DualSense Explained


dualsense controller

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The PlayStation 5's DualSense controller was the first piece of PS5-hardware shown off, even before the console itself. Featuring Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers, the controller has been well-received by PS5 owners following the console's release in November.

Much like the PS5 and all of its accessories, the DualSense controller appears to be low in stock across the board.

Keep reading to see the latest DualSense news, including some troubling reports on drift...

READ MORE: PS4 trade-in for PS5: Where can you trade in your PS4 and DualShock controller?

You won't be able to buy this stunning Gold DualSense controller

While we have seen both Truly Exquisite and Caviar release a Gold PS5 and PS5 controller, it appears that Sony has some golden paint of its own reserved for the DualSense.

Shared in a post on LinkedIn, PlayStation's Product Design Manager, Joey Rabbit, showed off a white and gold DualSense controller, unlike any released by Sony so far.

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The whites of the DualSense's grip remain the same, but the middle section -which is normally black - has been replaced by a metallic gold plating.

As you can see from the picture, the controller also is printed with the term 'PS5 Launch Team', which suggests to us that this special DualSense controller has been created exclusively for the core team behind Sony's next-gen console.

Of course, there are ways to customise the PS5 controller yourself. As reported by VGC, the company Decor Evolved is selling colourful DualSense faceplates for $9.99, which will somewhat replicate this controller.

READ MORE: PS5 black faceplates: Dbrand reveals black faceplates, prepares to fight Sony

DualSense Drift is affecting some players

PlayStation 5 owners are complaining of DualSense stick drift, just weeks after the consoles launch.

Stick drift, an issue that Nintendo Switch fans know about all too well, causes your LS to slowly move on its own, often leading to your character slowly moving without any input. While not a game-breaking issue, drift is certainly frustrating for any player, especially on an almost brand-new controller.

In a video shared on Reddit, one u/Verity21 shared footage of their DualSense suffering from drift while playing Destiny 2.

As the console is still pretty new, the extent to which this issue affects a wider group of players is unknown, as it can take months for drift to first appear in a controller. At the same time, this might be the result of simply a few faulty DualSense controllers rather than a wider issue, as it was on the Nintendo Switch.

However, there is a potential workaround Sony could add. As one user suggested, if Sony added a deadzone setting or a controller calibration mode, this drift could potentially be mitigated.

READ MORE: Nintendo allegedly arguing Joy-Con drift “hasn’t caused anyone any inconvenience” in a class-action lawsuit

PS5 controller vs Xbox Series X controller

If you still can't decide between the two next-gen consoles, there are plenty of differences between the DualSense and Series X controller. Simply click on the link above to see our breakdown of the differences, similarities and updates to both controllers!

While each console has its various merits, Microsoft may see some areas in which the DualSense outperforms its controller in. A recent survey released by the company asked Xbox players about the DualSense controller.

Microsoft's survey, as spotted by TechRadar, asked players to say how strongly they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: "I am aware of features on the PlayStation controller that I wish were on the controller that came with this console.

Does this mean Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers are set to become Xbox features? We'll have to wait to see.

READ MORE: Xbox controllers still use AA batteries due to “a constant agreement” with Duracell, the battery company claims

How to fix PS5 controller

If your PS5 controller is broken or not responding, there are ways you can try to fix the DualSense before sending it back to Sony or calling in your warranty.

As we mentioned above, the DualSense controller also receives updates, and so we'd recommend ensuring the controller is fully up-to-date, which you can do by checking for a System Update, or seeing if your DualSense is in version 0210 (the latest version of the controller).

If your controller is still broken, there is a small hole on the back of the PS5 controller next to the Sony logo that will reset the DualSense if you press it with a pin or a pen, for example. You should press this button for 3-5 seconds and then connect the controller to the PS5 via a USB cable, which should hopefully resolve any issues you have with the controller.

PS5 controller price

Picking up a PS5 DualSense controller on its own will cost you £59.99 here in the UK, with retailers such as GAME showing stock of the controller, albeit stock that is selling fast

Indeed, you can now buy the DualSense controller from Amazon too, with the product page going live alongside the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition from this link, depending on stock levels.

There is also a whole family of official PS5 products, from headsets to charging stations, which are available to order now - you can click here to check out the range.

CLICK HERE: Check out the PS5 tie-in products!

PS5 controller specs and features

On the major internal changes, Sony says this: "We had a great opportunity with PS5 to innovate by offering game creators the ability to explore how they can heighten that feeling of immersion through our new controller.

"This is why we adopted haptic feedback, which adds a variety of powerful sensations you’ll feel when you play, such as the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud."

READ MORE: PS5 haptic feedback explained

DualSense Adaptive Triggers

Speaking about the DualSense paddles on the PS5 controller, Sony says this: "We also incorporated adaptive triggers into the L2 and R2 buttons of DualSense so you can truly feel the tension of your actions, like when drawing a bow to shoot an arrow."

In Spider-Man: Miles Morales, for example, this translates into feeling the tension as you swing from web-to-web across a snowy Manhattan.

You can see the triggers in action here...

READ MORE: PS5 is "much better" than Xbox Series X?

PS5 controller Haptic Feedback

Following on from the above, you may have come across the term 'haptics' when the DualSense controller is discussed.

Haptic feedback is essentially the vibration given off by the controller when something happens in-game - this has been enhanced for PS5.

For example, instead of a generic 'strong' vibration when shooting a weapon in-game, you may well feel the a much broader range of sensations that compliment the weapon itself.

Our favourite use of Haptic Feedback so far comes in Watch Dogs Legion, where if you crash your car, this will translate into specific haptic feedback on the controller depending on which part of the car felt the impact.

PS5 controller microphone

"DualSense also adds a built-in microphone array, which will enable players to easily chat with friends without a headset – ideal for jumping into a quick conversation. But of course, if you are planning to chat for a longer period, it’s good to have that headset handy."

Geoff Keighley also showed off another function of the microphone in his hands-on demo of Astro's Playground, blowing into the microphone to spin a fan. While using microphone's during gameplay has been somewhat of a gimmick in the past, this is another element developers can consider when creating PS5 games.

This microphone can be muted through the button below the PS button.

READ MORE: DualSense controller inspires fan-made console designs

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The sticks haven't moved and there is still a D-pad.

PS5 controller motion controls

"Motion controls" were mentioned during the PS5 reveal event live stream, alongside a brief clip of the DualSense PS5 controller being jiggled around. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get us excited!

This feature hasn't been utilised much so far outside Astro's Playground, but we're excited to see what developers do!

PS5 controller accessories

During the PlayStation 5 reveal event, Sony showed off a bunch of new PS5 accessories for the console, some of which are compatible with the DualSense controller.

The most interesting of these is the DualSense Charging Station, which acts as a dock for up to two of the controllers.

While the DualSense has a USB-C port on the top, it appears that the dock will charge by connecting to the bottom of the controller, similar to how the Nintendo Switch charges when docked.

READ MORE: PS5 DualSense Charging Station Explained

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