The ultimate controller to play on PS5?
Our detailed test
Officialed last summer, the DualSense Edge is the first professional controller developed and marketed by Sony. It’s exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and comes as an obvious and very late response to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2.
Definitely premium, it is primarily aimed at competitive gamers who will find its various additional features valuable. Nevertheless, the ruby-paying features in the nail: the controller will go on sale on January 26 for 239.99 euros.
Testing was done on a controller provided by PlayStation.
Design and ergonomics
The obvious: DualSense Edge is similar to the DualSense that came with the PS5. It is heavier, however, at 336 grams versus 234 grams for its smaller sibling.
Aesthetically, however, there are a few minor differences. First, the branches that one holds Pad it is no longer curved, but slightly rounded at the end. Management, in our opinion, is more pleasant in the long run. Then the L2 and R2 triggers now benefit from a non-slip textured look.
Also, and this is the prerogative of the “Pro” controllers, the DualSense Edge has a few extra buttons that let you fine-tune your gaming experience. Let’s start with the back of the controller. On either side of the back there is a small slider that allows you to adjust the depth of movement of the R2 and L2 triggers. Obviously, you can choose between a deep race, which is more enjoyable especially for car games, or a very short race, ideal for speeding up the rate of fire in FPS.
On the back, two additional slots are provided to accommodate two paddles or two additional buttons, as desired. Not too common for a professional controller… except Sony is limited here to one palette per side. In the case of the latest Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, we’re more used to finding four extra buttons, or even six.
The last button draws our attention to the rear. baptized” release », which allows you to detach the front cover of the controller to access the original, removable (symmetrical) bars.
What to do ? Just to avoid having to replace the entire controller in case of failure. It will indeed be possible to replace these modules for 24.99 euros in the official PlayStation store. Good point for controller durability, especially since the process is childish. Once the front plate is removed, lift the small lever that will release the block. All that’s left is to pull it towards you to separate it from the set.
©Pierre Crochart/L’Éclaireur
©Pierre Crochart/L’Éclaireur
©Pierre Crochart/L’Éclaireur
©Pierre Crochart/L’Éclaireur
©Pierre Crochart/L’Éclaireur
For that matter, we’d also appreciate the option of opting for an asymmetrical layout, but that would be tantamount to saying that Sony has been on the wrong track when it comes to ergonomics for over 20 years. We will anyway… But maybe not the pickiest of competitive players who are horrified by such provisions.
Another feature of the “professional” controllers, the DualSense Edge comes with four additional stick caps. All are domed, but two are mid-height to suit those who want better sensitivity control.
We still need to address the DualSense Edge’s last two extra buttons. These are precisely placed in the module of the analog sticks and are named Fn for the function. Despite the clever enough placement, accessible with the strain of the thumb, they are useless so to speak… nothing in the game. Indeed, we will only use them to quickly switch from one game profile to another, but this is impossible. map a special key on it.
Features of DualSense are retained
If you read our Razer Wolverine V2 Pro test last week, you know this: PS5 controllers made by third-party manufacturers cannot ignore DualSense’s specific features. Namely HD haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Quite logically, the DualSense Edge does not suffer from these sacrifices, and the features of the excellent PS5 controller are retained here.
In other words, if it was hard to recommend the Razer controller to gamers who simply want a customizable and versatile controller, the Edge is perfect, especially for single-player games. It’s nothing more and nothing less than the classic DualSense, offering all the customizations and extra features to suit all gaming styles.
Obviously, if you’re on a budget and want to treat yourself to a premium controller to enjoy all your PlayStation 5 games, single or multiplayer, the DualSense Edge is definitely the best choice. But let’s remember the price of the sold controller, almost four classic DualSense, is it really worth the cost?
DualSense Edge: what is it for?
The real interest of the “Pro” controller is debatable. Are you more talented on guitar if you buy a Stratocaster from Jimi Hendrix? Can you run as fast as Usain Bolt wearing overpriced Pumas? The answer is no. On the other hand, these beautiful objects make you want to play the guitar and absorb the tracks for miles. Similarly, DualSense Edge makes you want to play PS5.
For me, the reason is quite simple: I love palettes. Especially the “button” model, which I find very discreet and ideally placed. In my favorite FPS, I set the sprint button (pressing the left stick) to the left rear paddle and the scroll button (O) to the right paddle. So I avoid using the traditional crosses, circles, squares, triangles on my controller and so I’m more responsive in the game. Does it really change the game? I’m too average in online gaming to answer this question properly. However, is it more convenient? A thousand times yes.
That’s the whole point of the DualSense Edge. As soon as you connect it to your console, the PlayStation 5 OS offers us an introduction to the owner and invites us to create a profile. The sheer variety of options available is dizzying. Not only can you change virtually every button on your controller (to the point of placing a cross button on the R1 trigger, for example), but you can also fine-tune the sensitivity curve of the triggers and analog sticks. For fighting games, you can choose something very nervous without any inertia or, on the contrary, a very progressive scheme ideal – in my opinion – for shooting games.
For the latter, we can also enable switching between several profiles using the Fn keys discussed above. We will especially prefer low sensitivity for accurate aiming in ranged combat. Responsibilities are preferred for close combat. Just press the Fn key and press the square, circle, cross or triangle to instantly load the profile. Ingenious and dizzyingly profound.
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The good news is that all these settings are then stored in the controller’s internal memory. In other words, if you take it to play with a friend, competitively, or just want to use it on PC, your settings (and profiles) can be used. The downside is that it’s not possible to change them on PC – it must be done from PS5.
When it comes to PC gaming, the DualSense Edge performs like its little sister. It’s quite possible to pair it over Bluetooth, but at the sacrifice of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that are only available in wired mode in compatible games.
The difficult subject of autonomy
Leaked news a few weeks before the release of the controller: yes, the DualSense Edge has disappointing autonomy… even more disappointing than the classic DualSense, which is already far from shining in this regard.
Yes, there is reason to frown… But should we really hold it against Sony? Not so sure. A closer look: essentially, “pro” controllers are designed to offer the best possible performance. In any case, the performances achieved only with a wired connection to avoid any form of latency inherent to Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wifi connection.
So yes, wirelessly, the DualSense Edge will run out of breath after five hours of gaming. Equipped with a lock to prevent accidental disconnection.
Although the aforementioned Wolverine V2 Pro requires more than 20 hours of endurance, is that enough to forgive? Not so sure. At least it will depend on what you are primarily looking for in this type of device.
