With the launch of the DualSense Edge, Sony has officially thrown its hat into the “Pro” controller ring, along with heavy hitters like Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. Not to mention third-party highlights like Nacon’s Revolution X Pro.
The DualSense Edge, being an excellent controller, features a number of improvements and advantages over the stock DualSense pad. Features and additions such as fully customizable button profiles, back paddle buttons and trigger lock settings deliver an upgraded experience. And the relatively stronger build quality is the icing on the cake.
But we’re not doing the standard DualSense calculation here. The PS5’s palette is no slouch, and felt excellent enough when it launched with Sony’s current console in 2020. Thanks in large part to excellent features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it helped the DualSense stand out from the crowd.
If you own a PS5, should you upgrade to DualSense Edge now that it’s here? Or is it better to stick with the already great DualSense?
DualSense vs. DualSense Edge: Price and Availability
When you buy a PS5 controller, you get DualSense out of the box. Although, if you want to buy one individually, say back up or to play on PC, that will run you $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109.95. You can pick up the DualSense either directly from Sony or from most major online retailers.
DualSense Edge, available from January 26, 2023, sees a big jump in terms of price. Sony’s new Premium panel launches at $199.99 / £209.99 / AU$339.95. It’s pricey no matter how you slice it, so don’t be too sure you want to own an Edge before committing to its high cost.
DualSense vs. DualSense Edge: Design
The DualSense and DualSense Edge may have nearly identical silhouettes, but there are enough differences to set each panel apart in terms of design. For starters, the Edge is pretty unique aesthetically, sporting black in several areas instead of the DualSense’s blanket of white.
The Edge’s D-pad, face buttons, and touchpad feature a black finish. The latter, along with the triggers, stand out the most thanks to the textured surface. The Edge also boasts improved build quality, which means that overall, the premium panel feels like it has more depth than its flatter counterpart.
The placement of buttons, sticks, and triggers is nearly identical on both controllers, so both are similar in quality when it comes to the feel of each pad in the hands. The Edge’s build quality improvements are nice, but certainly not quite as transformative as the gulf in quality between the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.
DualSense vs. DualSense Edge: Features
When it comes to features, the DualSense Edge has a clear edge. But again, it doesn’t quite stray from the standard panel in terms of quality here. The Edge and DualSense share identical haptic feedback and adaptive trigger force; Edge has little to no improvements in this department.
Where the DualSense Edge shines, however, is in its customizability, and the settings you can adjust aren’t present on the PS5 bundle controller. Namely, trigger lock switches, interchangeable joystick units, rear paddle buttons, and a host of controller customization options such as vibration strength, analog stick sensitivity, and moving dead zones.
This level of customization is aided by a pair of new function buttons located below the analog sticks. By holding one, you’ll get access to a quick menu where you can switch between custom button profiles, go to the personalization menu, and adjust the volume and chat balance for a connected headset.
The DualSense Edge also packs a few extras out of the box. You’ll get a sturdy carrying case, along with two sets of rear buttons (a sturdier pair with more traditional paddle-like buttons), some interchangeable thumb caps and a lock for the included USB-C cable if you plan to go all wired.
The Edge is the clear winner in the features department, then, as it has several extras not found in the original DualSense. Even so, this is a huge contributor to Edge’s high price. The Standard pad is still a solid option, feature-wise, thanks to solid haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support.
DualSense vs. DualSense Edge: Performance and Battery Life
Perhaps this is the area where both consoles are strikingly similar. In terms of performance, there is very little difference between the DualSense and its Edge counterpart.
Yes, Edge has a slight advantage in terms of build quality. But the DualSense’s standout features—namely, touch, adaptive triggers and the light bar—are nearly identical on both pads. If there are any differences here, they are microscopic.
The same goes for battery life, and that hurts Edge. Our biggest complaint about the DualSense is its poor battery life, with the controller often struggling to survive more than six hours of playtime.
This is not improved with Edge. In our tests, the deluxe pad lasted just over seven hours before running out of juice. Charging time is about the same on both controllers, too, at about two to three hours with the DualSense Charging Station.
DualSense vs. DualSense Edge: The Verdict
The DualSense and DualSense Edge are both excellent controllers. Two years after its release, the standard DualSense is still one of the best game controllers around, and it’s relatively affordable for the features you get.
The DualSense Edge is technically an improvement on all fronts. Better build quality, smart upgrades to the touchpad and triggers, and an excellent customization suite that allows you to fine-tune your gaming experience. However, the Edge still matches its predecessor in many areas, which makes it a touch overdone in our eyes.
The Edge is undeniably great, but if you’re a bit hesitant to put up with its high price tag, we’d recommend sticking with the standard DualSense, which remains a great panel to this day.