DualSense Edge controller hands-on experience: High quality peripherals at an affordable price

It has been almost two weeks since the release of DualSense Edge. After receiving the package, I immediately replaced it with my main controller. After such a long period of high-intensity use, I would like to share my usage experience with everyone.

Not just a storage box

At the moment I opened the packaging of the controller, DualSense Edge did give me the idea that "there is a reason why you are expensive.". After opening the outer packaging, there is a thick white cardboard box inside, and inside is the black and white storage bag of the Edge controller. At least in terms of the sense of opening ceremony, it is very different from the ordinary DualSense controller.

The main material of the storage bag is white frosted hard plastic, which has a texture similar to the white part of the DualSense handle and looks very high-end. I have been commuting to work for almost two weeks and have kept it in my bag. There have been no scratches yet, so friends who often need to take the Edge controller out of the house should not worry too much.

The top of the storage bag can be opened, and the small hole that leaks out is directly facing the charging port of the controller. The controller can be charged without opening the storage bag, and after use, it can be closed. Sony uses Velcro here, and the materials are also quite thick, so there is no need to worry about the storage bag breaking down, as there will always be a leak outside.

Before I actually got it, I didn't quite understand this design. Why do we need a design where the controller can be charged even when placed in the bag. It wasn't until the first time I charged the controller that I realized how great this design was.

The Edge handle is generally similar to the design of an ordinary DualSense handle, so the L2 and R2 will still directly contact the table when the handle is placed horizontally. The handle priced at 16 yuan is placed on the table like this. I'm still a little distressed. If I put it in the storage box for charging, it will at least make me feel more at ease.

Finally, the anti wear pad pattern at the bottom of the storage box is the classic circle and cross triangular square of the PlayStation family, with well crafted details.

Clever ideas on accessories

After discussing the storage box, let's take a look at the standard accessories for the Edge controller this time. From top to bottom, there are 2 semi high dome back keys, 2 lever type back keys, 1 interface housing, 2 high dome rocker caps, and 2 low dome rocker caps. A 2.8 meter long woven data cable is placed on the top of the storage box.

The Edge controller can only install 2 back keys at a time. For players who are accustomed to using 4 back key controllers, it may feel a bit cramped, but for players like me who only want a separate L3 key and a convenient menu button to press at any time, it is just enough.

The back button is installed on the back of the handle through a magnetic suction, which is very strong and will not fall off even during intense operation. Whether to use the dome back key or the lever back key depends on individual usage habits, but I accidentally found that installing the lever back key on the left side of the handle and the dome back key on the right side of the handle has an excellent tactile sensation.

It is estimated that the most commonly used joystick in the left hand is with the fingers pointing downwards, and the most commonly used joystick in the right hand is with the fingers pointing upwards. This mixed back key combination perfectly corresponds to the position of the upper handle. Friends with Edge controllers on hand can try this configuration, which may bring you surprises.

The disassembly method of the joystick cap was a bit surprising to me. Since the magnetic suction experience of the back button is so excellent, there is no reason why the joystick cap should not be magnetic suction. The result is that Sony is using a direct plug design here, which I don't quite understand.

Fortunately, the insertion and removal of the joystick cap was not as difficult as I had imagined, and it could be easily removed with just a little force. When installing a new joystick cap, align it in place and press it down until you hear a crisp "click" sound, indicating that the installation is complete.

The interface shell may not sound like what it is used for, but in fact, its purpose is to turn the Edge controller into a wired controller. Paired with the included woven data cable, the charging cable can be firmly fixed on the handle, achieving an anti detachment effect.

For players who frequently use wired connections, this gadget is very convenient. It not only protects the interface, but also fixes the wires securely. It is important to note that it is best to use the built-in woven data cable or a cable with a similar shape to the interface end, otherwise there may be situations where it cannot be placed into the interface shell or there is a certain amount of space for the interface, which may result in poor fixing of the cable.

For me, this feature is not as useful anymore. The main reason is that I am now accustomed to the sense of freedom brought by wireless connections. Unless there is a need to play games continuously for a long time, I will choose wired connections for the sake of controller battery life. Otherwise, I will not let the cables limit my gaming scenes.

wireless is more suitable for me, so a regular DualSense controller can meet my needs in this area

At the end of the accessories section, let's talk about what I think is the most stunning design of the Edge controller this time - the replaceable joystick module.

