The DualSense Edge will be with us sooner rather than later. We're bringing you everything you need to know about the upcoming PS5 Pro controller ahead of its January release date. 

The DualSense Edge was announced at Gamescom 2022's Opening Night Live presentation. Sony debuted the controller at the showcase with an all too brief teaser, showing off the upgraded controller and its bespoke features that put it some notches above the regular DualSense wireless controller.

While the DualSense Edge isn't coming until next year, we've seen the standard DualSense selling at its historic lowest-ever prices during the winter sales events, with the Cyber Monday PS5 deals sure to carry the torch forward. It's something to keep on your radar for sure. 

Sony is the last of the big three console manufacturers to offer a more advanced controller for its system. Microsoft led the pack with its Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, and again with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Then there's the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, which is more standard but offers remarkable battery life over the standard Joy-Con controllers.

Now that Sony has thrown its hat into the ring with the DualSense Edge for PS5, what can we expect? Read on to learn everything we know so far about the DualSense Edge controller.

DualSense Edge: cut to the chase

• What is it? Sony's 'Elite' DualSense controller
• When can I buy it? January 26, 2023
• What can I play it on? PS5

DualSense Edge: price and release date

Thanks to a recent 'Features Trailer' and recent PlayStation Blog post, we've now got a release date and pricing information for DualSense Edge. According to Sony, it'll retail for $199.99 USD / €239.99 / £209.99, launching globally on January 26, 2023 and a month before PSVR 2. Unfortunately, no Australian price was provided.

It puts DualSense Edge above Microsoft's Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which retails for $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.95. With Sony recently pushing up the price of the PS5, we're not surprised that accessories have followed suit. The DualSense costs $69.99 /£59.99/ AU$109.95, while the Xbox Wireless Controller comes in slightly cheaper at $59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99. 

Across the UK, US, and Europe, DualSense Edge and replaceable stick module pre-orders are exclusive to the PlayStation Direct store. However, this will later be offered to "other participating retailers" on February 23, though no companies were detailed.

DualSense Edge: design

The DualSense Edge's silhouette is practically identical to the standard controller. But that's by no means a bad thing. The DualSense is already a slickly designed, comfortable pad that didn't need much refinement in the first place.

Its aesthetic differences are more apparent. The central touchpad is a clean matte black, emblazoned with PlayStation's square, circle, cross and triangle iconography. The d-pad and face buttons have also been changed to black, from the original's white. What we've got holds a striking contrast from the standard white DualSense controller.

The bottom of the controller, which houses the mic, PS button and analog sticks is now a glossier black. The sticks themselves, triggers, as well as the back of the controller, all look to have a more sturdy and textured grip, too.

DualSense Edge: battery life

By far the DualSense's biggest drawback is its meager battery life. Often clocking in anywhere between 4-10 hours from a single charge, it falls well short of the pads on competing systems. Unfortunately, even with Sony's recent reveal, we don't have concrete information on the DualSense Edge's battery life just yet. 

Still, it's something that Sony should be keen on improving over the base pad, even if it's just a marginal improvement of a few hours. By comparison, Xbox's Elite Series 2 packs a battery life of around 35-40 hours on a single charge. We don't think the Edge will meet this, considering all of the features it has that Xbox's pad lacks. But we'd like to see an improved battery life of at least around 15-20 hours.

DualSense Edge: features

The DualSense Edge might look the part, but its worth as a pro-standard pad will be judged on its features. For the most part, it looks like Sony is pulling out all the stops in this regard. 

As you'd expect, the Edge is going to be highly modular. The sticks, stick caps and back paddles can all be swapped out and adjusted based on your personal preferences. Control layout and sensitivity are also fully customizable. Not only will players be able to fully customize their button layouts, they can also adjust stick deadzones, as well as trigger travel distance and sensitivity.

All this can be done, on the fly, from the controller itself. A dedicated Fn (function) button will bring up a separate UI that lets players customize their controller settings at a moment's notice. Additionally, you'll also be able to save profiles for when you'll need them most. Switching from Demon's Souls to Gran Turismo 7? Profile switching will ensure your control setup is good to go no matter what game you're playing.

You can expect all the DualSense's best features to return. Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and motion controls are all present and accounted for when it comes to the Edge. Lastly, everything come bundled in an included carrying case, and you can charge the controller via USB connection while it’s stored inside.

• Looking for all the newest PS5 games? Here's everything coming out in the next few months