Best PS5 controller: Scuf Reflex, DualSense and more great PlayStation 5 controllers

Sony has yet to release any top-tier PS5 controller options other than the DualSense, which is the successor to the PS4’s DualShock 4. supports your hands and index fingers. It’s a huge improvement over the DualShock 4 in terms of ergonomics.

Aside from just being a great-feeling controller, the PS5 DualSense wireless controller has haptic feedback, which, in simple terms, is just a fancy vibration feature – but in practice, it’s actually kind of magical when you play PS5 games that it actually implements. it well, like Astro’s Playroom and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Adaptive triggers on the L2 and R2 buttons also provide realistic tension based on different situations, such as the feeling of pulling back a string or switching between different weapons. The DualSense wireless controller has a built-in microphone for online gaming, and like the DualShock 4, there’s a 3.5mm jack for directly plugging in the PS5 headset to listen to other gamers online or just enjoy in-game audio.

The PS5 comes with a DualSense controller, of course, but if you’re grabbing a second PS5 controller, it’s honestly not a bad idea to grab a second DualSense to switch when the other is charging or for local multiplayer. The official PS5 DualSense charging station is also worth buying for this purpose. You can check out our PS5 review to learn more about why the DualSense is such an impressive next-gen accessory.

The DualSense comes in White, Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Galactic Purple, Nova Pink and Skylight Blue. The white and Midnight Black models sell for $70, while the other colors are $75 each.

There is currently only one third-party controller for playing PS5 games that we recommend: the Scuf Reflex. This great, next-gen PS5 controller retains all the new DualSense features – adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and integrated game audio – while offering more fine-tuned customization for competitive gaming.

The main advantage of the Scuf Reflex is the four convenient rear paddles, ergonomically designed and located in natural finger positions. There is no need to change the way you hold the DualSense controller to use each one easily. The mappable rear shovels are useful, especially for shooters and other competitive multiplayer games. These paddles are remappable and you can store up to three profiles that can be switched on the fly using a button on the back of the controller.

The concave analog sticks also have a slightly better grip than standard DualSense sticks. But you don’t have to stick with the standard thumb style. The Reflex has interchangeable wands, allowing you to switch to long or short dome designs.

Reflex comes in three different models: Reflex, Reflex Pro and Reflex FPS. The Reflex Pro has a textured grip that feels much better than the standard DualSense controller. The Reflex FPS, which costs $260, adds trigger locks for RT and LT, as well as for the back buttons. It’s worth noting that the FPS model swaps adaptive triggers for trigger stops, so if you like the adaptive triggers on the DualSense, we recommend opting for the Reflex Pro.

It is difficult to find the Scuf Reflex in stock at the moment, but Scuf has stated that more units will be available on their website soon. In the future, you will be able to swap the black/grey front panel for more colorful options like blue, red and orange.

The Razer Raion is a wired PS4 controller that will work with backwards compatible PS4 games on PS5. It’s still the best fighting panel for PlayStation games today, featuring an eight-way D-pad with a six-button layout that resembles a fighting stick. The buttons are a little larger than normal with yellow Razer switches for instant inputs. You can even disable extra buttons you don’t need with a button lock function to avoid accidentally hitting the wrong entries during tournaments. The Razer Raion is also light enough to be comfortable to hold in one hand and touch piano-style buttons with the other. You won’t need to switch to a full controller for things like character customization either, thanks to a switch that lets you map the D-pad to the left and right sticks. While the lack of analog sticks and triggers means you can’t use Raion with most games on the PS5, it’s a great choice for fighting games like Mortal Kombat 11, Tekken 7, and Injustice 2.

Our pick for the best PS4 fighting stick continues for the PS5 as well: the Victrix Pro FS. A premium option with PS5 compatibility, the Victrix Pro FS is made of sturdy aluminum with extremely solid parts, including a satisfying, precise grip and eight action buttons that are equally satisfying. This PS5 fighting stick also includes programmable buttons, customizable audio and lighting, and an easy-access port for switching components for modification. It’s also quite travel-friendly with handles, a plastic organizer for wrapping the cord, and a detachable joystick that can be stowed away at the bottom. The Victrix Pro FS is $350 (and its limited editions are $400), so we’d recommend it mostly to hardcore fighting game fans – for a great mid-range option, check out the Razer Panthera Evo.

While there’s a wide range of options when it comes to PlayStation racing wheels, the Logitech G923 is a solid, budget-friendly option that’s easily available on Amazon and other stores (the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT is another popular choice, but unfortunately it’s out of print. everywhere). The Logitech G923 is often described as a great beginner’s racing wheel and is compatible with racing games on PlayStation and PC with built-in game controls. It notably features the company’s TrueForce technology, which provides high-definition force feedback for greater racing realism. The downside is that the number of games compatible with TrueForce is still small: Grid, Assetto Corsa Competizione, iRacing, Gran Turismo Sport, Showrunner and Dirt Rally 2.0.

It also features a programmable dual clutch, 24-point selector and progressive brake spring to help maximize control of your vehicle. The G Hub software also lets you create multiple profiles, adjust the steering wheel sensitivity and much more. While it’s not the most premium PS5 racing wheel on the market, it’s a reliable, relatively affordable and easily obtainable racing wheel with a durable aluminum construction built to last.

While an official PS5 flight controller has yet to be released, one of the best PS4 options, the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4, will work well with backwards compatible flight simulators on PS5 such as Star Wars Squadrons or Ace Combat 7. : Skies Unknown . This officially licensed $90 flying stick is the most cost-effective option and makes for a better entry-level flying stick. Although it doesn’t have a headset, the T.Flight HOTAS 4 is easy to set up and use with a dual rudder system, removable throttle and adjustable resistance so you can customize the feeling of flying.

The other main joystick option for PS5 is the Hori HOTAS joystick, which is much more expensive at $200 and adds an integrated headphone jack, vibration motor, and throttle resistance, though its build quality doesn’t match up to the high. price. Still, this is a great option too (especially if you’ve used flight sticks in the past), albeit harder to find in stock.

PlayStation consoles have been streaming machines for several generations, and the PS5 is a great choice for watching movies and TV as it is capable of streaming 4K content; the standard model can also play 4K Blu-ray discs. (Of course, you’ll also need a 4K TV to enjoy this.) If you’re someone who enjoys using the PS5 for streaming media, the PlayStation Media Remote is an obvious purchase that will make the process seem a lot easier. It comes with quick-access buttons for Disney+, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as pause, rewind, and fast-forward buttons. With the media remote, you can turn on the PS5 and navigate its menus, working just like the DualSense with the PS5’s interface for a more intuitive feel. The PlayStation Media Remote was designed specifically for the PS5 and costs $30.