On the back of the Edge controller, there is a "RELEASE" switch. Turn the switch to the other side, and the bright black panel around the joystick will pop up. Then lift the small metal piece next to it to remove the entire joystick module.

I have also watched some videos of netizens replacing joysticks or other accessories on their own before. No matter how clear the explanation in the video is, it is still necessary to understand the relevant knowledge, prepare the corresponding tools, and have a certain threshold for getting started. But the Edge controller greatly reduces this threshold, allowing for the replacement of joystick components without the need for any additional tools, and is also very friendly to players who are not familiar with hardware.

Sony should also be very interested in this feature, and has specially reserved a location for replaceable joystick components in the storage bag, which can quickly adjust the handle in case of emergencies.

The empty space below is for placing the joystick module

If you must be picky, it's difficult to turn the RELEASE switch without nails, and the black panel around the joystick is not frosted, which is more prone to fingerprints.

Overall, I believe Sony has carefully designed the accessories for the Edge controller, both in terms of the richness of the accessories and the convenience of replacing them, to cater to the needs of a wider range of players.

A sharp weapon in the palm

Finally, I have arrived at the user experience section of the Edge controller. Instead of simply following the introduction on the official website, I am more inclined to showcase some of the details I have noticed during this period, so that friends who cannot access the Edge controller can have a more detailed understanding of this handheld weapon.

Firstly, it is the grip sensation. If this is the first time buying a controller at such a high price, there may be a slight psychological difference when getting started. The grip feel of the Edge controller is only slightly different from that of a regular DualSense controller. After all, there is only a slight difference in appearance between the two, which will not affect the overall feel.

The significant difference lies in the four buttons of the circle, cross, triangle, and square. Personally, I feel that pressing them resembles the DUALSHOCK 4 controller of the PS4, which is quite different from the DualSense controller that comes standard with the PS5.

The O key on the Edge controller in my hand feels slightly softer when pressed compared to the other three keys. Some netizens have also mentioned this situation in their user experience sharing. However, it doesn't really affect the user experience for me, it just takes some time to adapt.

The touch pad of the controller feels a bit hard and requires more force to press down. For games where pressing the touch pad can open the map, this experience may be driving in reverse.

Due to the addition of many new designs, the space for storing batteries in the controller has become much smaller, resulting in the emergence of more high-end Edge controllers, which have lower battery life compared to DualSense.

Next is the three-stage adjustable trigger on the Edge controller. I know many friends are considering buying this controller because of this.

There is a sliding switch located behind the trigger button on the Edge handle, which can physically adjust the three key positions (left and right can be adjusted to different gears). In the longest key range mode, the trigger key experience is the same as a regular DualSense handle, but in the medium and shortest key range modes, the "adaptive trigger", a major feature on the DualSense handle, will be unavailable.

Whether it is a shorter key range or an adaptive trigger depends on individual usage.

As for the two Fn keys below the joystick, pressing them can quickly switch between different handle mapping schemes. If there were such high-quality peripherals available when Ghost Cry 5 was released, it might be that the Edge controller would be sold out by core players, and the one click switch button mapping solution would be too appealing.

Summary: High quality peripherals with high prices

I know that some people may still be hesitant about buying Edge controllers after reading this hands-on experience.

Is the Edge handle good? Of course it's great, some of its features are really convenient and practical. Now I want to switch back to a regular DualSense controller, but I don't want to have a hundred of them. However, even though I have experienced the advantages of Edge controllers, I still feel that the price of 1600 is slightly higher for ordinary players.

For players who require exclusive features of Edge controllers, such as a three-stage adjustable trigger, replaceable keycaps, and replaceable joystick modules, this money is a necessary expense. But for ordinary players who don't have so many special needs, the Edge controller is likely to find it difficult to sustain the price of 1600 in their minds.

So in my opinion, the Edge controller is a cost-effective high-quality peripheral that has a significant natural advantage on the PlayStation platform, but its price also makes it difficult for many players to put in the effort to bring it home.