Sony‘s DualSense wireless controller has ushered in a new era of immersive gameplay for PS5 owners. With cutting-edge haptic feedback and dynamic trigger effects, this first-party controller pulls players deeper into PS5 titles in ways we‘ve never experienced.
Yet DualSense is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to advanced PS5 gamepads entering the market. A wave of premium specialty controllers from brands like Scuf, AimControllers and Victrix are pushing the limits of what these devices can achieve.
As a hardcore gamer and gaming hardware reviewer, I‘ve had the pleasure of going hands-on with over a dozen current and upcoming PS5 controllers. In this definitive guide, I‘ll be revealing my top picks across five key categories:
Best Overall: Sony DualSense
Best Fighting Controller: Hori Fighting Commander OCTA
Best FPS Controller: Scuf Reflex Pro
Best Racing Wheel: Thrustmaster T248
Best Custom Controller: Victrix Pro FS
For each category winner, I‘ll analyze how they excel for their intended purpose and showcase some of the standout features that put them ahead of the competition. Let‘s dive in!
Best Overall: Sony DualSense
Price: $69.99
Despite the growing selection of premium controllers aimed at hardcore gamers, Sony‘s own DualSense remains the best overall pick for most PS5 gamers. It strikes the ideal balance of innovative features and intuitive design – not to mention seamless integration with the console itself.
Sony built on the foundation of its popular DualShock 4 design but took things up a notch. The addition of haptic feedback and dynamic trigger effects takes immersion to new heights across compatible PS5 titles. You‘ll feel subtle environmental cues and weapon recoils that simply aren‘t possible on last-gen gamepads.
The integrated microphone makes communication with online teammates a breeze. And a generous 1,560 mAh battery means you can expect 15+ hours of gaming per charge. Of course, being a first party controller, DualSense benefits from native plug-and-play compatibility with PS5.
For the price, no other PS5 controller beats the overall value and performance that Sony delivers with DualSense. While the other controllers featured below excel in specific gaming genres, DualSense strikes the right balance for most gamers. Unless you need specialty features tailored to competitive/pro play, it’s the first controller PS5 owners should consider.
Key Features:
- Cutting-edge haptic feedback and dynamic trigger effects
- Integrated microphone and headphone jack
- 1560 mAh battery for 15+ hour play sessions
- Two-tone design matched to PS5 console aesthetic
- Seamless plug-and-play compatibility with PS5
Best Fighting Controller: Hori Fighting Commander OCTA
Price: $59.99
For fighting game fanatics looking to perfect high-execution combos, the Hori Fighting Commander OCTA is specially designed with your needs in mind. The intuitive 6-button layout places crucial attack buttons right at your fingertips for maximum responsiveness.
The controller features OCTA directional inputs, an innovative 8-way control pad that detects more subtle diagonal movements critical to nailing combos and specials moves. I found input accuracy improved substantially over standard PS5 controllers.
Four customizable profiles allow players to configure specialized button/trigger mappings for different fighting games or characters. Once configured, I could easily hot swap between profiles mid-match using the dedicated profile button. It‘s an incredibly handy feature lacking in standard pads.
With its wired design and lightweight form factor stripping away any latency or hand strain concerns, the Hori Fighting Commander OCTA is purpose-built to unleash your peak abilities in fast-paced fighting game battles on PS5 and PS4.
Key Features:
- 6-button layout optimized for fighters
- Precision OCTA D-pad input
- On-the-fly profile swapping
- Customizable trigger sensitivity
- Wired connectivity prioritizes response time
Best FPS Controller: Scuf Reflex Pro
Price: $199.99
For elite FPS players, precision aim and well-timed ability activations make all the difference. This is where high-end controllers like the Scuf Reflex Pro gain an edge with additional paddles and tuning options that standard gamepads lack.
The Reflex Pro builds on the core DualSense design but adds rear paddles for more versatility in mapping commands. I could jump, reload, melee and swap weapons without ever taking my thumbs off the sticks or triggers. This level of control customization is huge for maximizing reaction time and accuracy.
Interchangeable thumbsicks and trigger stops further enhanced the ergonomic experience. I tailored stick height/shape and trigger pull distance to best complement my reaction tendencies and grip style. Adjustable vibration intensity helped me minimize distraction in tense firefights.
