Dualsense Edge Review - The best controller for Steam Deck

This is easily the best controller you can pair with your steam deck so far. But is the $200 price tag worth it?
Big thank you to everyone who kept subscribing to me despite my absence. I hope this video lives up to the hype. It was a real struggle dealing with homelessness and looking for a place to live these past few months trying to stabilize myself and sort through all my stuff post move just to be able to film all that live footage.
Big thanks to Cyrano for the editing support and being my wingman in a lot of the gameplay in this video.

[@Spoutnicks]

1:31 JoyShockMapper supports Edge Fn buttons and back buttons.

[@tekgeekster]

Is that recent? I don't remember it supporting that (when I tried it... months ago)

[@Spoutnicks]

@@tekgeekster it took me a while, but I got the new buttons mapped to LSL, LSR, RSL and RSR

[@tekgeekster]

Huh... so that's what they map to.

[@JibbSmartGD]

Great breakdown. Thanks, Tek!

[@tekgeekster]

6 month wait was worth it. /s Lol

[@KingGumbly]

First time viewer of this channel, this was a fantastic video! I really like your style of content and general attitude, safe to say I'll be sticking around so keep up the good work :D

[@tekgeekster]

Wish I could bring myself to do another video of anything.

[@KingGumbly]

@@tekgeekster Well all the best on finding that spark again. Just don't feel pressured to make content, every video you make is a gift to us and not a requirement of you :)

[@LunalynDragon]

Ahhh, the "Super Metroid" test. Glad I'm not the only one to judge a D-Pad's acceptability that way. But yeah, I used to swap around controllers all the time on PC depending on what game I'm playing between 2-4 different controllers, but ever since getting an Edge in March, I haven't used *any* other controllers on PC, *period*. I think that says it all right there.

[@tekgeekster]

@@LunalynDragon same. It pretty much does it all. The exception of having a battery life that would make the Wii u Pro controller blush

[@SeohnAranys]

As an avid steam controller user who hated when they discontinued it, then switching to the 8BitPro 2. I can say having the back buttons and learning to map them as part of your chorded buttons you can easily map multiple different commands to a single set of buttons. I like to use it to swap to specific items, even build modes, on the D pad and even the analog stick. Get creative and you can come up with ways to map every button any game could need. But if Steam really did bring support to map every button independently on the Dualsense Edge including the 4 back buttons. Then its the first controller on the market I have seen that has 4 buttons on the back and every button including those can be customized. Something no other controller had done, at least until recently. I know because I was trying to find one before finding the 8bitdo Pro 2 and even it the back buttons only map to existing buttons on the controller which I have learned to use creatively to make up for the lack of customization. Those back button may seem trivial, but play games with a controller that has back buttons regularly and learn to get creative with their use and it completely changes not only how much easier it makes the game but its less stress on your hands and muscles.

[@H786...]

you are the gyro guy, super underrated.

[@Planterobeets]

I am so mad at how I can’t remap the fn buttons or the touchpad directional swipes on the PS5. For everyone buying the dual edge to play on PS5, consider the very limited button customization.

[@tekgeekster]

ikr?

[@StriderX117]

I started using Gyro with my Steam Deck and loved it. I was between the Edge and steam controller to play on PC. But you make a pretty good case to go for the Edge.

[@tekgeekster]

I still have fun with my sc. The track pads are great and I wish more controllers had them in place of sticks, but the SC is showing its age, and the build quality to begin with isn't great when compared to the edge.

[@carlosbarreto4695]

The Steam Deck definitely brought a new era for controllers: not only one but two trackpads and four rear buttons. I really hope Steam will release a Steam Controller 2 that is _at least_ as good as the Steam Deck, if not better. And for $200+ controller, having just 2 rear buttons is quite disappointing, not to mention that the touchpad doesn't seem to be as good as the Steam Deck.

[@tekgeekster]

Like I mentioned, you can use the FN buttons below the sticks as extra inputs. They register as separate inputs. 4 on the back would be nice, but with how cramped traditional controllers can get, I personally don't mind if there's only 2 on the back. If it were bigger, and was conscious about button placement for gyro users, then I can see 4 buttons being more useful. The trackpad is a slight letdown in comparison to the deck, but considering the decks trackpad placement, I don't use them outside weapon and item wheels compared to the trackpad focused steam controller.

