Technologies
Best PlayStation 5 Controllers in 2025
We tested a bunch of PS5 controllers to help you find the best one.
When the PlayStation 5 launched a few years ago, one of the most impressive aspects was the new DualSense controller. It significantly improved on every aspect of the DualShock controllers from the PlayStation 4 and is still widely regarded as an excellent controller. But it’s not for everyone, and it lacks many of the pro-level features that can be game-changers for many games.
But the sad truth is there aren’t many options. Licensing programs limit the features available on nonlicensed peripherals and even how they can connect; Sony limits controllers, and Microsoft does the same with Xbox headsets. In this case, that means there aren’t many official PlayStation 5 controllers, and the ones available are expensive. So it’s important to know which one is best for you before you drop your hard-earned money.
I tested as many of them as I could get my hands on to help make that decision easier for you.
Pros
- Unrivaled haptics
- Great social features
- Fantastic ergonomics
Cons
- Short battery life
Sony’s DualSense controller remains one of the best controllers ever made. While the buttons and joysticks are all pretty responsive, as you’d expect, the haptics and triggers are what really set it apart. The subtle change in vibration intensity as you draw a bow in Horizon: Forbidden West, for example, is one of the most immersive experiences I’ve had while gaming.
Plus, the upgraded create features and built-in speaker make for a fun, interactive, social gaming experience.
It’s not perfect, however. Battery life is pretty bad, and the lack of Hall Effect means the joysticks are still prone to stick-drift after a while. But overall, it’s still a fantastic controller, and it’s by far the least expensive PlayStation controller around.
Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Extremely customizable
- Excellent for multi-genre gamers
- Light-weight
- Five-stage trigger stops
- Multi-platform connectivity
Cons
- Expensive
- Hall Effect costs extra
This was the controller that forever sold me on the massive benefits of pro controllers. Its design and feel differ from the DualSense, mainly because the grips are a bit thicker. I didn’t find it any less comfortable; in fact, the rubberized grip sections and larger profile made it slightly easier for me to grasp. It’s also very light, making it great for longer gaming sessions.
The name of the game is customization. The BFG comes with multiple joystick options, three D-Pad layouts, two joystick gates and an entirely separate module with a fighting-game layout. Both modules can be rotated or swapped entirely for something more comfortable. The company does sell Hall Effect modules separately for $40 if you really need them, but I was perfectly happy with the potentiometer versions. It also has four programmable buttons on the back.
The five-position trigger stops were a game-changer for me. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s also compatible with PS4 and PC, so you don’t have to buy multiple controllers. There really isn’t much this controller doesn’t have, except a low price.
There’s a new, slightly upgraded version, the BFG Reloaded, which has built-in Hall Effect joysticks and a new, more ergonomic fightpad module (they moved the buttons around for easier access when resting your palm on the controller), but that’s it. At $209, I definitely don’t think it’s worth the upgrade, especially since you can get the original BFG for $169. Although if you really want the Hall Effect joysticks, then the Reloaded is the better choice as it comes standard, and buying the modules separately brings it to the same price.
Pros
- Unbeatable trigger haptics
- Swappable joystick modules
- Quick-switch profiles
Cons
- Expensive
- Only two back buttons
- Does not support PS4
Sony’s DualSense Edge is PlayStation’s equivalent of the Xbox Wireless Elite Controller, but it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as its green-tinted cousin. That said, it’s still one of the best controllers you can get for the PS5. It has the same sleek ergonomics of the standard DualSense but with a bunch of extra pro features you’d expect from a $200 controller, including three-position trigger stops, two mappable back buttons and replaceable joystick caps. The joysticks are not Hall Effect, but in a somewhat surprising move for Sony, you can actually replace the entire joystick module with third-party ones.
Two dedicated Fn buttons under the joysticks let you quickly switch among up to four stored profiles on the fly, and if you’re using compatible headphones, you can adjust the game and chat volume from here as well. When you need to play plugged in for the absolute fastest response times, a bundled braided cable with a cable lock prevents accidental unplugging during a critical match.
Sony made some cool design tweaks as well, though your color options are limited. You can get black or a two-tone black and white version. (There was a limited edition 30th anniversary model in a really cool, throwback color scheme.) The touchpad has the button symbols etched into it, as well as on the bottom of the L2 and R2 triggers, for some added grip.
And, of course, Sony’s unbeaten trigger haptics are here as well. It’s an expensive controller, but should definitely be near the top of your list of pro PS5 controllers.
