# Is it worth upgrading to a PS5 controller for PC gaming? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-it-worth-upgrading-to-a-ps5-controller-on-pc-2/ - Published: 2023-10-31 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/) --- If you‘re a PC gamer wondering whether to upgrade to the newest PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, it really depends on your priorities and what types of games you play most. While the DualSense brings some nice new features to the table, it may not be worth the higher price tag for more casual players. This detailed guide will walk you through the pros and cons so you can decide if upgrading is right for your needs. ## At a Glance For PC use, the main advantages of the DualSense controller are the advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which can provide more immersive tactile sensations compared to traditional rumble vibration. It also has a built-in microphone, USB-C charging, and a Create button for quick access to social features. However, the DualSense costs $69.99, over 50% more than a standard Xbox controller. And many PC games don‘t fully support the unique features yet. Unless you play titles designed specifically for DualSense, you‘ll mostly just get regular rumbly vibration. So whether it‘s worth upgrading really depends on your budget, what games you play, and how much you value next-gen features like detailed haptic feedback. For competitive esports gamers, a basic controller likely works just fine. But if immersive experiences are important to you, the DualSense could be a worthwhile upgrade. ## DualSense Controller Overview Sony‘s newest controller design has some clear differences from previous PlayStation gamepads. The DualSense was built to showcase the more advanced haptic capabilities of the PlayStation 5 console. Some of the key features that set it apart: - **Haptic feedback** – Rather than simple rumble motors, the DualSense uses voice coil actuators to produce much more nuanced vibration effects. This can simulate textures, motions, recoil, and ambient environmental sensations. - **Adaptive triggers** – The L2 and R2 trigger buttons have adjustable tension levels. This allows developers to make you feel resistance to mimic actions like drawing a bowstring or pressing down on vehicle brake pedals. - **Built-in mic** – No headset required for voice chat, the DualSense has a built-in microphone array. - **Create button** – Provides quick access to social features like broadcasting gameplay, capturing screenshots and video clips to share. - **USB-C charging** – Uses the newer reversible USB-C connector, charging much faster than the DualShock 4‘s micro USB port. - **Touchpad and motion sensors** – Carried over from the DualShock 4, the DualSense keeps the central touchpad and 6-axis motion sensing system. Beyond those highlights, the DualSense maintains a very similar overall design to previous PlayStation controllers. The iconic symmetrical dual-stick layout returns along with other standard face buttons like Triangle, Circle, Square and X. ## Adoption for PC Gaming Sony designed the DualSense first and foremost with the PlayStation 5 in mind. However, as an advanced and modern controller, it works great for PC gaming as well. In a survey conducted on the r/PCGaming subreddit, about 16% of respondents reported using a DualSense controller, compared to 55% using an Xbox controller. So while Xbox is still dominant, adoption of the DualSense on PC is significant. Connecting the controller to a PC is as simple as plugging it in via USB-C cable or pairing over Bluetooth. It will work right away with the standard Microsoft drivers. The DualSense acts as a DirectInput gamepad, similar to an Xbox controller. For full functionality, you can customize bindings using Steam‘s Controller Configuration settings. There are also utilities like DS4Windows that work with the DualSense. ## Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers These new tactile feedback systems are the DualSense‘s standout features for gaming immersion. But unfortunately, the experience can be hit-or-miss when using the controller primarily for PC gaming. Very few PC games natively support the advanced haptics and adaptive triggers. The effects were designed around PlayStation 5 hardware and games. Where they are implemented properly though, it can make a remarkable difference in realism. Some of the major games that currently utilize the features include: - Death Stranding - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - Control - Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition For most other games, you‘ll just get basic vibration rumble like a typical gamepad. The nuanced resistance of the adaptive triggers also won‘t be enabled without developer implementation. There are some ways to add support in unsupported games though, such as using the [DSX app](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1654280/DSX/) which intercepts controller input to simulate haptics and resistance. As more titles get native integration, the value prospect of the DualSense on PC will continue improving. ## Haptics for Immersion Haptic feedback systems have become more popular in gaming controllers as an enhancement for immersion and realism. By giving players detailed tactile sensations synchronized to in-game actions and environments, it can make the experiences feel significantly more engaging overall. For example, developers can now translate things like: - Feeling the kick of different weapons - Walking through mud vs. on ice - Driving over rough or smooth terrain - Sensing rain, wind, or debris in the air - Recoil after explosions - Tension on a bowstring - The click of different weapons and buttons This level of refined physical feedback allows another dimension of sensory depth compared to standard rumble vibration. It can make games, especially immersive