DualSense Edge in the test – is Sony’s Pro controller for the PS5 really worth 240 euros?
With the DualSense Edge Sony has its own Pro controller for the PS5 on the market, which should be perfectly integrated into the console’s ecosystem and packed with numerous useful features. On the other hand, Sony allows the Edge to be paid accordingly well. The company charges a whopping 240 euros for the controller, but is it even worth it?
Notice: So far, the DualSense Edge has only been used in the Official PlayStation Store offered for sale. at MediaMarkt it was offered for a short time but is currently showing as sold out. However, the dealer states that the controller will be available again shortly. (as of February 3, 2023)
DualSense Edge in the PlayCentral test
Let’s start with the accessories: The white hard case contains a number of accessories. to choose from interchangeable embroidery caps with a high round cap to customize the Edge, an instruction manual, Paddles for the back in two styles and a braided two-meter USB-C cable with a connector housingto firmly connect the charging cable to the controller.
Alternatively, you can even use the controller with the connector housing can be loaded directly in the hard casefor example when you are on the road or want to treat the DualSense Edge particularly well.
The DualSense Edge wireless controller includes:
- DualSense Edge wireless controller
- Braided USB cable
- 2 standard caps (attached to the controller)
- 2 caps with high round cap
- 2 caps with low round cap
- 2 semicircular back keys
- 2 lever return buttons
- connector housing
- protective bag
- operation manual
What does the DualSense Edge look like?
The DualSense Edge is of course also included and at first glance could be confused with the standard controller for the PlayStation 5. In the first few seconds, only connoisseurs will notice great visual differences.
There are a few accents that make the Edge look a bit higher quality. It starts with the cover around the two analog sticks, which is finished in black piano lacquer.
This is also quite noticeable and provided with a chic detail touchpad in black. If you look closely, fall hundreds of small PlayStation icons that appear to shimmer a little depending on the incidence of light. We also see a small LED glowing on the bottom side of the touchpad, which indicates the currently selected profile.
Both that control pad as well as the four action buttons are also black and thus additionally emphasize the high-quality design of the DualSense Edge.
All in all, Sony’s pro controller actually looks a bit more valuable, which, in addition to the changes mentioned, is mainly due to the higher weight. Weighs the standard PS5 controller 281 gramsit is at the Edge 325 grams, so 44 grams difference. Ultimately, the weight of a controller is of course a matter of taste. For my part, I am very satisfied with it and I think that the Edge fits the hands very well.
The features of the DualSense Edge at a glance
But let’s talk about the features that are supposed to make the Edge unique and cannot be found in the normal DualSense.
Three features stand out here: On the one hand, two different paddles can be attached to the back and assigned individually. The exchange works quickly and easily thanks to magnets, which feel pleasant when pressed. Which paddles you use depends entirely on your habits. But if you don’t have much experience with paddles on the back of a controller, we recommend the slightly longer and flatter version.
While other pro controllers like the SCUF Reflex two paddles on both sides, but the shifting feel of the Edge makes an even better impression. The additional, very fast switches are particularly useful when switching gears manually in a racing game or in fast, competitive shooters.
The second peculiarity concerns the most annoying thing in the world: Stick drifts, i.e. if the analog stick lets the game character rotate in a circle, for example, without any input on your part. A real nightmare for gamers.
Sony’s answer to this? Quickly and easily exchangeable embroidery modules. All you have to do is flip the small switch on the back of the controller and the cover will come off. Both analog sticks can then be released with a small lever and finally pulled out to the front.
The idea isn’t bad, and it speaks for Sony that they’ve given this topic more thought. Ultimately, however, this is only an indirect solution to the problem of sticks drifts, which the company also deals with 24.99 per replacement module can pay well.
And what is the third peculiarity? For the two triggers L2 and R2, the switching travel can be set in two stages directly on the controller thanks to the mechanical controller. For online shooters, for example, there is a short way to be able to make an entry faster and thus, for example, take a shot in the game.
And yet, in games where atmosphere and immersion are more important, you can keep the effects of the adaptive triggers as usual. Due to the longer switching path, in which a motor also offers a certain resistance, the pistol in a “Resident Evil Village”, for example, differs from a shotgun in precisely this different use of the adaptive triggers.
While the resistance when pressing the pistol is minimal, with the shotgun you have to apply a little more force with your finger before a shot is worthwhile. This makes the larger, heavier, and overall more powerful weapon feel significantly different to handle.
The DualSense Edge fits perfectly into the PS5 menu
On the software side, you can make significantly more settings with the DualSense Edge. A separate item for the DualSense Edge awaits you in the menu of your PS5. Here you can, among other things, Stick Sensitivitythe range of the triggers for improved response times and the different profiles to adjust.
In addition, the interchangeable back keys can be configured for different key inputs. Sony’s own pro controller is ultimately perfectly integrated with the settings menu of the PS5 consolewhich is why hardly any wishes remain unfulfilled.
But is the DualSense Edge worth it now?
Probably the biggest problem with the DualSense Edge next to the elephant in the room, i.e. the price of almost 240 euros, is the battery life. This is included with the standard controller around 12 hours (depending on how and what you play), in the worst case it is half with the Pro model, i.e. a minimum of six to around seven to eight hours.
If you use the controller intensively with all functions, you have to connect the charging cable (which fortunately turns out to be quite long) or use another controller for a longer session. Certainly a no-go for some players, especially at such a price point. In fact, the Edge even turns out to be the pro controller with the shortest battery life.
Reference-www.playcentral.de