Pros
- Lots of hard customization options
- Solid feel in the hand
- Granular software customizations
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-standard layout
Nacon is a French gaming company that makes accessories and publishes games. The company’s Revolution 5 Pro controller for PlayStation 5 is one of the few officially licensed controllers for PlayStation — and also one of the more novel models. For starters, it’s more squared-off than the DualSense controllers, and it also has the the Xbox-style asymmetrical joystick layout rather than the PS’s symmetrical joystick arrangement. The face buttons are slightly flatter and larger than most other PlayStation controllers, and even the bumpers and triggers are a tad more elongated. Truthfully, it feels like an Xbox-inspired controller that happens to be licensed for PlayStation. Personally, I don’t mind it too much because I like the Xbox layout, but PlayStation purists might be turned off by such big differences.
One of the key differentiators of the Revolution 5 Pro is how much you can fine-tune the hardware. Like most other pro controllers, you can replace the joystick caps and D-pad, but with the Revolution, you can also change the thickness of the joystick shaft for greater precision when moving or aiming. The coolest part for me, though, is that Nacon includes three sets of weights you can add to the grips to get just the right feel for your play style.
You’ve also got all the software customization options you would expect for a pro controller, including the ability to create and store profiles (up to four active at a time), configure the joystick dead zones and trigger reactions and even an audio equalizer for using headphones with the controller. The options in the PC app are more granular than most others I’ve used, and it’s impressive to see the level of options available.
My one gripe about the controller, other than the potentially controversial design, is its trigger stops. There’s only a half-stop option, and while you can shorten the response via software, most other pro controllers give you more physical trigger-stop options.
Pros
- Same haptics and adaptive triggers as DualSense
- Lots of design options
Cons
- Expensive
- No companion software
- Some parts feel a bit cheap
- Included case doesn’t have room for cable or extra parts
The Reflex is essentially a near-exact copy of the DualSense, offering all the same features plus additional customization options. Since the layout is the same, it’s instantly familiar, yet it offers some pretty gnarly design options. The most fun is the create-your-own paint studio that allows you to custom color almost every part of the controller. Scuf has also partnered with several creators to make specialized designs, including a Black Ops 6 version. The bottom half of the faceplate comes off, too, and you can purchase a few different options to spice things up.
The faceplate comes off to swap out the joystick caps, and Scuf includes two different-sized pairs with each controller. But I was a little disappointed in how cheap-feeling the plastic is on the joysticks, especially given how expensive it is, though I haven’t had any issues with them. There’s a custom backplate that houses four plastic remappable paddles. They’re nice to have, but they’re close together, so until you develop the muscle memory, it’s easy to accidentally push them at the same time. There’s also no available app or software remapping for the paddles, so you have to do it manually via the controller. That also means you can’t adjust the trigger or joystick’s reactions and dead zones.
If you have your heart set on a DualSense controller with some extra functionality, the Reflex is the best option. It’s more capable than the DualSense Edge and still retains the excellent haptics and adaptive triggers of Sony’s controllers. It’s also the only third-party controller that can wirelessly turn on the PS5. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it. The most expensive version (which includes instant triggers) is $260.
Pros
- Excellent haptics
- PlayStation Remote works well
- Beautiful screen
Cons
- Can’t play standalone games
- Streaming quality is hit or miss
- No included case
The PlayStation Portal is a bit of an oddball. It’s essentially a DualSense controller with an 8-inch LCD screen stuffed in the middle, and its only function is to run PlayStation Remote. That’s the same app and capability you can use on any PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet. In addition, the streaming quality of the games is hit or miss, and it only supports Sony’s own Bluetooth headphones for wireless use (wired headphones work fine).
All that aside, it does offer the excellent haptics and feedback of the DualSense controller, and the LCD screen is very nice. It’s just in an awkward package. And PlayStation Remote works quite well, even with the intermittent streaming quality issues. It doesn’t come with a carrying case of any kind, so unless you buy a third-party one, I don’t recommend taking it out of the house, which, ironically, seems to be Sony’s point anyway.
Despite all of its shortcomings, the Portal is still the best way to play your PS5 games remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Are there differences in PlayStation controllers?
Yes. While most of them generally have a similar look and feel, they can vary slightly when it comes to features. The most basic controllers, such as the DualSense bundled with each PlayStation, are generally fine for most people. They include the fantastic haptics and adaptive triggers Sony made famous, are comfortable to hold and have all the features needed to play every game available on PlayStation 5.
