PS5 DualSense Controller’s Best Features

With adaptive triggers and haptic feedback inside, the DualSense offers new opportunities for PS5 gameplay and connecting what's on screen to the controller in your hand. But it has to be used for more than just Astro's Playroom.

The PlayStation 5 sports faster load times and improved graphics over its predecessor, but its controller is the thing you're probably going to notice most as you dive into your next-generation gaming experiences. The DualSense sports a bunch of improved technology, from its adaptive triggers to its dynamic haptic feedback, that elevate the games that use it well.

The best showcase for the DualSense we've seen so far is Astro's Playroom, the 3D platformer that comes bundled with the PS5. It uses every speck of capability the DualSense offers, showing off its enhanced rumble features with feedback based on what surfaces you're walking on and what actions you're taking, changing the tension of the adaptive triggers to mimic what Astro is doing on screen, and adding the touchpad, microphone, and gyroscope into the mix to amplify them all. 

Check out the video above for our impressions of the DualSense--including why we're a bit worried about its long-term prospects. We've got plenty more PS5 coverage now and in the coming weeks, so be sure to stick with GameSpot to catch it all.

[DaPeasant]

Man that axe coming back to you in the next God of War is going to feel awesome.

[baliart]

Combine all of this haptic dualsense + 3D headset + VR + POV Horror Games = bye bye.. its your full nightmare came true

[iamscherzo]

That's a shame that developers aren't implementing these features. I was really impressed with it while playing astro playroom. I wish more games could use it

[ludgerkresnik]

IGN: this controller really makes you FEEL like a playstation

[Katsudon]

Hopefully Devs use everything like GTAV did at points. they used the Lightbar, Speaker and the Touchpad which was great.

[Dig_Duke_SFM]

This is what I've been waiting for. A proper explanation besides. 'It rumbles' thank you.

[ebaadkhan]

The next NaughtyDog title better use all of these features extensively!

[nico]

The controller is no doubt a huge leap forward in tech compared to the past. Its like when we passed from no rumble to rumble features on controllers. It will start slowly but gradually these amazing features will become the norm for net gen games.

[weaverquest]

"Pinpoint sensations in different places on the gamepad" This one intrigues me the most. In shooters developers use intrusive UI elements to tell you which direction you are getting shot at. I turned off all UI elements in TLOU II but now it is harder to tell from which direction I am getting shot at only based on sound, so having some pinpoint physical feedback on the controller can be a more immersive solution to this.

[fluffymyato]

This controller will actually really enhance horror games. Imagine just walking. Then everything goes dark and silent. Then the rumble of the controller slowly increases in intensity. You want to turn on ur flashlight but the buttons don't work so u run but the intensity keeps increasing. And then... Quiet all of a sudden

[EllieMappin]

Could you imagine the last of us with all the times you have to struggle to do something, no more spamming a button just try to push a trigger down 😳😳😳

[BSLpro]

Imagine how its gonna feel when we call Kratos’s Leviathan axe to us in God of War Ragnarok... HNNNNG

[-aid]

Thank you for this video, I'm planning on getting one in the next 2 days for pc

[ThrillofTill]

All that matters is Sonys 1st party games use it. As long as Rachet, GoW, Horizon, uncharted(You know its comming) the rumored Silent Hill to be announced at the videogame awards, Demons Souls use it im happy. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

[kinggamabunta]

The best controller ever 👍 Isn't it?

[animeissogoodandourlordand]

The touchpad is so underutilized but it is an amazing concept I want to see more games use this feature.

[ishannair]

The controller is amazing this combined with the 3D audio is fucking immersive as fuck

[XVNRX]

It’s just so great how a CONTROLLER Is getting this amount of Praise
Can’t wait to get mine and also my second controller from controller chaos

[mindofmyown]

I’ve always purchased Xbox’s but these adaptive triggers have me sold on PS5. The video I’ve seen about Black Ops Cold War and thinking about how awesome driving games could be has me really excited.

In a driving game, the brake trigger could have increased resistance to feel more like a brake pedal. It could also change based on the car or condition of the car. There are so many possibilities!

Really incredible stuff

[blaynestaleypro]

Thank you for making this video. I really hope more developers make use of GYRO ASSISTED AIMING. That would be great!