The PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller is Sony’s current PS5 gamepad, with dual actuators in place of the older rumble motors for more responsive in-game feedback. Adaptive triggers vary the resistance under each finger based on what’s happening on screen, so pulling back a bow or hitting the brakes feels physically different through the controller.
A built-in microphone and 3.5mm headset jack handle voice chat either through the controller itself or through a wired headset. The two-tone Midnight Black finish keeps the look consistent with the standard PS5 console and reads well on a stand or shelf.
A fantastic controller for your PlayStation that’s good to stockpile
Haptic feedback comes from the pair of actuators that produce sharp, varied vibrations across the controller body instead of the single buzz of older designs. The result is something closer to physical texture, with sand, gravel, and wet pavement each producing different sensations through the controller in supported PS5 games. Recoil from different weapons, weight shifts in a car, and the snap of an arrow release each get their own distinct sensation.
The control’s adaptive triggers add resistance under L2 and R2 when you draw a bow back, which is pretty cool. Things like throttle pedals push back as you accelerate, and a jammed firearm locks up entirely. These actions in addition to the haptics make the controller feel like much more than it is.
The built-in microphone handles voice chat without requiring a separate headset. A dedicated mute button on the front of the controller cuts the mic instantly. The 3.5mm headset jack on the bottom edge lets you plug in any wired headset for better audio quality. The Create button to the left of the touchpad records and broadcasts gameplay through the PS5’s built-in capture tools.
At $54 instead of the usual $75, the PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller brings haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and a 3.5mm headset jack into one official PS5 gamepad. The Midnight Black colorway matches the standard PS5 hardware and works equally well as a PC gaming controller over Bluetooth. Adding a second controller for couch multiplayer or replacing a worn-out unit is one of the more impactful upgrades a PS5 owner can make.
There’s always a good reason to add another controller to your game console collection. If you play a lot of games, or invite folks to play with you, it’s good to have a second one on tap. Plus, you’re saving a decent amount of money, so you may as well have an extra controller.