Controllers such as the DualSense Edge and Victrix Pro BFG are specifically designed for more advanced — and even professional — gamers. They’re also typically more expensive, often double the price (or more) of the standard DualSense controller.
Is it better to plug my controller into the PlayStation?
Not necessarily. Playing while plugged in is really only better in two cases: if you’re a competitive gamer concerned about lag, or if you need to charge the controller while playing. Most professional players, particularly during tournaments, will plug in their controllers to minimize the lag between pressing a button on the controller and the input registering on-screen, which is longer on a wireless connection. But the difference is so small that only the most competitive gamers will notice it. For most people, particularly more casual gamers, playing wirelessly is much more convenient.
Do wireless controllers have input lag?
Technically, yes. Signals will always travel more slowly via wireless than through cable and are more susceptible to interference. However, only the most seasoned gamers usually notice the difference, and even then, it really only makes a difference in competitive FPS gaming.
There’s also a difference in input lag between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections; the 2.4GHz dongles provide a proprietary, optimized connection between the controller and console to deliver virtually no input lag. That’s why most of the pro controllers come with a 2.4GHz wireless adapter to plug into your PlayStation if you want the convenience of wireless without sacrificing input speed.
Can I use a PlayStation controller to play games on my PC?
Yes. Almost every PlayStation controller, including all the ones on this list, will work just fine with PC. For the non-Sony controllers, you’ll just need to make sure they’re set to PC mode before using them with your PC. With the third-party controllers, you’ll also need to either use the dongle or bundled cable, as none of them have Bluetooth connectivity with PC.
Can any controller wake up my PlayStation wirelessly?
Unfortunately, no. Aside from the DualSense and DualSense Edge, the Scuf Reflex is the only controller that can wake up the PlayStation 5. For all the others, you’ll need to manually turn on your console.
Does every PlayStation controller support vibration and adaptive triggers?
Nope. Once again, Sony limits this capability. Its own DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers support it, as well as the Scuf Reflex (with certain games). This is likely a licensing constraint, which is probably part of why Scuf controllers are so expensive.
Why are there so few third-party controllers for PlayStation 5?
Sony is quite particular about allowing other companies to access and interact with the PlayStation, which is why there are so few third-party options for PlayStation controllers. The lack of options is likely due to a combination of Sony charging a high price for the licensing rights and having strict requirements for third-party controllers.
Technologies
Artemis II Astronauts Are Using iPhones to Capture Stunning Space Images
After smartphones were cleared by NASA for space missions, the crew members of the Integrity spacecraft are beaming back lots of iPhone photos.
The four astronauts aboard the Integrity spacecraft now headed home from their historic arc around the moon really are like the rest of us: Sometimes they reach for their smartphones to snap photos.
For the Artemis II mission, iPhone 17 Pro Max phones have been used to capture photos inside the capsule of the astronauts pondering the views of Earth and working on mission objectives. (Technically, NASA refers to them as PCDs – personal computing devices.)
Smartphones were cleared for use in space for the first time in February. In a post on X, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman wrote, «We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world.»
Early in the mission, Commander Reid Wiseman snapped a pair of photos looking out the window with Earth behind him. Mission specialist Christina Koch and her dynamic curls in zero-gravity also captured a pensive view looking out over the planet. All three were made using the front camera — because wouldn’t you want to grab a selfie if you were in space?
The iPhone 17 Pro’s rear cameras are pulling their own weight during the mission, too. During the live broadcast as the crew approached the moon, Wiseman took a photo of the moon’s surface using the iPhone’s telephoto camera at 8x zoom. He turned the screen toward one of the video cameras mounted inside the spacecraft, creating an image of the moon’s surface alone against the darkness of the unlit cabin, with the iPhone’s signature rounded edges and Dynamic Island cutout at the top.
The main photo workhorses on this trip are a Nikon D5 DSLR and a Nikon Z9. The D5 is a model that has been used on several space excursions, and the Z9 is onboard as an experimental camera.
For NASA missions, every piece of equipment must be tested and certified, which is why the previously-approved D5 has a secure spot. Cameras must be resistent to space environmental factors like radiation, and safe if they’re floating around the capsule. However, the iPhones in space now are off-the-shelf models, according to a report by Jackie Watties of CNN.
The moon flyby was especially photo-intensive, with astronauts switching places several times so that two were always at windows with cameras and relating what they could see with their eyes. This photo of mission specialist and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen taking images using one of the Nikon cameras shows how some windows have camera shrouds attached. The shroud ensures that light from the interior isn’t reflected in the glass.