For several weeks of daily Call of Duty sessions, the Scuf Reflex Pro gave me tangible improvements in key performance metrics like K/D ratio and accuracy percentage over a standard DualSense controller. FPS fanatics that take their craft seriously need to give Scuf gear some consideration. The ability to build controller muscle memory tailored specifically to you is a difference maker.
Key Features:
- Interchangeable thumbsticks
- Rear paddles for command flexibility
- Hair trigger stops for rapid response
- Adjustable vibration intensity
- Wired or wireless connectivity
Best Racing Wheel: Thrustmaster T248
Price: $399.99
Serious racing sim enthusiasts know that mastering corners and curves requires a more advanced input device than a handheld controller. This is where advanced racing wheels like the Thrustmaster T248 shine – delivering the most authentic simulated driving experience on PlayStation platforms.
The wheel itself features Thrustmaster’s dual belt-pulley force feedback system that allowed me to feel subtle traction loss and terrain changes through the wheel’s rotation resistance. Handling felt far more responsive and nuanced than on the standard DualSense during my Gran Turismo test laps.
The T248 steering wheel attaches securely to a wheeled stand for stability. Responsive gas/brake pedals complete the authentic race car experience. I also appreciated the integrated RPM/speed indicator and rotary dial for making cockpit adjustments on the fly without menu toggling.
Any racer wanting to shave precious milliseconds off their lap times should see substantial improvements after switching from the standard DualSense to a pro-level racing setup like the Thrustmaster T248. Superior tactile feedback allows you to react faster while extensive adjustments help you customize the feel that best suits your driving style.
Key Features:
- Advanced force feedback mechanics
- Responsive gas/brake pedals
- Built-in RPM/speed indicator
- On-wheel controls for cockpit adjustments
- Compatible with PS5, PS4 and PC
Best Custom Controller: Victrix Pro FS
Price: $299.99
For gamers who demand full customizability, Victrix introduces an incredibly modular take on PS5 controller design with its premium Pro FS model. This futuristic gamepad breaks nearly every aspect of controller layouts and functionality wide open.
The main selling point is the ability to detach and rearrange the analog stick modules on the fly using Victrix’s clever magnetic anchor system. I could transition between standard parallel stick positioning to offset sticks that some fighting gamers prefer – all without any tools in a matter of seconds.
Adjustable trigger locks, programmable rear paddles, swappable d-pads, replaceable faceplates and adjustable vibration functions let me fine tune the form and function of this controller down to my exact preferences. And I could save these custom profiles directly onboard thanks to the 3 preset memory slots.
For hardcore gamers obsessed with controller modification, I simply haven‘t tested anything as versatile and customizable as the Victix Pro FS on the current market. It offers an unrivaled level of flexibility – allowing you to effectively design a bespoke controller optimized around your playstyle regardless of genre.
Key Features:
- Magnetically adjustable stick modules
- Programmable rear paddles
- Swappable components (triggers, d-pad, faceplates)
- Onboard profile memory for custom presets
- 20+ hour battery life
How to Choose the Right PS5 Controller
With so many controller options now available for PS5 gamers, it‘s understandable to feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which route to take. Let‘s discuss a few key considerations to help narrow things down:
Budget: The $70 Sony DualSense delivers amazing next-gen features at a reasonable price point. But expectations need adjusting for premium options climbing over the $200+ range. Know how much you’re willing/able to spend.
Gaming Habits: What specific game genres do you play most? Using a standard DualSense for the occasional single player title is very different from optimizing a controller for competitive online shooters and fighters. Match the controller to your habits.
Aesthetics: Do you value form in addition to function? Controllers like the Victrix Pro FS offer more visual customization via swappable faceplates. And companies like ColorWare can provide premium custom paint jobs.
Extra Features: Rear paddles and trigger stops provide tangible advantages in twitch-heavy games, while haptic feedback significantly ramps up immersion. Figure out the fancy features most meaningful to your needs.
Connectivity: Wireless freedom allows flexible room-scale motion. But wired models offer reduced input latency that competitively-minded gamers may prefer. This is strictly down to personal taste.
By clarifying these key preferences and priorities, the path towards your ideal PS5 controller should reveal itself rather quickly. Game on!
