Sony DualSense Edge for PS5 review: more premium than pro
The event is not insignificant. The release of the DualSense Edge marks the first time that Sony and its PlayStation division have developed an “accessory” controller themselves. Until now, the Japanese manufacturer was satisfied with this create an official approval label, but left the field to partners like Nacon, Razer or even Thrustmaster. Faced with the popularity of the Xbox Elite and the entire range of customized accessories offered by its direct competitor, Microsoft, it seems that PlayStation had no choice but to respond with the release of the DualSense Edge for PlayStation.
The joystick itself
It’s no surprise to see this controller being given a sweet moniker like DualSense Edge, a far cry from the “Elite” that almost suggests combative instincts. Edge is very clearly DualSense, in shape as in grip. Since we arrived, we will note a weight away from the weight loss treatment At 330 grams versus 282 grams for the classic model. A difference that isn’t so noticeable on paper, but is noticeable when you’re on the couch.
Besides? Obviously, you need to look for buttons added here and there to the grip. we start with two function keys, located below the two joysticks, is always placed parallel to the bottom of the joystick. Each of them performs the same function: to enable the user switch profiles quickly, after configuration, of course, connecting them with one of the four buttons on the front of the controller (square, king, circle, triangle). It is also possible to adjust the volume using the directional pad.
From there, the first question arises: why is this key on the left as well as on the right? It is clear from its use and placement only the left hand will mainly press the function key when you bring up the right hand profile. Since it is not possible to select a profile on the D-Pad, the button placed on the right looks very blank because of the small function it holds. Especially since this key cannot be reprogrammed.
We will find the most significant changes of the DualSense Edge at the back. First of all, the activation distance of the two sticks can be changed thanks to the switch placed next to them. Three distances are possible: traditional course, medium course and instant activation. This feature is almost mandatory for a controller that claims to be “professional” because it allows players of frustrating titles. reduces their reaction time and fatigue by eliminating unnecessary effort. These settings work very well.
And then there’s us two small magnetic fields, you can insert two types of accessories: long bases that can be oriented lengthwise or crosswise, or half-domes that will put these buttons at articulation distance. These two new switches, whose behavior can be programmed, are well placed and the paddles in particular offer excellent comfort. However, we have less faith in the half domes we are looking at jump more than once holding the joystick and the magnet not being strong enough to prevent them from moving.
Finally, you may notice a small zipper called “release” on the back, which will allow you to blow off the cover covering the joysticks on the front. This cover shows a big difference with the original DualSense not matte, the glossy finish is a trap for fingerprints. It’s hard to explain why Sony chose to make this throwback to our least favorite DualSense Edge. Fortunately, it hides a feature we really like: the ability to separate the two joysticks from their bases via two small arms. First of all, a maintenance operation, because if the need arises, Sony plans to sell these two joysticks separately, so that the controller can be repaired at home. The system is elegantand this prevents the professional supervisor from being abandoned too quickly by stick sanders.
These same sticks can change the caps according to your choice: convex domes The usual features of DualSense or concave domes high or low. While the concave domes of the original DualShock were not appreciated by more slender players, it’s a shame that the higher convex domes often favored by FPS gamers aren’t available. The rest of the buttons do not change, unlike the classic DualSense The membranes of the cross/square/triangle/circle buttons seem a bit soft to us than usual. But it’s hard to tell if it’s not just about usage.
The last item goes into this controller’s already well-assembled package: braided USB cable along with the great length plug locking system on the right handle. You can actually slide this cable into a small, cheap plastic case, which will run two hooks on the back of the controller so that your connection is never interrupted by unattended footsteps in front of you. Why not, but the fact this little case itself is very fragile and only for this official cable, we would like a better design and open to other manufacturers that does not play in favor of the system.
You get it after this description: we can’t blame the DualSense Edge for poor grip, because it’s just the same as the DualSense. Joystick with more ergonomics has been proven, and it continues to be extremely convenient. The DualSense Edge is a very good PS5 controller, as we already do many of them, and it offers the “professional” options we’ve come to expect from it. bars are asymmetrical. But at this point, we’ll forgive Sony for failing to separate itself from a feature that has now become its mark of distinction.
What about installation?
In terms of capabilities, the DualSense Edge is again… DualSense. This time in the best sense of the term, because it’s the only pro controller on the market that lets you take advantage of the brand’s offered vibration enhancements and variable tension triggers. But it’s also somewhat ironic, because the support of this function could allow the developers of the Japanese conglomerate to offer the activation of these popular triggers in the software in the short term, if they want to explore it.
On the other hand, it takes a bit of a hit with its autonomy 7 hours and 10 minutes of intensive use Observation against an average of ten hours with DualSense (maximum brightness, in a game that regularly uses vibration). Despite everything, the difference is not so noticeable and will remain well intense gaming session throughout the day…counting a few pauses for your belly and eyes, or looking down at the brightness and strength of the vibrations.
It also has a joystick Best native integration with PlayStation 5, and it was absolutely necessary to justify this purchase. Once connected, Sony’s latest console offers you a peek at the beast’s settings in the accessories category of settings. No additional software is needed Setting it up on PC / mobile device before connecting it to the console, like on PSN or even its competitors.
Settings are more than chick. we have the opportunity three customizable profiles, because the fourth is reserved for the default configuration of DualSense. Some of the shortcomings of the team responsible for the software surprise us. Fine tuning is possible behavior of each joystick, for example, to reduce or slow down the movement of the cursor on the screen, and this interface is clear and concise. The same applies to fact reset each key that it gets different functionality: Triangle can be Circle, two customizable buttons can take over all functions of the world, etc. it is possible to do switch profiles quickly Quickly navigate through the configuration tool in-game or before resuming your game using the function keys. Everything is done really effortlessly and very naturally. We only regret that we couldn’t reprogram these Function keys to give them more utility, especially the right one, which was a bit damaged during use.
On the other hand… Only possibleassign a key to… key. Keyboard bindings are impossible, but this feature could make all the difference for players of MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV (hotbar can be named by combining R2 and L2) or fighting games like Street Fighter V (where the most powerful attacks have to be performed). with two to three punches/toes). This serious lack of competitioncombining these features for a long time and showing that the DualSense Edge was developed without regard to its competitors in terms of features. The same goes for probability create macros for example, oractivate turbo mode, even if these two features are often singled out for the cheats they allow. Never mind: Sony could very well make a Competition mode that disables them during tournaments. Mastering the platform from start to finish should be its advantage.
Another disappointment: it’s not really possible to adjust the controller on platforms other than PS5. DualSense is Edge Instantly recognized on PC, and remembers its last used configuration, but a small native tool would be appreciated. At least we note thatCompatible with Remote Play software Even if Fn keys are not recognized when connected to PS5 remotely, local and official; reconfiguration is also not possible in this context.
Not to mention the union minimum. Sony’s software tracking on this DualSense Edge shows minor losses here and there that it can’t really pay off by arriving too late to a lucrative market now. It’s an even bigger disappointment as it charges a price much higher than its competitors. The result is simple: it should definitely be better than its competitors… and it isn’t. It certainly has potential thanks to possible software updates, but we can only judge it by what it brings on launch day.
