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Topics: PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Sony, Tech
PlayStation has reportedly upgraded one of the worst features of what is otherwise a fantastic DualSense controller.
Sony’s DualSense controller for the PS5 is a fantastic bit of kit and arguably the best controller in the entire history of the PlayStation console since its inception in 1995.
While many will fairly argue that any of the recent generation controllers for the Xbox is the best, it’s all personal preference at the end of the day. Aside from the nostalgic (but awful) Nintendo 64 controller that I adore, from a technical standpoint, the DualSense is my favourite.
Not only does the DualSense controller fit and grip wonderfully in my hands, but I also like the perfect placement of the analogue sticks and the shoulder buttons. Not to mention the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that add a new layer of immersion for games that choose to make the most out of those features.
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Then, of course, you have the other features, such as the built-in speaker and mic and the touchpad, which can not only be used similarly to a mouse touchpad, but it’s also easier to press when bringing up in-game maps, and whatnot.
However, the DualSense controller is far from perfect. For example, I bought the snazzy limited edition controller for The Last of Us Part II, and after just a few weeks of use, the left analogue stick developed an annoying creaking noise.
After looking it up online, I’m not the only one to encounter this (it’s been an issue for a while).
I would send it back for repair, but it’s long out of stock. So if I sent it back for repair, it might not return.
Then we have the dreaded stick drift, which is unfortunately not only a common fault with Nintendo’s Joy-Con but also Sony’s DualSense. Finally, last but certainly not least, the battery life sucks!
After using a DualSense for a year, its built-in battery depletes a ton, frequently needing more recharges with each week that passes. At least with the Xbox controller, you can easily buy batteries and replace them. Sadly, that’s not such an easy task with DualSense.
You can buy an external battery with a longer life online and replace it yourself (which I’ve done), but not everyone will be comfortable taking the DualSense apart to replace the battery.
Thankfully, as Push Square reported, Sony’s latest DualSense model, CFI-ZCT2W, can reportedly last up to 15 hours of continuous play, as tested by Twitter user Modyfikator89.
The only snag here is that there is no update possible (as far as I’m aware) that can optimise the battery life for older DualSense controllers in our possession right now.
The best we can do to get more life out of our current controllers is only recharge them when the controller dies to always get a full charge, and adjust some settings, such as light brightness and the intensity of its feedback features.
So, if you are on the lookout for a new DualSense controller, check the box and look for the product code “CFI-ZCT2W” before splashing your cash.