DualSense Edge: UK release date of new Sony PS5 wireless pro controller, price - and new features

Since the PlayStation 5 console was released at the tail end of 2020, gamers have been impressed with the DualSense controller that comes bundled with the machine.

Sony’s controllers have become just as iconic as some of their most well-received games, and the latest iteration of the DualSense comes with a number of features its rivals - such as Xbox’s controllers - are still lacking.

For one, there’s the built-in haptic feedback and adaptive, tension controlled triggers, which make in-game actions like firing a bow or driving a car over rough terrain feel all the more real in your hand.

Still, it’s not been without its drawbacks, eating through battery life to provide those extra functions not present on other consoles’ gamepads.

But that could change with the DualSense Edge controller, Sony’s first foray into the expanding ‘pro’ controller market.

Revealed at the recent Gamescom event, here is everything you need to know about it.

What is the DualSense Edge?

Simply put, the DualSense Edge is the PS5’s first official ‘pro’ controller.

For a higher price than that of the standard model, players can expect a refined peripheral designed with professional gaming in mind - though still providing plenty of benefits for the average, ‘casual’ gamer at home.

Much like the Xbox’s ‘Elite’ controllers, the DualSense will likely benefit from a studier build quality and longer battery life, as well as slight improvements to the design to make it feel better in the hands - it appears as if it comes with textured grips, for instance.

Alongside those tweaks and improvements, the controller will come with a plethora of other features that could help give you an edge (no pun intended) in the gaming skills department.

What features does the DualSense Edge come with?

Perhaps the biggest feature of the DualSense Edge is just how customizable it is.

Its big selling point is the ability to create custom controller profiles to suit your needs. Perhaps you prefer playing shooter games with the X button as the ‘fire’ input (as opposed to the more ‘standard’ right trigger mapping)? With the Edge, you can create a custom profile that allows you to map the controller’s inputs to whichever buttons you see fit.

You can create multiple of these profiles, and switch between them easily depending on which game you’re looking to play through the controller’s new ‘Fn’ (function) button, which will bring up a dedicated on screen menu when pressed and allow you to make the switch quickly.

You can also physically customise the controller, adjusting the tension of triggers and the sensitivity of the thumbsticks; the controller comes with three types of changeable thumbstick toppers which you can switch out to suit whatever is most comfortable for you.

There are also two swappable buttons on the back of the controller - buttons which simply don’t exist on the standard DualSense model - which can be configured to be any other button input, giving you more easily accessible inputs at your fingertips.

The DualSense Edge also comes with a USB Type-C braided cable, which uses a connector housing to lock into the controller so it’s much less likely to slip out at a crucial moment.

How much will it cost?

At the time of writing, Sony hasn’t confirmed at what price the DualSense Edge will be sold.

But looking at Microsoft’s pro controller offering, we can make a failry confident guesstimate: its Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 retails for £159.99.

It’s likely that the DualSense Edge controller will sit somewhere around that price point when it is released, though Sony’s standard controller is already more expensive that its Xbox counterpart as it includes technological features not seen in Microsoft’s offering (the DualSense costs £59.99 while the Xbox Wireless Controller comes in at £54.99).

It’s also worth remembering that with Sony upping the price of its PS5 consoles around the globe, it could soon follow suit with its accessories.

When will it be released?

Again, no confirmation from Sony as to when the DualSense will be released to the public, but it has said it is “looking forward” sharing more details “in the months ahead”.

Some have theorised that along with the PSVR 2 and a rumoured PS5 Pro (a slightly more powerful version of its existing control), a bundle with the two new accessories with the upgraded console would make quite the enticing offer.

Could a mid-to-late 2023 therefore be in the works?