With an iconic design thanks to its two symmetrical sticks and an enhanced sensory experience, the DualSense controller will allow you to fully immerse yourself on Playstation 5. We tested it for you and we tell you everything!

DualSense controller presentation

This new peripheral looks like a cross between a DualShock 4 and an Xbox One controller , but it's more in its features that differentiate it from the others.
Sony may have listened to user feedback on the DualShock 4, as the DualSense is narrower and more ergonomic. This should reassure larger hands. Additionally, Sony has installed two new technologies: haptic feedback and adaptive hiding, to further enhance immersion.

The DualSense controller retails for €69.99 each, which is €10 more than the DualShock 4. However, it is not compatible with PS4, but can work on PC, smartphones and tablets, and even Nvidia Shield.

The Playstation 5 DualSense controller: construction and ergonomics

Already with the DualShock 4 , Sony had demonstrated modernization by gaining in comfort thanks to extended handles and more optimized analog sticks . Compared with the previous ones, we could already imagine that Sony would want to smooth out the volumes of its controllers and make way for more harmonious curves over time.
With its DualSense, Sony continues on this path and removes the particular shapes of the DualShock, while retaining its essential ergonomic features.

The PlayStation 5's DualSense controller features a sleek, curved design

Unlike the DualShock and compared to the Xbox controller, the DualSense has incorporated its directional cross and the four iconic buttons into the continuity of the handles, removing the two circular "platters". The same goes for the analog sticks , which are even more blended into the shell . We therefore see a more ergonomic and larger controller.

One might think that the DualSense's increased volume would disrupt the familiarity of PlayStation players. Instead, Sony has taken care to maintain its fundamentals with an identical layout of the main controls. A thoughtful design tailored to its loyal customers.

Sony has really focused on increased comfort, and you'll notice it from the first few minutes of play with handles that fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. The presence of a grip on the back helps limit slippage. In addition, on the surface, Sony shows us its attention to detail with the appearance of tiny triangle, circle, cross, and square logos, which recall the brand's origins.

To keep up with the times and be ever more futuristic, Sony has raised its level of manufacturing and design, with flawless rigidity, a perfect assembly without any visible screws. The DualSense is worthy of high-end "pro" controllers, despite a price half as low.

Extra grams for the Playstation 5 DualSense controller, technologies that weigh

With the technologies brought to the new DualSense controller, it could no longer remain as light as a DualShock 4. The increase in volume allows for a better grip but also the integration of larger components. The battery capacity thus increases by 57.5%, to 1260 mAh compared to only 800 mAh for that of the DualShock 4. A necessary gain since consumption increases with the new triggers and haptic feedback.

Logically, the DualSense gains weight, displaying 282g, which is 64g more than its little sister, the DualShock 4. Rest assured, it is still relatively light, with still 14g less than its competitor, the Xbox Series X/S. The controller takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to fully recharge and is done via the USB-C port or via the specific connectors located on its lower edge if you use Sony's optional dual charger.

This side also features a mini-jack port for plugging in a headset. This allows you to enjoy the console's 3D sound with any wired headset.

Sony offers small but important details that make the difference

As for the directional pad, these controls have been given improved flexibility and reduced noise, while maintaining the same size as the DualShock 4.

The grip of the analog sticks is increased with the appearance of a fine relief around their edges.

The Share and Options buttons have been replaced by the Create and Option buttons, placed on either side of the touchpad. The PlayStation button, which was originally represented by the logo on a rounded button, is simply shaped like the PlayStation logo on the DualSense. This button now serves to bring up a quick menu bar.

The L1/R1 trigger buttons, unfortunately, remain even less efficient than their equivalents on the Xbox Series controller.

Next, we see that the light bar on the top edge of the DualShock 4 controller has disappeared, in favor of a thin translucent strip that goes around the DualSense touchpad. The effect is therefore much more discreet and no longer bothers us when playing in the dark or at the same level as our television.

Triggers at the cutting edge of immersion

The biggest changes are in the L2/R2 triggers. They are wider like the L1/R1 triggers, with a feel identical to those of the DualShock . But that's not all, the huge difference is inside, without any distinguishing features being visible. These two triggers therefore become "adaptive", that is, capable of resisting pressing more or less strongly depending on the events occurring in the games that use their capabilities.
(Example: archery in the game Astro's Playroom, included with the PlayStation 5)

Smart vibrations with haptic technology

Sony uses more precise and responsive electronics and motors, capable of making us feel even the changes in materials on which our character moves in the games.
(Example: It is in the game Astro's Playroom that we find the most beautiful demonstration, and this from the beginning, when we free our little robot character from its case which is none other than the DualSense itself).

This haptic technology is a precision gem for the DualSense . The vibrations are not concentrated in one place, but give the impression of moving within the controller. This advancement allows you to be a little more immersed in the touch of materials when you play (glass, metal, wood, sand, mud, etc.) and also the breath of the wind and even raindrops hitting an umbrella. The effects are striking and make you want to see all games use this technology.
Alongside this, a question arises: Will game publishers exploit these technologies as Sony intends, with finesse and detail? Under-exploitation would be generally disappointing.
It's up to Sony Studios to show the way.

DualSense: responsive precision

As with the DualShock 4 which works via Bluetooth connection, the DualSense is very fast with very low or even imperceptible latency.
It will be difficult to beat this controller which shows excellent button responsiveness combined with a very low reaction time.

Possible but limited use outside of Playstation 5

Although Sony does not allow the use of the DualSense on the PS4, it is possible via USB connection and also via Bluetooth on a PC, but with the absence of haptic technologies and adaptive triggers, due to the lack of games that can use them outside of the PS5.
The DualSense is also capable of working on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth. Finally, note the arrival of compatibility with the Nvidia Shield , which further demonstrates the DualSense's good compatibility.

To summarize this DualSense test, we will cite as strong points its comfort of handling, its sensations provided by the haptic technology as well as its adaptive triggers, its manufacturing quality and finally its good responsiveness of the wireless connection and the controls. Concerning its weak points, we note a lightness of the DualShock which is no longer as impressive and a battery life not fantastic with 12 hours max.