The Sony DualSense is easily my favorite controller of this generation. While there aren't enough studios using its sophisticated haptic technology, I can't imagine playing some of my favorite PS5 games like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Astro Bot without it. Unfortunately, this cool technology comes at a price. There are plenty of more affordable third-party alternatives, but Sony's haptic property would mean missing out on one of my favorite features of the PS5. In this case, if you need a second controller or need a replacement for a serious case of joystick drift, purchasing a second DualSense is quite an expensive undertaking.
That was until Sony launched its official Black Friday PS5 deals, and now you can buy a white DualSense for $54 on Amazon$27% off its MSRP of $74.99. This is not the best discount of its kind for the official gamepad. However, since Sony raised prices, it has become harder to find the DualSense under $70. That makes any discount, even one that puts it just below the $60 range, worth it.
What makes this discount intriguing is that it's not just the basic white DualSense that's $20 cheaper. Several other colorways, such as the Cosmic Red, Gray Camouflage, and Mightnight Black versions, have also dropped in price. Sony hasn't forgotten about the updated DualSense Edge either, which is now available $189.99 at Walmart$10 off its MSRP of $199.99. While this update is still missing pro features like hall-effect sticks, the Edge still benefits from additional customization and rarely sees a price drop, making it an equally excellent option this Black Friday.
Should you buy a PS5 DualSense controller?
Shelling out $54 for a controller you may already own is still a big ask, I can't deny that. But having one of the best PS5 controllers to spare is almost a must if your PS5 is your console of choice right now.
For one thing, club drift can be a common problem. I've had not one, not two, but three controllers that suffered from horrible technological imposition, so the convenience of having another was a huge relief. When my last white DualSense started malfunctioning, I was fortunately able to turn to my Cosmic Red version and continue playing Dead by Daylight to my heart's content. Since then, I've also been lucky enough to get my hands on the official Astro Bot DualSense, so I have even more reserves in case I need it.
Buying more controllers in case the one you have breaks is not the reason I will always insist that you have another spare DualSense controller. As I mentioned before, you will only find its haptics on the real model. You can always pick up a Victrix Pro BFG, but you won't be able to experience different sensations from each and every weapon at Ratchet's disposal in Rift Apart, or the screech of ice as Astro skates in Astro Bot. Sony owns all of that, and without it, the experience of some big PS5 games just isn't the same.
Having another DualSense means you'll never miss out on that lovely haptic technology, should something happen to your original gamepad. Plus, you'll always have a spare controller for the special gamer two in your life.
Our Black Friday PS5 deals hub is full of discounts on new PS5 games and other controllers if you don't fancy any of the official deals. If you'd rather get a new controller for your beloved Xbox Series X or gaming PC, check out our Black Friday Xbox controller deals to save on your perfect new peripheral.