PS5 DualSense Controller: Every Feature Explained

The PS5 DualSense isn't just a controller—it's a technological marvel that transforms how you experience games. From haptic feedback that lets you feel raindrops to adaptive triggers that simulate bowstring tension, here's everything the DualSense can do.

Haptic Feedback

Unlike the simple rumble motors in previous controllers, the DualSense uses voice coil actuators (similar to speaker technology) to create incredibly precise vibrations.

What It Can Simulate

• Texture feedback - Feel the difference between walking on sand, mud, or metal
• Weather effects - Individual raindrops, hail, wind gusts
• Impacts - Crashes, explosions, punches with precise location
• Ambient sensations - Heartbeats, machinery vibrations, water currents
• Directional feedback - Feel where damage is coming from

Games That Use It Best

• Astro's Playroom - The showcase for haptic tech
• Returnal - Rain and alien environments
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - Weapon and environment variety
• Gran Turismo 7 - Road texture and car physics
• Spider-Man 2 - Web swinging and combat

Adjusting Haptic Intensity

1. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers
2. Find "Vibration Intensity"
3. Choose Weak, Medium, or Strong

Adaptive Triggers (L2 & R2)

The DualSense's adaptive triggers contain motors that can dynamically adjust resistance, creating sensations that match in-game actions.

Resistance Types

• Progressive resistance - Gets harder the further you press (drawing a bow)
• Threshold resistance - Easy until a point, then hard (gun trigger break)
• Vibrating resistance - Rumbles while pressed (grinding through mud)
• Pulsing resistance - Rhythmic push-back (weapon jamming)

Creative Uses in Games

Game	Adaptive Trigger Use
Astro's Playroom	Bow tension, spring suits
Deathloop	Gun jams (resistance when weapon fails)
Gran Turismo 7	Brake resistance, ABS simulation
Horizon Forbidden West	Different bow draw weights
Call of Duty	Weapon recoil and trigger weight

Adjusting Trigger Effect Intensity

1. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers
2. Find "Trigger Effect Intensity"
3. Choose Off, Weak, Medium, or Strong

Built-in Microphone & Speaker

Microphone Features

• Voice chat without headset
• Voice commands in supported games
• Quick mute button (tap to toggle)
• Mute indicator light

Speaker Uses

• Audio cues and collectible sounds
• Character dialogue (like Astro's robot)
• Environmental audio (phone calls in games)
• Companion AI voices

Audio Settings

1. Settings > Sound > Audio Output
2. Adjust "Controller Speaker" volume
3. Settings > Sound > Microphone
4. Adjust input level and enable/disable

Create Button

The Share button is now the Create button with expanded functionality:

Quick Actions

• Press once - Opens Create menu
• Hold - Take screenshot
• Press twice - Save recent gameplay (customizable)

Create Menu Options

• Save screenshot
• Save recent gameplay clip
• Start/stop recording
• Broadcast gameplay
• Screenshot/clip settings

Touchpad

The DualSense touchpad is larger and more responsive than DualShock 4:

Capabilities

• Multi-touch support (2+ fingers)
• Swipe gestures in all directions
• Click as button
• Pressure sensitivity
• Works as mouse cursor in some apps

Common Uses

• Map navigation (swipe to scroll)
• Quick menu access (tap areas)
• Text input navigation
• Game-specific gestures (magic casting, etc.)

Motion Sensors (Gyroscope & Accelerometer)

The DualSense includes precise motion sensing for:

• Aiming assistance - Fine-tune aim by tilting controller
• Racing steering - Tilt to steer in racing games
• VR compatibility - Works with PSVR2
• Puzzle mechanics - Tilt-based puzzles

Games With Great Motion Control

• Astro's Playroom
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure
• Dreams
• Most VR-compatible titles

Light Bar

The light bar around the touchpad serves multiple purposes:

• Player indicator - Color shows which player (1-4)
• Game status - Health, wanted level, team color
• Connection status - Blinking when searching
• Mute indicator - Shows when mic is muted
• Charging status - Orange when charging

Adjusting Light Bar

1. Settings > Accessories > Controllers
2. "Brightness of Controller Indicators"
3. Choose Bright, Medium, or Dim

USB-C Charging

The DualSense uses USB-C instead of micro-USB:

• Faster charging
• Reversible connector
• More durable port
• Standard cable compatibility

Charging Options

• PS5 USB ports (front or back)
• Any USB power source (5V)
• Official DualSense Charging Station
• Third-party charging docks

Battery Life

The DualSense lasts approximately 12-15 hours per charge, depending on:

• Haptic feedback intensity
• Adaptive trigger usage
• Speaker volume
• Light bar brightness
• Microphone use

See our battery optimization guide for tips.

Compatibility

Works With

• PlayStation 5 (full features)
• PlayStation 4 (limited - Remote Play only)
• PC (wired and Bluetooth, partial haptic support)
• Mac (Bluetooth)
• iOS/iPadOS (Bluetooth)
• Android (Bluetooth)
• Steam Deck (full support)