When Microsoft released its Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller in 2015, PlayStation fans were wondering when the company would release its own premium controller. After all, PlayStation had released some of the biggest innovations in the business with the handlebar design and a layout that has become standard in the industry.

With the PlayStation DualSense Edge, Sony borrows a few concepts from other devices and incorporates them in a complete package that marries the best of these innovations. Developed as a controller that will work with any title, it sports some of the basics of the stock DualSense. It has adaptive triggers that offer force feedback as you press the shoulder buttons.

DIFFERENCES ON THE SURFACE

The device will work with Sony’s own wireless charging docks and it boasts that same two-tone design, albeit with a black touchpad that has the brand’s iconic square, triangle, circle and cross motifs etched across the surface. In terms of hand-feel, the Edge nearly mirrors the DualSense. The two big differences lie in their respective weights, with the Edge being heavier at 335 grams while the stock DualSense is 281 grams. In addition, the Edge has a luxuriously textured grip that feels like the leather on a new basketball.

Although they appear similar on the front, flip the Edge over and you can see the extras that will give players an advantage. They’ll find adjustable trigger stops with sliders that have three settings. This enables the triggers to have a shorter travel distance, creating a hair-trigger effect that’s useful in shooters.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BACK PADDLES

Elsewhere on the back, the Edge has slots for paddles. This has been one of the biggest innovations in the controller scene over the past two generations. Popularized by SCUF controllers, it allows players to keep their thumbs on the analog sticks while reloading or jumping, giving them a distinct advantage in competitive play. The controller has two which is enough. Having four paddle buttons often overcomplicates the back of the controller and crowds the space.

Sony has conventional paddles that hug the sides of the handlebars, but what’s more intriguing is that these paddles can be switched out for half-dome back buttons, which I find easier to press. They feel more accessible to hit with the middle fingers compared to the conventional paddles. The reason is that the finger is angled so that it has more leverage and it ends up more responsive.

MODULARITY SAVING MONEY

Another element that other companies have added to controllers is modularity. Sony introduces this to the Edge by designing the controller with replaceable analog sticks. If that part of the device breaks, players don’t have to buy a whole new controller, which can be expensive the DualSense costs $69.99).

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