The PlayStation 5 has revolutionized gaming experiences with its cutting-edge technology and immersive gameplay. To make the most of your gaming sessions, selecting the perfect PS5 controller is essential. With a wide array of options available, finding the best PS5 controller tailored to your preferences can seem overwhelming. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the factors to consider when choosing a controller and highlight the top contenders in the market. Whether you’re searching for the official PlayStation 5 controller, exploring third-party options like the PS5 Pro controller, or seeking deals at Best Buy, this guide has got you covered!
Here are some things to consider.
1: Elevate Your Gaming:
Unraveling PS5 Controllers PS5 controllers are more than just input devices; they are the bridge between you and the virtual worlds you explore. These controllers are designed to work seamlessly with the PlayStation 5, offering features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to immerse you further into your games. Discover the world of PS5 controllers and unlock a new level of gaming experience.
2: Key Considerations:
Finding the Best PS5 Controllers When searching for the best PS5 controller, several factors should be on your radar. Consider aspects such as ergonomic design, button layout, compatibility with your gaming style, and special features like built-in microphones or customizable buttons. Additionally, ensure that the controller is officially licensed to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with your PS5.
3: Official vs. Third-Party:
Weighing Your Options The market boasts both official PS5 controllers, such as the DualSense controller, and third-party alternatives. Official controllers come with guaranteed compatibility and the latest features, while third-party options may offer unique designs and additional customization options. Explore the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision.
4: PS5 Pro Controller:
Is It Worth the Upgrade? The term “PS5 Pro controller” often refers to third-party controllers with enhanced features and customization options. While some of these controllers may improve your gaming experience, thoroughly research reviews and compatibility to determine whether they are worth the investment for your gaming needs and the best PC case to house your gaming setup.
5: Best Buy:
Your Destination for PS5 Controllers Best Buy is a renowned electronics retailer offering a vast selection of PS5 controllers. Check their website or visit their stores to explore a wide range of official and third-party controllers. Keep an eye out for exclusive deals, bundles, and special offers to grab the best PS5 controllers at affordable prices.
1. DualSense Edge
Pros
- Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- 2 extra function buttons
- Very detailed customization options for the sensitivity
- Configurable game profiles
- Several kinds of replacement sticks
- More ergonomic design
Cons
- Battery life is very disappointing
- The competition offers more features for the same price range
- Glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet
Extra buttons: 2 remappable back buttons | Battery life: Up to 7 hours | Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth | Warranty: 1 year | Built-in Microphone: Yes | Headphone Jack: Yes
Best Premium PS5 Controller
Sony surprised everyone by releasing the DualSense Edge controller, a premium, upgraded version of the original DualSense controller with a few extra capabilities, even though the DualSense is one of the best controllers available. Sony had never done this before because it typically allowed outside designers to create the “pro” version of their controllers. This is essentially the PlayStation version of the Xbox Elite controller.
The Edge’s main improvements are in its design, in addition to all the capabilities featured on the basic DualSense, including the ground-breaking adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Your gaming experience will be improved by the rounded trigger buttons, updated touchpad, two function buttons located below the analogue sticks, and a little more chassis weight.
Not only that, but the native software also offers even more customization options, including the ability to set up dead zones, adjust the haptic feedback, adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sticks, and remap the back buttons. The analogue sticks can also be changed for other ones. Additionally, you may create gaming profiles for various games and quickly switch between them using the function buttons.
Although the DualSense Edge much outperforms its conventional cousin, it also appears to make the poor battery life—the most common complaint about the old version—worse. The DualSense Edge’s limited gameplay of 4–7 hours is disappointing. Given that you are paying $200, it is reasonable to believe that you should receive more hours of uptime
The stick-drift problem, which also plagued the DualShock 4 before it, is another problem. Even while the DualSense Edge has swappable sticks that help to some extent, it would still be nice to see Sony find a solution to this irksome issue (hello, hall-effect).
