Update: Just a quick update regarding my DualSense controller’s ongoing issues that came with my PS5. I had mentioned that my “O” button was becoming unresponsive and didn’t spring back to its original position. Now, it’s pretty much even with the surface of the controller. This has made playing games like Demon’s Souls a chore. Dodging, for example, is near impossible now – I’ve learned that the hard way.
As the controller is under warranty, I’ve made several attempts to contact PlayStation, with no luck. I have another DualSense that I use for my PC, and that one is still working as intended, but this one is upsetting me. I’ve already ordered a replacement since PlayStation refuses to help, and I’ll be dissembling this controller to see if I can get the mushy button issue resolved on my own.
Original story below:
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Ever since Sony announced and debuted its PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, I’ve been in love with it, and even before it was available, I was already championing the “Make it work with the PC, Sony!” cause. Fast-forward to just a few weeks ago when I was finally able to get my hands on one.
I would have had plenty of chance to play with the DualSense if COVID-19 hadn’t singlehandedly stopped all the gaming events from taking place in North America. No, I’m not bitter… well, maybe just a little. Anyway, as I was saying, I finally have my very own DualSense controller, and I’ve been using it with not just the PlayStation 5 but also with the PC. I’m not sure if you heard, but you can use the DualSense with PC, thanks to the efforts of Valve (Steam) and DS4Windows. It’s been a great couple of weeks for me, testing all these recent developments.
As for my own PC gaming, the DualSense has completely replaced my Xbox One and even the Xbox Series X controller. I still enjoy them, but comparing either to the DualSense is like night and day. Not only do I think that the DualSense is more comfortable in my hands, but I also enjoy that the bumpers and triggers are nearly flush with each other. And that trackpad, man, it feels the void of having to use a trackpad on a keyboard; it’s been a godsend. So yeah, I love my DualSense.
But… and you knew this was coming, I have concerns about the controller. After multiple sessions with Demon’s Souls on the PS5, which apparently is the only game I play on the platform, my DualSense ain’t doing so great. More specifically, the circle or “O” button and the square buttons have turned to mush. When pressing on them, neither spring back to the normal position and require more pressure for them to register, this is not acceptable for a controller that’s less than two weeks old!
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No, this isn’t due to dropping the controller on the ground or food being stuck inside them. As a lover of electronics, the thought of someone using my controllers with food-ridden hands, especially Cheetos, is more than enough to incite the wrath of the gaming gods. Nope, this issue wasn’t caused by a mishap or negligence. I’ve already contemplated opening up the controller, but I don’t think that’s a good idea – warranty reasons aside.
This is perhaps the best controller from the PlayStation camp, and I love it. I’ve created several videos talking about getting this thing working in Windows 10 and how much I’m in love with it. But, the build quality has me concerned. If this is happening with just 60 hours of usage, longevity concerns are warranted. To make sure it wasn’t just an isolated issue, I did some research, and sure enough, I’m not the only one having issues and concerns. I’m not sure if that makes me feel any better if I’m being honest.
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Sure, I could be overreacting, and yes, it is just a piece of plastic. Yet, neither my favorite DualShock 4 controller nor my Xbox One controller that I’ve used for well over a year exhibits this issue.
I haven’t written off the DualSense; that’s crazy talk. I’m just going to contact PlayStation and see about getting this controller swapped out under warranty. I’ll still champion this thing as the best controller for console or PC gaming, don’t worry about that. I want my damned buttons to work, so when I need to dodge, I actually dodge. Or worse, dropping an outrageous amount of money on a color customized DualSense controller, only for it to crap on me after a few months.
Do you own a DualSense controller, and if so, are you having any issues with it already? We’d love to know in the comments!
