Obtaining a PlayStation 5 is still proving to be a monumental task. I missed another round of stock by approximately four minutes the morning I wrote this, and I spent the next five screaming into the void. But, sooner or later, when we get our hands on one, we’ll want to celebrate by outfitting it with the best PlayStation 5 controllers.
Whether you’re bringing your PlayStation 5 to the track, the sky, or simply using it as another Netflix streaming device because you’re weary and don’t want to stress out your last remaining brain cell, we’ve compiled a list of controllers that will make it all as simple and entertaining as possible.
1. DualSense Controller
For the time being, no other controllers are as well suited to taking advantage of the PS5’s features as the DualSense controller (read our review). It’s not just another wireless controller with a couple of rumble motors to let you know when action is happening in the game, but a genuine haptic device that performs a lot better job recreating the sensation of what’s going on in the game.
The PS5 DualSense Controller will feel similar to the DualShock 4 in the hand, making it a comfortable transition for many players. However, when games take advantage of its features, it will become more than just an input device. Haptic feedback is one component, but there are also adaptive triggers that can change their resistance on the go. It may be easy to pull the trigger while your character is clutching a handgun and much more difficult when you’re using a long bow. All of these can help to draw you deeper into the game.
2. Aim Controllers Customized PS5 DualSense Controller
Sony doesn’t provide you with many options for customizing your DualSense controller, but the Aim Controllers Customized PS5 DualSense Controller does (read our review). With Aim Controllers, you may customize the look of your DualSense controller down to the smallest features, such as buttons and sticks, as well as the big blank surfaces that make up the rest of the controller.
In most circumstances, you’ll just be able to change color. In other circumstances, you can choose transparency or a unique bullet casing style, such as the action buttons. Aim Controllers can shorten the travel of the triggers or remove the vibration motors for reduced weight. You will also be able to add paddle buttons to the bottom of the controller. As if that wasn’t enough, the controller can also be customized with personalized logos and gamer tags.
3. HexGaming Rival
The HexGaming Rival (see our review) takes the DualSense controller to the next level without requiring you to manage the adjustments yourself. This is a heavily modified DualSense controller, with significant visual and performance improvements.
You’ll have a plethora of skin options to choose from in order to find a look that suits you. Each controller also has a variety of thumbsticks with variable height and form possibilities. With the HexGaming Rival’s hair triggers, you’ll be the first to shoot, and you’ll be able to keep your thumbs on the analog sticks more often thanks to the remappable paddle buttons on the rear of the controller. Simply be prepared to pay for all of these things.
4. PlayStation 5 Media Remote
Your PlayStation 5 is an excellent gaming machine, but it can do even more when placed at the center of your entertainment system. Aside from gaming, the PlayStation 5 provides access to a variety of streaming media and can even function as a 4K UHD Blu-Ray player (assuming you have the PS5 version with a disc drive). The DualSense controller can be used to traverse all of this, although it isn’t exactly labeled for it. When you’re done gaming and just want some passive entertainment, the PlayStation 5 Media Remote can be a better companion.
With specific buttons for Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, the PlayStation 5 Media Remote will have you streaming in no time (or even Spotify if you just want some jams). It also has clearly labeled media playback controls, so no more wondering which button on your controller pauses the movie. This controller can even do something your DualSense cannot: alter the volume of your television. It has an infrared transmitter integrated in to control the volume on compatible TVs.As an extra bonus, your family can use this controller to stream content so that your DualSense remains charged for your next gaming session.
5. Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
Pulling a trigger isn’t going to cut it when you want to floor it in your favorite racing games. The Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel is up to the task. This racing wheel is not cheap, but you will receive a versatile, precise, high-performance device for your money.
The Thrustmaster T248 features a leather-wrapped wheel that you’ll need to grip hard since the force feedback system combines a belt and gear mechanism for realistic and forceful feedback. You can even toggle between three distinct force feedback settings to fine-tune your road feel. You’ll find highly sensitive magnetic paddle shifters and pedals with four different pressure modes to help you keep your automobile under control. The wheel has a variety of controls that are just a thumb press away, as well as a built-in display in the center of the wheel that may show in-game metrics like your engine’s RPM or speed.
6. Victrix Pro Arcade FS Arcade Fight Stick
Many of my fighting game-obsessed pals still insist that some games must be played with an old-school fight stick. And I’m not inclined to disagree, given how thoroughly they kick my ass all the way across the stadium.
For PS5, I like the Victrix Pro for all my flailing around attempting to accomplish a specific combo and then accidentally doing an entirely different one.
This device is slick as heck, with a matte black body and clean, simple face buttons that complement the PS5’s overall design. It lacks the typical, colorful arcade aesthetic, and the stick itself is a little undersized. However, it can withstand my frenetic, demon-like button mashing and provides the responsive feel you need during a stressful bout of Mortal Kombat 11 or the upcoming Guilty Gear Strive.
7. Hori PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick
Hori’s PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick is fully licensed by Sony, so you know it’ll operate with your PS4 (or PS4 games on your PS5, or games on your PS3 and PC). The controller follows in the footsteps of the DualShock 4, and includes all of the system’s capabilities, including the touchpad.
The Hori PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick adds versatility to your flying configuration. The throttle and stick are built on two independent bases, allowing you to adjust their spacing as desired. Suction cups are included in the bases to keep them in position on your desk, table, or custom cockpit. You may also adjust the sensitivity of the throttle and joystick, allowing you to fine-tune the responsiveness of your aircraft (or spacecraft). The flying stick will also motivate you to do your best because it has a vibration motor that will let you feel it while you’re under fire.
8. DualSense Charging Station
I wish I had purchased a charging station for my PlayStation 4. The form of the DualShock 4 was such that if you left it on a hard surface for an extended period of time with the USB charge wire inserted in, it might bend and break the charging port, thereby bricking the controller. This occurred twice to me! So I’m not going to make the same mistake with my PS5, and neither should you.
Sony’s official one nestles two DualSense pads in a strong, sleek small trough that uses the same forms and colors as the console to blend in in. You can even enjoy uninterrupted gameplay by hot-swapping one controller in while the other is charging if you decide to pick up an extra DualSense like I did, partially so I could try it out on PC and partly to satisfy my thirst for new gear since the consoles were still out of stock everywhere.