2. SCUF Reflex Pro
Pros
- Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Swappable ergonomic analog sticks
- Custom design for the chassis
- Configurable game profiles
- Several kinds of replacement sticks
- 4 removable and remappable back paddles
Cons
- Battery life isn’t much of an improvement
- SCUF has mixed reviews in the community
- Pricey
Extra buttons: 4 re-mappable back paddles | Custom Design: Yes | Configurable Profiles: Yes | Battery life: Up to 9 hours | Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth | Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
Best Overall Third-Party Controller
Undoubtedly, the best PS5 third-party controller is the SCUF Reflex Pro. With their most recent product, SCUF, a company recognised for producing high-quality and unique controllers, hits the mark once more. Along with its own armament, it boasts all the DualSense capabilities including haptic feedback and adjustable triggers.
Don’t be deceived by the SCUF Reflex Pro’s resemblance to the DualSense; it is an entirely distinct animal. The sticks may be switched out and are textured for a tighter grip, and the chassis is coated with a more ergonomic grip. Additionally, there are 4 easily accessible, re-mappable paddles on the rear of the controller that may be used for any purpose you like.
Additionally, the Reflex Pro lets you build three personalised profile settings that you may tailor to the various games you enjoy playing. The LED will change colour based on the profile you are using when you switch between these profiles, which may be done by pressing a button on the back bumper.
The Reflex Pro’s ability to wear a customised design of your choosing, however, is what makes it so enticing. You did really hear correctly! The Reflex Pro gives you the option to build your own controller, draw one yourself, or select from a choice of already-popular designs if you have a PS5 with custom faceplates and need something to go with it.
Even with all of these features, you are unable to customise the SCUF Reflex Pro’s stick sensitivities and deadzones. At $230, it’s disappointing that SCUF was unable to improve the DualSense’s lacklustre battery life; their version of the device only provides up to 9 hours of playtime.
3. Victrix Pro BFG
Pros
- Modular design allows for a lot of customization
- Configurable game and audio profiles
- Excellent battery life
- Large amount of assortments
- Extremely versatile
- Compatible with PC
- Cheaper than most premium controllers
Cons
- No haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- No vibrations
- No built-in microphone and speakers
Extra buttons: 4 re-mappable back paddles | Modules: Fight Pad, D-pads, Sticks | Compatibility: PS5, PS4 and PC | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth | Warranty: 2 years
Best Choice for Versatility
The Victrix Pro BFG will definitely grab your attention if the Scuf Reflex Pro hasn’t already. The BFG provides unrivalled versatility because it was created with many gaming genres in mind. You can swap out pads, sticks, and buttons to alter the controller’s configuration depending on the game you’re playing thanks to its inventive modular architecture. By eliminating compromises, you may customise the controller exactly how you want it to fit your playstyle.
The BFG comes with a variety of attachments that are nothing to laugh at. It has the necessary ergonomics thanks to a taller and shorter analogue stick for better aiming, multiple D-pads, a six button module for fighting games, four remappable back paddles, customizable triggers, a number of swappable stick gates, configuration for three different audio and game profiles, and front and back rubberized grips.
The BFG has the ideal amount of weight while still being comfortably light. Additionally, it contains a “Tournament Lock” mode that prevents input from unintentional system button presses, as this could result in disqualification in tournament settings. It works with the PS4 and PC even though it was designed for the PS5. Additionally, the battery life is superb, lasting up to 20 hours.
The Victrix Pro BFG’s single drawback is that it doesn’t produce any vibrations at all, let alone haptic feedback. Additionally absent from the BFG are adaptive triggers. However, given that not everyone enjoys those, it continues to be a fantastic alternative given its affordable $180 price tag.
4. HexGaming Rival Pro
Pros
- The remappable back paddles allow for more versatility
- Faster trigger response time (only if you opt for FastShot triggers)
- You can design your own controller according to your own specifications
- Custom vibration modules
- Better grip
- Comes with replacement analog sticks
- Better battery life
Cons
- No haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Very expensive
Extra buttons: 4 re-mappable back paddles | Custom Design: Yes | Battery life: Up to 9 hours | Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth | Warranty: 3 months | Hair Triggers: Yes | Custom Vibration Modules: Yes
Best Choice for Custom Designed DualSense
HexGaming’s version of the DualSense controller is called the Rival Pro. The HexGaming Rival Pro has its unique characteristics that differentiate it apart from the DualSense despite having an identical appearance. This is only a sample of what the $290 Rival Pro has to offer, which also has 4 re-mappable paddle buttons on the rear, swappable sticks, and a rubberized grip on the chassis for easy grasping.
