DualSense Review: The Controller That Lets You Feel Your Games
9/10 — Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
Works with: PS5, PC, Android, iOS
Pros
- Haptic feedback is a genuine leap forward
- Adaptive triggers add real resistance
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- Comfortable, premium feel
Cons
- Battery life is only average
- Stick drift is a common complaint
- Many PC games don't support its best features
The DualSense is the PS5’s secret weapon. Rather than simply refining the DualShock 4, Sony introduced features that change how games feel, and it remains one of the most innovative controllers ever made.
Design
It’s larger and heavier than the DualShock 4, with a two-tone white-and-black design, and more comfortable grips. There’s a built-in microphone and speaker, a Create button for capturing clips, and a touchpad in the middle. It charges over USB-C.
Haptics and adaptive triggers
The DualSense’s haptic feedback can recreate everything from raindrops to the crunch of footsteps on different surfaces, and its adaptive triggers can push back to simulate a bowstring, a jammed gun or a car’s brakes. When developers use them well, as in Astro Bot or Returnal, they add a real sense of touch to games.
Weaknesses
All those features take a toll on battery life, which is shorter than many rivals. Stick drift has also been a common complaint. On PC, it works well as a standard controller, but haptics and adaptive triggers are only supported in some games.
Verdict
The DualSense is one of the best controllers ever made, with features that genuinely enhance games. Its battery life and drift issues aside, it’s the gold standard for standard pads.