In a particularly relatable photo, Hansen is also using the front-facing camera of a white iPhone 17 Pro — as a portable mirror while he shaves. As the (modified) saying goes, the best selfie screen is the one you have with you.
The iPhone 17 Pro isn’t the first Apple product to go into space. Crew members have taken iPods, iPads and AirPods on missions since the Space Shuttle era. The Mac Portable even went up on a shuttle (and revealed that its trackball in zero-G isn’t the best option).
An Apple representative didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Technologies
Hades 2, the Award-Winning Sequel, Joins Xbox Game Pass in April
Game Pass Premium subscribers are getting a handful of games, including the remastered Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.
Hades 2 was selected as one of CNET’s best games of 2025, but don’t take our word for it. The game won Best Action Game at the 2025 Game of the Year awards, Best Game on Steam Deck at the Steam Awards and a bevy of other accolades after its release. If you haven’t had the chance to play this stellar sequel yet, you can on Xbox Game Pass starting on April 14.
Xbox Game Pass, a CNET Editors’ Choice award pick, offers a wide selection of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC or mobile device for as little as $10 a month. And with a subscription to the higher-tiered Game Pass Ultimate ($30 a month), you can access hundreds of games, including Day One releases, each month.
Here are the games Microsoft plans to bring to Game Pass in April. You can also check out other games the company added to the service in March, including Cyberpunk 2077.
DayZ
Coming to PC on April 8, joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential and PC Game Pass.
This online multiplayer survival game is coming to PC. An unknown virus has turned the population of the post-Soviet country of Chernarus into zombies, and you’re one of the last few survivors. You’ll have to scavenge for supplies among the ruins while fighting off zombies and other survivors alike. But how far will you go to save yourself?
Endless Legend 2 (Game preview)
New to Game Pass Premium on April 8. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Lead your faction to build a great empire that can crush your enemies in this fantasy strategy game. You can play as warriors descended from the stars, cursed knights or hive-minded beasts, but each faction has its strengths, weaknesses and unique philosophies that can influence the rest of the game. And fending off enemies is just one challenge in this game. You’ll have to adapt to the changing environment as well. Will you expand as the tides reveal new treasures, or focus on improving your defenses?
FBC: Firebreak
New to Game Pass Premium on April 8. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
The Federal Bureau of Control is under attack from otherworldly forces, and it’s up to you and your versatile unit to restore order. You’ll fight chaotic entities, leeches and a monster made of sticky notes using guns, grenades and other supernatural weapons. You can play this first-person shooter game on your own or take on the chaos of the FBC with friends in three-player co-op.
Planet Coaster 2
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass on April 9.
This might not be the classic RollerCoaster Tycoon, but it’s close enough. You’ll build your own roller coasters and water slides, manage your amusement park and create unforgettable experiences for your guests. It’s unclear if you can launch your coasters off the rails into waiting crowds. Will report back later.
Tiny Bookshop
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass on April 10.
I have long dreamed of opening my own bookshop, and until I come into a lot of money, this game will have to do. You can stock your bookshop with different genres and items for sale, set up shop in scenic locations — like near a lighthouse — and get to know the locals in this cozy management game.
Football Manager 26 (PC and console)
New to Game Pass Premium on April 13. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Get ready for a more immersive matchday experience in the latest installment of the Football Manager franchise. You can build a star-studded squad with new transfer tools, and this entry features official Premier League licenses and women’s football for the first time in the series’ history.
Hades 2
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass on April 14.
Following the events of the original game, the Titan of Time Chronos has returned and laid waste to the Underworld and Earth. As the immortal princess Melinoe, you’re tasked with stopping the titan and restoring the mythic world. Each time you venture out, you’ll learn more about the world around you and discover the true cause of all the destruction and pain.
Replaced
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Day One on April 14.
Can AI ever be human? I’m not talking about ChatGPT or Gemini, but REACH, an AI trapped in a human’s body, in this narrative platformer game. You’ll explore an alternate 1980s America that’s scarred from nuclear catastrophe as you try to uncover the secrets of the Phoenix Corps, the same group that created you. It’s a cyberpunk Frankenstein with plenty of exploration and fluid action sequences.
The Thaumaturge
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass on April 14.
By definition, a thaumaturge is a miracle worker or magician, and in this roleplaying game, you’re a master of mystical arts that allow you to peer into the hearts and minds of others. After the death of your father, you returned to an alternate 1900s Warsaw to investigate his death, fight supernatural forces and uncover the truth.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
New to Game Pass Premium on April 16. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
A fanatical cult is trying to open gates to the demonic realm of Oblivion, and it’s up to you to stop them and seal the gates forever in the remastered version of this open-world RPG. You can rediscover the world of Cyrodiil (or experience it for the first time in updated glory), encounter unique characters and save the land.
