaceable thumbstick modules, mitigating the common issue of stick drift. Up to four customizable profiles are accessible via function buttons, allowing for rapid switching between personalized settings.

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Battery life, however, is a trade-off. The DualSense Edge's 1050 mAh battery provides approximately five hours of playtime, significantly less than the DualSense's 1560 mAh battery (around 10 hours).

DualSense: Familiar Comfort and Longevity

The DualSense controller provides a familiar and comfortable experience, boasting superior battery life. Its advanced haptics and adaptive triggers remain key strengths. It's also available in various colors and special editions.

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Which Controller Should You Choose?

The DualSense Edge is a superior controller in most aspects, except battery life. Its customization features—interchangeable components and customizable profiles—provide a significant competitive advantage for multiplayer and shooter games. The replaceable thumbsticks alone may justify the higher price for frequent users.

However, casual gamers or those who primarily play single-player games might find the DualSense Edge's extensive customization unnecessary. The DualSense's longer battery life and diverse color options make it a more appealing choice for less demanding gaming styles.

What do you look for in a PS5 controller?

Battery lifeHaptic feedbackCustomizable buttonsBuilt-in microphoneComfortable designStyle and lightingAnswerSee Results