Current testing methodology is v1.2
February 23, 2023
$199.00
2.75 lb
8 x 8 x 4.5 in
After years of being behind the premium-controller playing field, Sony finally caved.
With the Sony DualSense Edge launching in January of this year, PlayStation fanboys such as myself can finally get in on the hype behind these pricey controllers.
The DualSense Edge has the makings of a great premium controller but is held back by one problem, which you’ll find out in this review.
Sony DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
A great controller with a “draining” problem.
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TL:DR;
The Sony DualSense Edge is the first premium controller by Sony.
It’s pricey even by industry standards but it’s a great controller overall. Its one unique feature could be enough to sway non-believers but its problematic battery life can be off-putting for others.
Sony makes up for the short battery life with customization options and replaceable stick modules, which, I think, is a good trade-off. Plus all the accessories that came with it are a welcome treat.
For around $200, is it worth it? Ultimately, it’s up to you. If you want a controller with longer battery life then I won’t recommend it but personally, I think it’s a worthy investment.
The Specs
- Battery Life: 5 to 10 hours
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB Type-C to Type-A cable (included)
- Button: Standard PlayStation layout, 2 x function keys, 2 x interchangeable Paddles, 2 x trigger sensitivity slider
- Ports: USB-C (Power, data)
What’s in the Box?
- DualSense Edge wireless controller
- USB braided cable
- 2 Standard caps
- 2 High dome caps
- 2 Low dome caps
- 2 Half dome back buttons
- 2 Lever back buttons
- Connector housing
- Carrying case
- Instruction manual
Stuff I like
- Easy-to-use software for controller customization
- Replaceable analog sticks
- Textured grips and triggers for a better feel
- Great inclusions out of the box
Stuff I like less
- Pricier than most competitors
- Battery life is shorter than regular DualSense
- Comes in only one color
Where to get it
Comparable products to consider
If you want something simple, then the best controller would be the base DualSense as it comes with all of the great features you need minus button customization and replaceable sticks.
The Scuf Reflex Pro doesn’t come with the fancy features of the DualSense Edge. However, you can customize nearly every inch of this controller to fit your style.
First Impressions
The Sony DualSense Edge has a premium look and feel, which is something to be expected at a retail price of nearly $200.
With an SRP of $199.99, it’s safe to say that the Sony DualSense Edge is one of the most expensive controllers out there, even more expensive than the Xbox Elite Controller 2 which retails for $129.99.
At the very least, the DualSense Edge comes with a good amount of freebies.
Of all these, my favorite has to be the carrying case which can house everything that comes in the box, minus the instructions manual, of course.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Sony DualSense Edge is excellent, which is something you should expect given its price.
The carrying case is made out of hard plastic with a matte texture. Since buying the controllers a few weeks ago, my clumsy hands have dropped the case around 4-5 times already.
My cats that love to climb on top of things have even pushed it down a couple of times.
Despite all that, the case remains in great condition. I wouldn’t call it a carrying case though as it’s large and heavy. Still, it makes protecting your pricey new controller very easy.
Functionality and Responsiveness
The Sony DualSense Edge feels amazing at first touch.
The buttons are crisp, the triggers are responsive, and the textured grip makes it comfortable to hold the controller during those long gaming sessions.
What the DualSense does differently is that you can easily change the analog sticks in case it starts to drift. You simply have to push a button at the back to release the front plate and from there, you can swap out stick modules.
Sony retails the stick modules for $19.00.
Since getting the PS5 in 2021, I’ve had to replace my controllers twice because of irreparable stick drift. By making the sticks replaceable in the DualSense Edge, I don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a new one.
$200 might be expensive even for a premium controller but the replaceable stick modules can save you more money over time.
Of course, the stick module isn’t just the thing that the Dual Sense Edge got right. Like other premium controllers, this one lets you create up to four player profiles.
Even for the uninitiated when it comes to techy controller terms, you can customize how the controller feels easily. You can tinker with stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones, and more.
With the addition of the back paddles, you have more control over your button configurations. I find the customization features helpful for competitive games like Street Fighter and Overwatch.
In Overwatch, for instance, I remap the back paddles to Pings so I can communicate with my teammates better even without joining the game chat.
Battery Life
All things considered, the Sony DualSense Edge is an amazing premium controller but it does suffer from one problem: a short battery life.
The regular DualSense lasts for 10 to 15 hours as per Sony. Meanwhile, the DualSense Edge only lasts for 5 to 10 hours.
Sony developed the DualSense Edge with a smaller battery to make way for the replaceable stick modules. Whether or not this compromise is worth it is completely up to you.
In my opinion, the compromise is well worth it considering I play around 3 to 5 hours tops per gaming session so I really died that extensive battery life.
Conclusion
Sony’s first try in the premium-controller market is good although a bit flawed. The price of the controller and the shorter battery life can be a big letdown for gamers.
However, I’ll always appreciate the replaceable stick modules and the customizable feel of the controller despite these flaws.
If you’re a hardcore gamer with money to spend and an itch to fully customize how you play, the Sony DualSense Edge is a great investment.
Jonas is a hardcore gamer with a knack for writing. Be it RPGs or life sims, he'll play and review it for you as best he can. Beyond the games he's played and countless articles he's written for websites online, he also loves to spend time with his two lovable dogs, five cats, and two turtles.
This post was last updated on 2025-05-15 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.