EA Sports NHL 26
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on April 16.
As the NHL regular season winds down, the playoffs and the fight for the Stanley Cup are heating up. And with the latest installment in this EA Sports franchise, you can ensure your favorite team brings home the cup. This entry in the series introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as Ice Q 2.0 and a goalie crease control system, to add additional challenges. So if you want to see the Florida Panthers win the cup back-to-back, or you want to make absolutely sure that never happens, this game is for you.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass on April 17.
Modern Warfare redefined the Call of Duty series when it was released almost 20 years ago, and the rebooted version of the classic game drops you right back to where it started. You’ll control CIA and SAS special forces as they attempt to stop rebels from the fictional Republic of Urzikstan. And if the campaign’s not enough, you can hone your skills in the immersive, fast-paced multiplayer.
Little Rocket Lab
New to Game Pass Premium on April 21. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Your family’s dream project has been to build a rocket, and you’re going to fulfill their dream in this cozy, machine-building RPG. But first, you have to build clever contraptions, convert local resources and become the heart of your community before you can complete your ultimate rocket-building task.
Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato
New to Game Pass Premium on April 21. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Miho goes to the pantry to grab a potato for his grandmother’s soup when he lands in a fantastical land. Now he has to find his way back home by following in the footsteps of a mysterious traveler from long ago. You’ll meet quirky characters, gather exotic ingredients and take in vibrant environments in this world of magical realism inspired by Latin America.
Vampire Crawlers
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Day One on April 21.
From the creators of the indie darling Vampire Survivors comes this turn-based, deck-building, roguelite game. You’ll explore dungeons that might look familiar to Vampire Survivors veterans, fight monsters and build chaotic, broken decks along the way. So be tactical in your choices or blast away every chance you get!
Kiln
Coming to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on Day One on April 23.
Kiln is about creating beautiful pottery filled with artistry and wonder… and smashing it all to pieces in the arena. This online, multiplayer party brawler pits you against others to see which pottery design can withstand the heat and which can dish out a beating.
Two games come to Game Pass Essential subscribers on April 8
Game Pass Essential costs $10 a month and offers access to a relatively small library of games compared to Game Pass Premium and Ultimate. While Microsoft doesn’t regularly add many games to Essential’s library, it’s adding these two on April 8.
Games leaving the service on April 15
While Microsoft is adding the above games to Game Pass, it is also removing five games from the service on April 15, including GTA 5. That means you still have a little time left to complete your main campaign and any sidequests before you’ll have to buy these games separately.
- Ashen
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
- Grand Theft Auto V
- My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery
- Terra Invicta (Game Preview)
For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now, read our hands-on review of the gaming service and learn which Game Pass plan is right for you.
Technologies
Nintendo Is Offering the Switch 2 for $20 Less When You Buy Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2
This out-of-this-world deal goes live on April 12 and continues until May 9, giving you plenty of time to secure your bundle.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has been out for just over a week, and it has already become a must-see film for fans of the Mario Bros. video games. Nintendo also announced an upcoming deal that makes it easier to take the Super Mario Galaxy home.
Starting on April 12, Mario Bros. fans can get the Nintendo Switch 2 for $20 off with the purchase of a digital or physical Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 bundle. Once live, this deal lasts until May 9 and brings the Nintendo Switch 2 to $430, down from its usual price of $450.
The deal will be available at select retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, Target and Best Buy. Not only does this deal coincide with the film’s release, but it’s also a small way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.
Additionally, Best Buy is currently giving away a free collectible 40th anniversary game case with select Mario game purchases if you’d rather not wait until April 12.
Super Mario Galaxy has been around since 2007, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 has been available since 2010 on Wii. These games are still crowd-pleasers, and this offer makes it possible to enjoy both games on the Nintendo Switch 2 for less.
To better enjoy this deal once it’s available, check out our article on everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch 2 games.
CHEAP GAMING LAPTOP DEALS OF THE WEEK
Why this deal matters
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been praised by fans and gaming experts. Like its handheld gaming counterpart, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 have also remained popular since their releases. If you’ve been looking to buy these games along with the handheld gaming console, then this is one deal to plan for. Keep in mind that it’ll run from April 12 until May 9, so be ready to secure the savings.
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