The ability to customise your controller, like the Scuf Reflex Pro, is one of the best aspects of the Rival Pro. But the customization process doesn’t end there. You can also outline the analogue sticks on the controller using HexGaming, which lets you change the height, grip, and other aspects of the analogue stick to suit your tastes. Also included are replacement sticks.
While the programmable analogue sticks aid in your ability to perform well in games, the trigger buttons elevate your play. The Rival Pro’s “FastShot” trigger buttons have been updated to be more responsive, especially in shooter games. It shortens the distance travelled until it clicks like a button, eliminating any potential input delays.
Although the FastShot triggers and customised vibration modules are a deserving substitute, the Rival Pro does not support the conventional DualSense adaptable triggers and haptic feedback. Unfortunately, the battery life is on par with the regular DualSense and has even received negative feedback in some reviews.
5. Razer Wolverine Pro V2
Pros
- A lot of customizable buttons for extra functionality
- Excellent battery life
- Faster response time
- Different profiles for different types of games
- Increased customization through the Razer app
Cons
- No haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Limited attachments
- Xbox style layout can be unfamiliar
- No built-in speakers or microphone
- Back buttons might be inconvenient for most
Extra buttons: 4 re-mappable back paddles, 2 extra buttons besides triggers | RGB: Yes (Chroma RGB) | Hair Triggers: Yes | Battery life: Up to 28 hours (no RGB) | Connectivity: Wired USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless | Warranty: 1 year
Best Choice for Extra Functionality
The Wolverine V2 Pro was unveiled by Razer, one of the most well-known gaming companies, last year. It has an analogue stick configuration typically found in Nintendo and Xbox controllers, while being designed for the PS5. PlayStation players who are used to the more conventional side-by-side stick layout may find this to be an issue, but depending on your preferences, it could also be an advantage.
The Wolverine’s abundance of customisable buttons—2 next to the L2 and R2 triggers and 4 on the back—is what makes it unique. Additionally, Razer’s Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons technology enables the face buttons to generate a very clicky sound that is exclusive to Razer controllers while reducing input delay. The D-pad on the controller has also been equipped with this technology.
Additionally, Razer’s HyperTrigger technology enables the triggers to maintain their clicky sensation while keeping up with the responsiveness of the face buttons and D-pad. Similar to the Xbox Elite controllers, a lock next to the triggers allows you to customise how hard you have to press for it to register. When switching between different game genres where hair triggers are inappropriate, this can be helpful.
Without RGB illumination, Razer wouldn’t be Razer, thus it goes without saying that the Wolverine has Razer Chroma RGB. You must use the Razer app, which is available for iOS and Android, to modify the sensitivity, map out the utility buttons, customise the lighting, and configure profiles. The Wolverine has replaceable stick caps and is also PC compatible.
The Wolverine boasts an amazing battery life of up to 28 hours, which is one of its best features. In comparison to DualSense and DualSense Edge, this is a significant improvement. However, turning off the Chroma RGB is a need for the 28 hours of battery life. The life is only 10 hours if activated.
Although the Wolverine has the most extra buttons, some of them are inaccessible because of their awkward and unique positions. The controller’s wider than average width only makes the issue worse.
The haptic feedback and adjustable triggers of the DualSense are also absent from the Wolverine. The absence of a carry case, which would actually be for the charging cord as there are only two extra attachments, is another major drawback.
