First impressions of the PS5 DualSense controller have started appearing online, and they seem to be almost universally glowing. Marques Brownlee (MKBDH) stated that the DualSense “feels more next gen than any other piece” because of the large haptic motors that are contained inside the accessory. Tom Warren of The Verge took to Twitter to equally laud the merits of the PS5 controller after testing out the haptic feedback and the response of the adaptive triggers: “I still can’t get over how good the PS5 controller is. It’s truly mind blowing”. The DualSense’s purpose is to help immerse the user deeper into the gameplay, such as being able to hear and feel the rumbling feedback in a racing game when a vehicle is moving over rough terrain.
YouTuber Dave Lee was also effusive about the DualSense, settling for a punchy “The PS5 controller is AMAZING” as the title for his video preview of the next-gen accessory. Lee also explained how a special motor is incorporated into the device to offer resistance for certain situations when a gamer needs to use the trigger buttons for more-complicated tasks; he calls it “controllable tension”. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier didn’t hold back with his praise either, saying that the controller was “wild” and “feels more ‘next-gen’ than any graphical improvements we’ve seen yet”, thanks to the combination of the haptics, triggers and rumble.
Sakis Karpas of Unboxholics was also impressed with the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and he classified the controller as a “game changer”. However, Karpas also pointed out that the battery was “a bit disappointing”, but other sources have also praised the improvement in battery life that the DualSense controller (1,560 mAh) offers over the DualShock 4 (1,000 mAh). YouTube resident Skill Up wore a look of amazement on his face when he held the PS5 accessory and said “the controller blew me away”. The video’s hosts were particularly enamored with the additional gaming properties the controller can provide, such as adding extra resistance in the triggers when a weapon becomes jammed and using the touchpad to move a zip, with the DualSense also offering audio feedback to match the action on the screen.
It’s a flying start for the PS5 and the DualSense in particular. The controller is bustling with features (light effects, built-in microphone, the Create button, etc.) that add extra entertainment value to those long and intense gaming sessions. It seems every component of the DualSense has been carefully considered, even down to the tiny PlayStation symbols that decorate the grips and underside. Although back buttons would certainly have been a welcome inclusion, the DualSense has still successfully delivered a next-gen experience according to these initial reviews.