first-person experiences, feel more tangible and realistic. ## Accessibility Benefits In addition to enhanced realism, advanced haptic feedback systems also provide accessibility benefits. Features like adjustable trigger resistance helps reduce the need for rapid button mashing in some contexts, which can help gamers with motor impairments. And in general, force feedback and textures simulated through vibrations support alternative perception for visually impaired players. It creates another channel for crucial game information to be conveyed through touch. So the technology has advantages for inclusion. ## Comparable Xbox Controller Features Xbox controllers also have vibration motors for basic rumble feedback, but not the same level of haptic nuance as the DualSense. The pricier Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 does have "impulse triggers" though, which function similarly to adaptive triggers with adjustable tension. For detailed vibration, Microsoft has debuted their own take with the Xbox Series X/S controller that adds a feature called Dynamic Latency Input (DLI). This supposedly enhances controller feel for supported Xbox games by more closely syncing haptic feedback with in-game action. So while not identical, Xbox controllers are certainly evolving in tactile feedback quality as well. But the DualSense still appears most advanced when it comes to the combination of both adjustable triggers and high-fidelity haptics. ## Other DualSense Enhancements Beyond the marquee features of advanced haptics and adaptive triggers, the DualSense brings other welcome improvements that translate well to PC gaming: - **Built-in microphone** – Makes voice chat convenient without needing a headset by using the controller‘s built-in mic array. Very handy for quick social gaming sessions. - **Create button** – Provides fast access to social capabilities like broadcasting, capturing screenshots, and saving gameplay clips to share. - **USB-C charging** – Uses the modern USB-C connector for much faster charging compared to micro USB. Also convenient that it‘s reversible. - **Touchpad and motion sensor retention** – Holdovers from the DualShock 4 that are still useful for certain PC game genres. - **Enhanced ergonomics** – Slightly larger than previous PlayStation controllers with improved hand ergonomics for more comfort over long play sessions. ## Cost Considerations One of the biggest barriers to recommending the DualSense as a must-have PC gaming accessory is its steep $69.99 price tag. That‘s over 50% more expensive than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, which can routinely be found on sale for $44.99. And PlayStation 5 exclusives designed specifically for DualSense features are of course not playable natively on PC. So you‘re primarily paying more just for advanced haptics and ergonomic improvements. Using a budget-friendly PS4 DualShock 4 controller may be the better frugal option to still get PlayStation form factor. But you‘ll miss out on the new immersive feedback capabilities. ## Customization Comparisons Both controllers offer button mapping customization for PC through Steam. But the Xbox Accessories app provides much deeper settings adjustments overall. With an Xbox controller on PC, you can really fine tune advanced settings like: - Trigger stop positions - Throttle for trigger sensitivity - Stick response curves and deadzones - Vibration intensity - Button macros The DualSense allows remapping buttons to other functions, but doesn‘t have as extensive customization. If you want granular control over response characteristics, Xbox controllers are preferable. ## User Impressions Reviewing various gaming forums and communities provides useful insight into real user experiences with the DualSense on PC. Here are some common sentiments: - The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers really do provide a superior, more immersive experience **when supported properly in a game**. It makes a significant impact on engagement. - For competitive multiplayer titles, the standard Xbox controller remains ideal for its simplicity and reliability. - The mic and social quick access Create button are nice quality of life perks. - Comfort in hand feels improved over previous PlayStation controllers. Very ergonomic for larger hands. - Lack of customization through Sony is disappointing. - Not viable as your sole PC controller due to lack of game support currently. Better as a supplemental option. The consensus seems to be the DualSense is excellent as a secondary controller specifically for story-driven, single player games where immersion matters most. But general all-purpose use remains best served by a standard Xbox gamepad. ## The Verdict While not necessarily a mandatory purchase, the PlayStation 5‘s DualSense controller does bring some compelling new innovations to the table for PC gamers focused on immersive single player experiences. For competitive esports gaming, a basic controller with simple reliable performance is probably still ideal. But if you love lush story-driven worlds and value tactile feedback, the finely-tuned haptics and adaptive triggers of the DualSense offer something truly unique. Just keep in mind native support is still limited and may require special plugins. And the $70 price is quite steep if you won‘t utilize the headline features. But as more developers integrate DualSense functionality into PC titles, it becomes an increasingly tempting upgrade. Overall, I would only recommend the DualSense as a secondary controller specifically for certain single player games at this point. But as next-gen features become standardized, it may well establish itself as the new gold standard for immersive gaming experiences across all platforms. --- Source: [Is it worth upgrading to a PS5 controller for PC gaming?](https://33rdsquare.com/is-it-worth-upgrading-to-a-ps5-controller-on-pc-2/)