Is the Sony DualSense Edge Pro Controller Worth the Money? (and What to Buy Instead)
The DualSense PlayStation 5 controller is my favorite thing about Sony’s latest console. The cushion is comfortable to hold, well made, and its adaptive triggers and tactile rumble add tactile immersion to gameplay. However, early next year Sony is releasing a new version called the DualSense Edge , which promises to expand on the features of the original controller with more buttons and granular customization.
The DualSense Edge is a “professional” controller similar to the Microsoft Xbox Elite gamepad. These devices are loaded with high quality features designed for hardcore and professional gamers. For example, DualSense Edge includes many improvements such as:
- Fully customizable button functions
- Ability to save and hot-swap different button configurations
- Two programmable paddle buttons on the back of the controller.
- Several interchangeable joystick modules and joystick caps
- Adjustable trigger button length, joystick sensitivity and rumble intensity.
- Charging cable lock
- Integration with PS5 system interface for quick parameter setting.
The DualSense Edge will go on sale January 26, 2023 for $200. Yes, two hundred dollars.
In comparison, you can buy the standard DualSense for $70. Most PS5 games cost between $60 and $70. The PS5 itself costs $400 for the digital version, or $500 for the disc drive model. You can buy three DualSense controllers or three new games, or pay almost as much for half a PS5 as you would for one DualSense Edge.
Is the DualSense Edge worth $200?
The short answer is no, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for everyone. $200 is quite expensive, but it’s not outrageous compared to other professional controllers. For example, the Microsoft Elite 2 controller for Xbox costs between $155 and $180, depending on the model and where you buy it.
There are also several third-party PS5-compatible pro tablets that cost as much as or more than the DualSense Edge, such as Hexgaming’s $270 RIVAL Premium , and Scuf’s line of custom PS5 pro controllers , priced between $200 and $220. While third-party options exist for under $200, many of them are not compatible with the PS5, or their features or build quality are less impressive than those of more expensive brands.
Third-party controllers have their own unique features compared to the DualSense Edge, such as even more extra buttons or replaceable parts, but the advantage of the DualSense Edge over these competitors lies in its full integration into the PS5 interface and compatibility with other Sony devices. third party peripherals such as the official DualSense charging dock.
However, while the DualSense Edge might be the best choice for high-end PS5 controllers, I don’t recommend you buy it or any other professional controller.
So what should I buy instead?
If all you need is a new controller for local co-op play or a replacement for your existing tablets, simply buy the $70 DualSense instead of the $200 DualSense Edge.
However, as I said earlier, professional controllers can be great for esports pros and the small percentage of hardcore gamers willing to spend that much money on a single controller. Personally, if I was looking for a professional controller, I would probably go for the DualSense Edge. However, the DualSense Edge and other professional controllers like it are simply not needed by the vast majority of gamers who won’t be using any of their special features.
The idea of custom controls may be tempting to some, but you don’t need an expensive controller to change the layout of your controller’s buttons. Obviously, remapping buttons on the DualSense Edge is faster and easier, but the default DualSense button mapping can be changed in the PS5 menu under Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments. Other options, such as setting haptic feedback, are also available in the PS5 settings. Check out our detailed guide to remapping controllers on any console if you need more help.