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The DualSense wireless controller that arrives with your PlayStation 5 is by no means an inferior gaming product. However, it does fall short for players who want to do a little more with their control methods.
Sony has acknowledged some shortcomings with its release of the new DualSense Edge, as well as the upcoming project Leonardo that caters to gamers with disabilities, but there are some third-party options that can fit your needs just as well.
Important note: Sony has strict compatibility guidelines for the PS5 controller. That means that an official PS4 controller from a third-party will work with the PS4 games that you play on your PS5 console, and Sony has assured players that fighting sticks and other accessories will be similarly supported. However, brand-new PS5 games are generally off-limits to PS4 controllers.
Scuf Reflex FPS
- Enhanced grip
- Interchangeable thumbsticks
- Various profile settings
- Expensive
Scuf fans won't be surprised that the controller brand was the first to announce an official third-party PS5 controller with all the bells and whistles, making it one of the most suitable replacements for Sony's own DualSense - especially for those looking for something a bit extra.
The base design of the controller is excellent, with adaptive triggers, a performance coating for an easy grip, textured thumbsticks for precision, and an overall solid design that's to be expected from an experienced company like Scuf. But that's just the beginning: This controller is also packed with extras, including interchangeable thumbsticks and four removable, remappable rear paddle buttons that you can customize with whatever options you want. Since you'll probably want different configurations with different games, there are also three different profile settings you can save and switch between whenever you want.
The Reflex FPS also comes in a variety of colors, designed to match the colors that the PS5 is finally available in as well, so you don't have to worry about your controllers clashing if you plan ahead!
DualSense Edge
For the first time, Sony is offering its own official "pro"-style controller for its console. The DualSense Edge is a step up from the default controller in nearly every way, with customizable components, back paddles, and the ability to set control scheme profiles. Where the controller falls short is an unfortunate drop in battery life compared to the base controller, as well as the very high cost at $200. While this certainly is a premium controller, that price point alone may outweigh the positives for some.
Hexgaming Hex Ultimate
- Rear button paddles
- Slim triggers
- Adjustable thumbsticks
- Super pricey
HexGaming starts with a basic DualSense PS5 controller and then upgrades into an esports-ready beast of a pro controller that's superior in almost every way. The rear button paddles include remapping software that allows you to change them on the fly for each game and program them with any other button activation you need. The top shoulder/trigger buttons have also been redesigned with a slimmer profile that allows for faster activation that may help gamers work on their reaction times. The controller also comes with "six-in-one" thumbsticks that allow you to adjust the height, pick a thumbstick grip that feels more comfortable (and prevents slipping), and more.
Finally, HexGaming offers a wide variety of themes so you can pick a visual design that you like the most without sacrificing quality. It should also work with the DualSense charging station. The only real downside of this Ultimate controller is that it's far more expensive than the original DualSense, so you will have to pay for what you get. It's hands down one of the best PS5 controllers on the market though.
Nacon Esports Revolution Unlimited Pro V3
- Customizable sticks
- Button mapping
- Various profile settings
- No built-in speaker
Nacon’s controller means business when it comes to thumbstick customization. The sticks are highly customizable, allowing you to adjust amplitude to exactly what suits the game you are playing, plus interchangeable heads to get exactly the feel that you want. You can also map buttons to specific actions and create several different profiles to switch between as needed. It supports both wired and wireless connections, depending on what you prefer and find the most reliable. The overall design is both comfortable and high-quality, making it a great pick for long sessions of serious gaming on the PS5 console.
Scuf Impact
- Removable paddles
- Traditional design
- Lots of customization
- As always, customizable controllers like these are expensive
Scuf’s Impact controller has a bit more of a traditional shape and comes with a whole kit of customization options to get things just right. Along with the customizable controller faceplate, you get four removable paddles that fit into the back for some extra button mapping, electro-magnetic remapping options for easy swaps, adjustable hair-trigger, quick shift trigger stops, and interchangeable thumbsticks to find the best options. It’s the perfect choice if you love tons of personalization and tweaking the controller to find just the right setup. It also supports both wired and wireless modes.
AIM PS5 Controller
- Complete customization
- Surprisingly affordable
- Works with PS5 charging dock
- Doesn't impact performance
Aim takes a different approach to customizing the PS5 DualSense controller: Their system allows you to pick each part of the controller and specify a different look so you get the precise appearance you want, right down to what each thumbstick looks like and the color of the touchpad. Each option gives at least a few primary colors to choose from, allowing gamers to tinker until they've replicated their favorite theme or invoked the color pattern of any character in media.
The advantage of this approach — in addition to the customization — is that it's still very affordable since the changes are all visual. The downside is that, unlike the HexGaming optimization, the Aim Controller won't actually change how the DualSense performs. The official DualSense controller is great, but the customization options here make it one of the best PS5 controllers. And it will still work perfectly with a default PS5 charging station.
Victrix Pro BFG
- Customizable modules
- Longer battery
- Easier repairs
- No DualSense haptics
- Expensive
If you just want a solid controller you can depend on to last a long time, both in a single play session and over years, the Victrix Pro BFG covers both angles. In the short term, it ditches the battery-draining DualSense haptic features that many players opt to turn off anyway in favor of a much longer 20-hour battery life. Because you can swap out the sticks and D-pad, you don't have to worry about needing to replace the entire controller if one part breaks. Add in the back paddles and adjustable triggers and this is arguably the best option for the average gamer.
Backbone One
- Best option for remote play
- Comfortable and easy to connect
- Same layout as traditional controller
- Only compatible with iPhones
If you're a fan of game streaming, specifically using the PS5's remote play option, then you absolutely need a Backbone One. This device easily connects to your iPhone and effectively turns it into a handheld console. The button and stick layouts are exactly as they are on the PS5, comfortable, and keep you from having to block the screen using touch controls. It works completely off your phone's battery, meaning it will never die on you, and has its own audio jack for headphones too. The only downside is that Android users can't join in on the fun.
Thrustmaster T248, Racing Wheel and Magnetic Pedals Brand: THRUSTMASTER
- Feels realistic
- Lots of customization
- Leather wrap grip
- Expensive, but you get what you pay for
If you're a huge fan of racing games, there's nothing like a realistic wheel and pedal set to really get in the zone — and this is one of the best models out there. You can order it now to ensure you get this wheel, which features leather wrapping for a luxurious grip and a built-in screen that can provide more than 20 different display options depending on the sort of data you want to see. The wheel houses 25 action buttons you can use and program, including dual-position encoders. There are also three preset modes you can switch between to adjust the advanced force feedback level. And don't forget the excellent magnetic pedal set, which sports four spring configurations for the brake pedal alone. If you want to race in style, nothing else can beat this Thrustmaster!
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