The DualSense Edge is demonstrably overpriced even by premium standards
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Sony has finally revealed the cost of the DualSense Edge, and the high price is frankly a bit shocking.
The DualSense Edge wireless controller for PS5 will pay you a lot $199.99 / £209.99 (Australian prices to be announced). For your money, you get interchangeable modules like thumbstick caps and back paddles, textured grips, a white-on-black aesthetic, and miscellaneous including a carrying case and a lockable USB-C connector housing.
That’s a lot more than the cost of a standard DualSense controller, which sells for $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109.95. It’s also just outside the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s margins $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.95. It’s also not a million miles off the cost of an Xbox Series S, which is typically priced at $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499.
As Sony’s first foray into the ‘Pro’ controller market, the DualSense Edge is going to have to seriously impress at that high price point. But given everything we know so far, I’m not so sure it’s up to the task.
More than a few DualCents
Yes, Pro or premium controllers tend to be expensive. And in the throes of a cost of living crisis, buyers will often wonder if expensive Pro controllers are worth it. When it comes to the Xbox Elite Series 2 or third-party pads like the Revolution X, I’d say I personally got my money’s worth.
But that’s not enough reason for the average buyer. Pro controllers are a luxury purchase, but even on those grounds, I don’t think the DualSense Edge is arguably worth its higher price tag 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 accounted for.
However, the Edge only has two rear paddles, unlike the Elite Series 2’s four. The new function buttons don’t seem to remap and sit right under the analog sticks where they can be accidentally pressed quite easily. At least when it comes to klutz like me.
We also haven’t heard anything about improvements to the DualSense’s noticeable haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. That, and the lack of details on battery life, is troubling, as it’s the one area that Sony’s excellent pad could use some serious improvement.
Now the DualSense Edge will probably be as excellent as its stock counterpart. Pro features are always welcome and the included USB-C connector housing is a fantastic addition. But if you can pick up a fully customized Xbox Design Lab Elite Series 2 for a similar price (or cheaper in the UK), I think Sony may have overestimated how much PS5 owners are willing to spend on a Pro pad.