Sony has finally revealed the cost of the DualSense Edge, and its high price tag is frankly a bit shocking.
The DualSense Edge wireless controller for PS5 will keep you busy $199.99 / £209.99 (Australian prices to be announced). For your money, you get interchangeable modules like stick caps and rear paddles, textured grips, a black and white aesthetic, and various accessories including a carry case and a lockable USB-C connector enclosure.
That’s a little more than the cost of the standard DualSense controller it’s sold for $69.99 / £59.99 / $109.95. It’s also just outside the playing field of the Xbox Elite Series 2 wireless controllers $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.95. It’s not a million miles from the cost of the Xbox Series S that is usually priced $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499.
As Sony’s first foray into the “Pro” controller market, the DualSense Edge will have to seriously impress at such a high price. But given everything we know so far, I’m not too sure it’s up to the task.
More than a few DualCents
Yes, Pro or premium controllers are usually expensive. And in the throes of the cost of living crisis, buyers often wonder if the expensive Pro controllers are worth it. As for the Xbox Elite Series 2 or third-party pads like the Revolution X, I’d say I got my money personally.
But that won’t be reason enough for the average buyer. Pro controllers are a luxury buy, but even for that reason, I find the DualSense Edge clearly not worth its higher price when the competition offers more for less.
At first glance, the Edge seems to at least match the Elite Series 2 from a feature perspective. Textured grips, interchangeable modules, trigger dead zone switches and profile settings are all standard, present and included.
However, the Edge only has two rear paddles as opposed to the Elite Series 2’s four. Its new function buttons appear to be non-reassignable and are located just below the analog sticks where they can be accidentally pressed quite easily. At least when it comes to fools like me.
We’ve also heard nothing about improvements to DualSense’s distinctive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. That, and the lack of details on battery life, is worrying considering it’s the only area where Sony’s excellent pad could use some serious improvement.
Now the DualSense Edge is likely to be just as great as its default counterpart. Professional features are always welcome and the included USB-C connector housing is a fantastic addition. But when you can buy a fully customized Xbox Design Lab Elite Series 2 for a comparable (or cheaper in the UK) price, I think Sony may have overestimated how much PS5 owners are willing to spend on a Pro pad.