[@tekgeekster]

But the $200 pricetag? Bs. I can get a used switch lite for that kind of money... if I was stupid enough to buy a switch lite for gaming that is.

[@carlosbarreto4695]

@@tekgeekster You might use those buttons, but having them on the back is much better because you can use your thumbs for the joysticks, trackpads and/or face buttons while use your ring fingers and little fingers on the rear at the same time (I'm doing this in the game that I'm currently playing, where I created 4 Action Set Layers and 5 Virtual Menus for the right trackpad).

[@tekgeekster]

I can see this being a bigger issue for something like an rts, where a trackpad is probably being used more often. And I don't think the DS5's trackpad was made with mouse control in mind. But in first person games, using a gyroscope frees up your right thumb to be able to use the face buttons easier. I'm not saying more buttons down below wouldn't be beneficial, I'm more concerned about the form factor. But for $200, yeah. More buttons back there would be appreciated.

[@SeohnAranys]

Whats funny is the Steam Deck didnt create those, they ripped it from the Steam Controller. Which didnt do so well because it require you to learn how to set it up for each game. It wasn't just plug and play. All Steam Deck did was bring new recognition to an already perfect controller. Slap a screen on it and better support for the controller being preconfigured for games. I know this because I was a preorder buyer of the Steam Controller and got it on early release, and have another as a spare. Its my favorite controller and I have gotten really good at customizing the button configuration to work with any game. But I've had to reduce using it since I know it will one day break and there is no other controller out like it, so I only use it for certain games now.

[@ReachTea]

I feel like if you liked the Steam Controller, you fundamentally prefer a trackpad as a right stick though 🤔

[@tekgeekster]

Probably.The trackpad is super versatile, but for me at least, the sc has too many downsides to keep using outside small sessions for fun anymore.

[@march15th]

It was not worth the money for me. I refunded mine after a week. I've come to expect 4 back buttons on a premium controller. 2 is just lazy. The feel was a bit more premium the than the regular dualsense, but not '$150 more' better.

[@tekgeekster]

I don't mind only 2. Yeah, two more would be nice for some things, but it's hard to see how good they'd be with gyro if my experience with a modded Xbox elite is anything to go by. The buttons were so sensitive and close together, it was hard to not accidentally press them. At least the extra function buttons can still make up for it a little, but if we're going for four, we need a controller shape that can comfortably spread them out as well as have them a little more stiff. And yeah, $200 is a joke. I mostly bought it out of curiosity (and I was working two jobs at the time and sleeping at work, so I didn't need to pay rent. I had an excessive amount of money.)

[@TheSixteen60]

It’s always annoying that people making comparisons between DualSense and Xbox controllers never talk about gyro.

[@ChawedMirthPrattEnterprise]

I'm interested to see if extremerate's clicky button kit works with the Edge as it does on the regular dualsense. That would make it more costly but it would also be a potential fix for the D-pad. Btw, great review.

[@tekgeekster]

first, check to make sure a regular dualsense's button flex board lines up. I know the triggers are separate on the dualsense, so don't mod those because you'll be replacing the hall effect triggers with those clicky triggers.

[@ChawedMirthPrattEnterprise]

​@tekgeekster an addendum to this: extremerate have released a clicky kit... but it doesn't remove the membrane. It would be slightly better, but it's also their most expensive at around $40. Probably not worth it.

[@_THANKUN]

Zebra? No. That's penguin, bruh ❤

[@FoxDie77777]

i always use right paddle for jumping

[@BJgobbleDix]

Good vid! Loved it. Man, I was a bit disappointed when i found out the Fn buttons were....useless lol. I really wanted to map these. Also, isnt technically the Alpakka the best "gyro" controller due to its dual gyroscope implementation? At least so Ive read from people testing it.

[@tekgeekster]

They're useful on steam.

[@tekgeekster]

And yes, I wasn't thinking when I said "best gyro" I meant to say "consumer gyro" but didn't want to try to fix it because I had already spent 6 months on this and didn't want to spend anymore time trying to fix it.

[@caleasthetic]

do the extra button mappings still work for you on steam? for me it has worked for month on the beta channel and the stable channel. but a few month ago the extra mappings stopped working on the beta channel. so i switched to the stable channel and it worked again. but a fwe month ago the back button mappings stopped working on the stable channel aswell. i can map the buttons but the mappings dont work in any game. I have checked if my controller is on the default channel. and it is. So it should work. but it does not seem to work anymore. does anybody else experience this problem on the dualsense edge?

