The DualSense Edge controller released by Sony in January is a complete professional controller. And very expensive. Is it really worth the asking price?
The DualSense PlayStation 5 controller is what many prefer from Sony’s latest console. Comfortable to hold, well-made and well-crafted, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback provide real tactile immersion in your gameplay. But Sony will soon offer another version, the DualSense Edge, which promises to go even further, with more buttons and settings.
The DualSense Edge is a “professional”controller like the Microsoft Xbox Elite. These accessories offer high quality features designed for the most demanding players, professional or not. For example, DualSense Edge includes several improvements, including:
- Button setting functions
- Ability to save and change on the fly between different configurations
- Two programmable paddles on the back of the controller.
- Several removable joystick modules
- Adjustable trigger length, stick sensitivity and vibration
- Charging cable lock
- Integration with PS5 system interface for quick parameter setting
The DualSense Edge will be available on January 26, 2023 for €239.99. Pre-orders are open today.
To put this price into perspective, you can buy the new DualSense standard controller for €69.99. Most PS5 games cost between 70 and 80 euros. The PS5 itself costs 450 euros (without disc drive) or 550 euros (with). So you can buy three DualSense controllers, or three new games, or half a PS5 console for the price of one DualSense Edge.
Is the DualSense Edge worth the price?
The short answer is no. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suit anyone. 240 euros is a real investment, but it’s not that big compared to other professional controllers. For example, the Microsoft Elite 2 controller for Xbox costs between 150 and 180 euros, depending on the model.
There are also third-party PS5-compatible pro controllers that cost about the same price, such as Hexgaming’s RIVAL Premium or Scuf’s range of custom pro controllers. There are also less expensive ones, but either they are not compatible with the PS5, or their performance or build quality is far from those other models.
Third-party controllers have their own unique features like extra buttons, but the DualSense Edge is better thanks to its deep integration into the PS5 interface and compatibility with other Sony peripherals like the official DualSense charging station.
So while the DualSense Edge might be the best choice for a high end PS5 controller, I don’t recommend buying it or any other professional controller.
But what should I buy instead?
If you just need another controller for 2-player play or to replace an expired controller, just buy the standard DualSense.
As stated above, professional controllers can be ideal for professional esports players or the most invested players willing to pay that amount. Personally, if I was looking for a professional controller, I would choose the DualSense Edge. That being said, the DualSense Edge and other professional controllers remain useless for the vast majority of gamers who won’t use certain features.
Some may be tempted to customize the buttons, but you don’t need such an expensive controller to take advantage of that. Button remapping is easier and faster in DualSense Edge, but it exists in the standard DualSense. This is done through the PS5 menu under Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments. Other options, such as adjusting the vibration intensity, are also available in the settings.