There’s not much that can be said about the PlayStation 5 (and PS5 Pro) that hasn’t already been said.
Sony’s current-generation hardware launched in 2020 and while it offered performance improvements over the PS4 and the new fancy SSD for faster loading, the DualSense received a whole host of improvements that the DualShock 4 could only dream of.
Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers have become one of the reasons I play on the PlayStation more than anywhere else, and I really hope that continues on the PlayStation 6.
Feel everything
When Sony introduced the DualSense, many of us expected a gimmick. A trigger that feels like a bowstring being pulled? Pull the other one (get it?).
Still, it didn’t take long for the games to demonstrate their potential. Demon’s Souls had great haptic feedback on PS5 launch day, and in the years since, we’ve seen excellent implementations in Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal and Astro Bot.
Third-party titles like GTA 5, The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 also make smart use of the technology, and while this isn’t the case with every game, it’s surprising how much more immersive games can be when you press the shutter or experience the improved haptics.
In fact, I couldn’t imagine playing these games without them now. I played Cyberpunk 2077 mostly on Xbox and PC and then bought it a third time for PS5 (I really love the game). Returning to my regular replay, I opt for the PS5 version, even though there’s no PS5 Pro patch, in no small part because of the way weapons feel when fired or the way a nightclub’s bass booms through the controller.
Party pooper
DualSense technology has some limitations. On the one hand, the battery life is significantly worse than that of the Xbox controller, but rechargeable batteries can suffer from poor performance over time. How much of this has to do with the impressive rumble technique and trigger voltage isn’t clear, but it’s fair to say it’s unlikely to help.
Anecdotally, I’ve also heard from a lot of people that their triggers broke in the DualSense. This hasn’t happened to me yet, but given the inherent tension required for adaptive triggers, there might be a greater risk there.
However, since Microsoft tried (once) to bring its own haptic controller to market, there’s every chance that these issues can be fixed and Sony can take some clues from them.
It’s also worth giving Microsoft a lot of credit for the compatibility of its Xbox One controllers with the series
Trim fat
This may be a bit controversial, but I really wish the PlayStation 5 DualSense didn’t have a built-in microphone. The speaker is a fun addition, although I often turn it down significantly, but the microphone gives me anxiety about my voice being heard in open lobbies.
I turn on the PS5 and routinely mute myself immediately, but when someone uses the microphone they always sound too far away for it to be an effective way to communicate with your team.
I wonder if Sony would consider releasing a cheaper, microphone-less version of a DualSense for anyone with a headset – food for thought perhaps?
Still, the DualSense has become one of my favorite pads of all time, even though I usually prefer asymmetrical thumbsticks. If Sony can extend the battery life a bit and maintain the fantastic feel and triggering, the PlayStation 6 could be just as addictive as the PS5 – and more.