6. Thrustmaster T248P Racing Wheel
Pros
- Good force feedback
- Built-in LCD display
- Leather grip on the wheel
- Light wheel base
- Magnetic pedals
- Good range of adjustability
- Lots of buttons for extra functionality
- Priced better than its competitors
Cons
- Poor quality paddle shifters
- Sound/feel of the gears grinding can be annoying
- Build quality can be better
Force Feedback: Hybrid Drive | Buttons: 25 | Steering Wheel: Leather grip and LCD display for telemetry data | Pedal Board: 3 pedals | Brake Pedal Type: Magnetic | Warranty: 2 years
Best Racing Wheel for the PS5
Thrustmaster’s HYBRID DRIVE technology is used in their entry-level racing wheel, the Thrustmaster T248P. At slightly under $400, it is quite reasonably priced and comes with a 3-pedal set. In contrast, the ever-popular Logitech G29/G920 costs $400 but has less features and older technology.
Force feedback is delivered by the T248 using a part-belt, part-gear arrangement, making for a more realistic experience. Only in games that enable it can the built-in LCD display on the wheel give a more realistic effect by showing the speedometer or other telemetry data. Additionally, it includes 3 profiles for force feedback adjustment. The brake resistance can be adjusted on the robust magnetic brake pedals.
The wheel features a comfortable leather grip and 25 re-mappable buttons for increased usefulness. However, the brake pedals are fairly flimsy, and the force feedback makes steering the wheel a little more difficult. The T248P is a low-end device, therefore the wheel quality can feel a little subpar.
You can rest guaranteed that the Thrustmaster T248P is one of the best race wheels you can buy at this price point and is well worth the money. The T-GT II from Thrustmaster and the Fanatec GT DD Pro, the latter of which is a direct-drive wheel, are also excellent choices if you want to save up money for the top-tier option.
The apex of racing sim technology is represented by Direct Drive wheels. Direct Drive wheels, in contrast to conventional gear or belt-driven wheels, link the steering wheel directly to a potent motor. As a result, the force feedback is very responsive and lifelike, simulating the subtle nuances of a genuine car’s steering system. They deliver a high level of accuracy and dependability, giving die-hard racing fans an unrivalled virtual driving experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best PS5 controller is essential to maximize your enjoyment and performance in PlayStation 5 games. By considering factors like design, features, and compatibility, you can find a controller that perfectly complements your gaming style. Whether you opt for the official DualSense controller or explore third-party offerings, the right PS5 controller will elevate your gaming experience to new heights. So, embark on this ultimate guide and embark on a journey to discover the perfect PS5 controller that resonates with you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are PS5 controllers, and how do they differ from previous PlayStation controllers?
PS5 controllers are the official game controllers designed specifically for the PlayStation 5 gaming console. They are an upgrade from previous PlayStation controllers, featuring haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, improved battery life, and a refined design for enhanced gameplay experiences.
Q2. What should I consider when choosing the best PS5 controller?
When selecting the best PS5 controller, factors to consider include comfort, build quality, additional features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, compatibility with your gaming style, and any customization options available.
Q3. What is a PS5 Pro controller, and is it worth investing in one?
The term “PS5 Pro controller” is often used colloquially, but it generally refers to third-party controllers designed for the PlayStation 5 with additional features and customization options. While some PS5 Pro controllers may offer unique features, it’s essential to research reviews and ensure they are compatible with the PS5.
Q4. What are the best PS5 controllers available in the market right now?
The best PS5 controllers currently on the market may include official DualSense controllers, as well as third-party options from reputable brands. Look for controllers with positive reviews, top-notch build quality, and features that align with your gaming preferences.
Q5. Where can I purchase the best PS5 controllers, and are there any deals at Best Buy?
You can find the best PS5 controllers both online and at retail stores. Best Buy is a popular retailer that offers a wide range of PS5 controllers. Keep an eye out for special deals and discounts, especially during holiday sales or promotional events.
Q6. Is the PS5 controller from Best Buy any different from the standard DualSense controller?
The PS5 controllers available at Best Buy are typically the same official DualSense controllers as those sold elsewhere. However, Best Buy may occasionally offer exclusive bundles or color variations that you can consider when choosing your PS5 controller.
Q7. Which third-party controller is considered the best for PS5 gaming?
Several third-party controllers are well-regarded for PS5 gaming. Research controllers from reputable brands known for their quality and features. Popular third-party options might include those from companies with a history of producing reliable gaming peripherals for PlayStation consoles.