Is Sony’s DualSense Edge Pro Controller Worth the Money? (and What to Buy Instead)

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is my favourite thing about Sony’s newest console. The pad is comfortable to hold, it feels well-made, and its adaptive triggers and haptic rumble add tactile immersion to your gameplay experience. However, Sony is rolling out a new version early next year called the DualSense Edge, which promises to expand the original controller’s features with more buttons and granular customisation.

The DualSense Edge is a “pro” controller akin to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite gamepad. These devices sport high-end features aimed at hardcore and professional players. The DualSense Edge, for example, includes numerous enhancements like:

• Fully customisable button functions
• The ability to save and hot-swap between different button configurations
• Two programmable paddle buttons on the back of the controller
• Multiple swappable thumbstick modules and thumbstick caps
• Adjustable trigger-button lengths, stick sensitivity, and rumble intensity
• A charging cable lock
• Integration with the PS5’s system interface for quick settings adjustments

The DualSense Edge will launch Jan. 26, 2023 for $US200 ($278). Yes, two hundred dollars.

To put that in perspective, you can buy a standard DualSense for $US70 ($97) new. Most PS5 games cost between $US60 ($83)-$US70 ($97) new. The PS5 itself is $US400 ($555) for the digital-only version, or $US500 ($694) for the model with the disc drive. You could buy three DualSense controllers or three new games, or pay for half of a PS5, for almost as much as one DualSense Edge.

Is the DualSense Edge worth it at $US200 ($278)?

The short answer is no, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of the question for everyone. $US200 ($278) is pretty steep, but it’s not outlandish compared to other pro controllers. For example, Microsoft’s Elite 2 controller for Xbox runs about $US155 ($215)-$US180 ($250), depending on the model and where you buy.

There are also a few PS5-compatible pro pads from third-party manufacturers that cost as much as the DualSense Edge or more, like Hexgaming’s RIVAL Premium for $US270 ($375), and Scuf’s lineup of customisable PS5 pro controllers that cost between $US200 ($278) to $US220 ($305). While there are sub-$US200 ($278) third-party options out there, many aren’t compatible with the PS5, or their features or build quality are less impressive than what you get from the more expensive brands.

Third-party controllers have their own unique features compared to the DualSense Edge, such as even more extra buttons or swappable parts, but the DualSense Edge’s, well, edge over these competitors is its seamless integration into the PS5’s interface and its compatibility with other Sony first-party peripherals like the official DualSense charging dock.

Still, even though the DualSense Edge might be the best choice for high-end controllers on PS5, I don’t recommend you buy it, nor any other pro controller.

So what should I buy instead?

If all you need is a new controller for local co-op games or to replace the pads you already have, just buy a $US70 ($97) DualSense instead of the $US200 ($278) DualSense Edge.

However, as I said earlier, pro controllers can be great for eSports pros and the small percentage of hardcore players that are willing to spend that much on a single controller. Personally, if I was in the market for a pro controller, I would probably go for the DualSense Edge. That said, the DualSense Edge and other pro controllers like it are simply unnecessary for the vast majority of players that won’t use any of their special features.

Some may find the idea of customisable controls enticing, but you don’t need an expensive controller to change your controller’s button layout. Obviously, button re-mapping is quicker and easier on the DualSense Edge, but the standard DualSense’s button mapping can be changed in the PS5 menu under Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments. Other options, like adjusting the haptic feedback, are also available in the PS5’s settings. Check our in-depth guide for remapping controllers on any console if you need more help.