Sony has released information about the design, features, and first images of the PS5 controller. You can find all information about Sony’s PS5 DualSense with us.
What is the name of the PS5 controller? Sony officially presented the PS5 controller on April 7, 2020. One of the biggest surprises was certainly the name: the PS5 controller is not called DualShock 5, but rather DualSense. And not only the name differentiates the PS5 controller from the PS4 controller.
In our article, we explain to you what the PS5 controller can do and how it differs from the DualShock 5 or the “Xbox Series X” controller.
This article was published in April 2020 and has been continuously updated with new information. On September 29, 2020, we added the current price, compatibility, and information about the adaptive triggers.
What does the PS5 controller look like – images and design
On the official PlayStation Blog, Sony presented not only the first information about the “PlayStation 5” controller but also the first images.
The most surprising aspect is the design: While the classic DualShock controllers have all been one color, the PS5 DualSense opts for a two-tone design.
The light bar is now no longer located on the back, but surrounds the touchpad, which looks trapezoidal. We have also wondered how the PS5 controller would look in black.
PS5-Controller – Price, backward compatibility, and gameplay
PS5 Controller Costs – What is the cost of the PS5 controller?
Meanwhile, the price of the PS5 DualSense controller is known. The controller will cost 69.99 euros at launch. Thus, the device costs 10 euros more than the DualShock 4.
The price of the PS5 is now also known. The PS5 with disc drive will cost 499 euros and the digital edition 399 euros. The retail version of the console will also include an official PS5 DualSense controller.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
![DualSense Wireless-Controller [PlayStation 5 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31BdzR4ALjL._SL160_.jpg)
|
DualSense Wireless-Controller [PlayStation 5 ]* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Is the PS5 controller backward compatible?
On the official French PlayStation site, it was stated for some time that the PS5 controller would be compatible with the PS4. However, this information has since disappeared.
However, Sony has already explained that you will need a DualSense controller for PS5 games; you cannot play PS5 games with your PS4 controller. The reason is simple: only the DualSense controller supports the new features and functions of the games, and Sony wants to prevent problems this way.
You will still be able to play PS4 games on PS5 with a PS4 controller, as these do not yet offer the new features. We have presented you the best controllers for PS4 and PS5:
PS5-Controller – Gameplay
Gameplay with the DualSense: The controller has also been experienced in action, as journalist Geoff Keighly had the opportunity to try out the PS5 DualSense controller during the Summer Game Fest 2020. Below we have embedded the English YouTube video:
Triggers, Touchpad, and Headphone Jack – Features and functions of the DualSense controller for PS5
Adaptive Trigger: The adaptive triggers are designed to make the gameplay feel significantly more realistic: it will feel different whether you are kicking a ball around in FIFA or reloading your gun. Developers have been very impressed with the adaptive triggers so far.
Haptic Feedback: For the “DualSense,” developers can define the resistance of the L2 and R2 triggers. For players, this means that each weapon will feel different.
Battery: The PS5 controller has a built-in battery. Sony promises that the battery life of the DualSense will last significantly longer than that of the DualShock 4. A built-in battery stands in contrast to the “Xbox Series X” controller, which uses removable batteries. According to Evzen Elite Technology, which disassembled an unofficial controller, the battery capacity of the DualSense is said to be 1560mA.
Ergonomics: The new PS5 controller is slightly smaller than the DualShock 4.
Touchpad: The new touchpad of the “DualSense” is trapezoidal shaped, with the light bar arranged around it. According to a patent, the controller’s touchscreen is supposed to not only register fingerprints, but also display them both on the screen and on the TV itself.
Create Button: The PS5 controller no longer has a Share button. Instead, there is now a Create button. This offers the same functions as the Share button of the DualShock 4 but is supposed to offer even more ways to share gameplay, images, and videos.
Headphone Jack: The PS5 controller will still feature a headphone jack. Many fans had wished for this feature for the PS5 controller. It is still possible to connect headsets or headphones if you want to play quietly or if the PS5 might become very loud like the PS4.
Microphone: The PS5 controller has a built-in microphone that can be used for chats. However, you can still connect a headset via the headphone jack.
Does the PS5 controller have paddles? It is still unknown whether the PS5 controller will have paddles. The back of the controller has not yet been seen in the images.
PS5 Controller vs “Xbox Series 2” Controller
How do the PS5 controller and “Xbox Series X” controller compare to each other? We examined the differences and similarities between the two controllers in more detail.
Similarities between PS5 controller and “Xbox Series X” controller:
- Both controllers use USB-C as a connection.
- The price of the controllers is currently unknown.
- Both Xbox and PS5 controllers have a social button: “Create” (PS5) or “Share” (Xbox Series X).
- A 3.5 mm headphone jack is available on both controllers.
Differences between PS5 controller and “Xbox Series X” controller:
- The Xbox controller follows the familiar Xbox design, while the PS5 controller has departed from solid color.
- The Xbox controller uses replaceable batteries, while the PS5 controller has its battery built-in.
- The PS5 controller, like the DualShock 4, offers a light bar and touch bar.
- The PS5 controller features a built-in microphone and integrated speakers.
- The PS5 controller features adaptive triggers. The “Xbox Series X” controller might also have these, but this has not been announced yet. The predecessor, the Xbox One controller, uses “Impulse Trigger”.
In our extensive comparison, we took a closer look at both controllers and examined how the “Xbox Series X” controller stands against the PS5 controller:
PS5 Controller vs PS4 Controller
What are the differences between the PS5 “DualSense” and the PS4 controller? To answer this question, we have compared the two controllers in a table format.
| Feature | PS5 Controller “DualSense” | PS4 Controller “DualShock 4“ |
| USB connection | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Battery | Built-in battery | Built-in battery |
| Triggers | Adaptive triggers in L2 and R2 | Normal triggers without special function |
| Haptic feedback | Yes | Available in the form of vibration motors |
| Special buttons | Option button and “Create” button to create gameplay, share, or save for oneself | Two system buttons and a “Share” button to share and save screenshots and videos |
| Additional features | Integrated speakers and microphone | Integrated speaker but no built-in microphone |
| Light bar around the touchpad for Inside-Out tracking function for PlayStation VR | Light bar on the back for Inside-Out tracking function for PlayStation VR | |
| Touch bar, trapezoidal | Touch bar, rectangular | |
| Other connections | 3.5 mm headphone jack | 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Design | Black and white design | Now available in over 20 different colors |
Although the controller was only recently officially announced, some developers have already had the chance to try out the controller: The developer of The Last of Us Part 2, Robert Krekel, was able to test the new PS5 controller. He is enthusiastic about the new possibilities of the controller.