[@tekgeekster]

@@caleasthetic I haven't. That's weird...

[@caleasthetic]

@@tekgeekster your the second person that does not have the isue. i dont know how to fix it. what happens to my installed gameif i reinstal steam? maybe that will work. steam seems to have the latest update. Dont know how i can fix this.

[@Leon-sr3rx]

For me the perfekt Combination would be a Xbox series Controller for Games designed for Controller and a Steam Controller for the customitation and PC Games

[@ianperesmusic]

Great review! Informative and funny. I agree the price point is fucking ludicrous though. Fortunately, I was able to snag one from a frequent flyer store using points...... while they were incorrectly priced at 31,200 points instead of 64,500, making the dollar equivalent about $150 (AUD), normal price here is $350. Score!!!! They corrected the price soon after 🤣

[@kadebass6187]

You know someone should tinker with the modular analog stick feature and make a touchpad thingamabob replacement for the sticks as a “successor” to the steam controller

[@tekgeekster]

It would need some extensive modding to the controller board probably. I'm certain the proprietary port the sticks plug into are made to only recognize the sticks and function buttons.

[@kadebass6187]

@@tekgeekster well I mean I’m think maybe it could be possible given how there are Hall effect sticks (magnetic vs mechanical) you can get and those are generally unimpaired. The PS5 definitely wouldn’t support it but on PC that depends on the program reading the input

[@bass9380]

The most annoying thing for me is that you have only 2 back buttons. Couldn't they just throw 2 more? It's a premium controller after all... Oh and battery life too, I hate it on my regular Dualsense and it's even worse on the Edge

[@tekgeekster]

There's two more buttons, but it's a shame they're not on the face. Also a shame they were never intended to be used the way steam uses them

[@bass9380]

@@tekgeekster You mean those two paddles below the sticks? Couldn't you like 3D print something to use them with your ring fingers?

[@tekgeekster]

I've thought about it, and it might be possible to make something that replaces the buttons or at least makes them extend under the controller.

[@bass9380]

@@tekgeekster If someone makes it I'm buying the controller, that's a must have for me, otherwise I'll just stick with my modded Dualsense with 4 back buttons

[@BeHempy]

Seriously. 2 back buttons on a 'pro' controller is a major fail and a total pass from me.

[@runadumb]

If you use Rpaddle as mode shift, what do you use for gyro ratching, reload and jump? I wish there was a better way to use dualstage triggers via steaminput. That would help a lot

[@tekgeekster]

Depends on the game. Quake has no reloading, but Counter Strike does, so O is reload, but the modeshift temporarily makes XO□∆ my grenade selection. I also extended it to the dpad. Dpad down is drop weapon but with the mode shift, it can F4 for example.

[@tekgeekster]

Also, I don't use ratcheting. But that doesn't mean you don't have to. You could make the Right Function Button under the sticks a gyro button.

[@runadumb]

@@tekgeekster yeah I'm still experimenting but happy with square as gyro ratcheting for now. I also use circle for reload. I'm just trying to figure out a bit way to switch weapons for a game like doom eternal, which uses lots of buttons

[@tekgeekster]

Yeah, DE wasn't easy making a config for. Though I haven't played it in a while because I'm not a fan of it ironically.

[@bass9380]

I saw your Quake 2 live vod (I didn't actually watch it but it got me wondering) and it has disabled comments so I'll just ask here. What's your gyro sensitivity? Do you use flickstick or just go standard stick?

[@tekgeekster]

Idk why the comments are disabled. 乁⁠(⁠ ⁠•⁠_⁠•⁠ ⁠)⁠ㄏ I use a sensitivity of 6. Tried going higher, but my aim seemed to suffer a bit (I switched from 8 to 6 in the middle of the stream) I use analog stick steering because it's easier for me to bhop with than flick stick.

[@TravisTejas]

Great video 👍

[@zapmando]

Yo playing gyro on helldivers 2, got the right joystick bound to dpad for stratogem callins

[@tekgeekster]

That's genius. (⁠・⁠o⁠・⁠)

[@zapmando]

@@tekgeekster There is an option to change how you selct radial menus in the games options, and i adjusted the deadzone of the stick, it works good

[@zachariasstarlid5365]

Sweet video.

[@onriica]

Could you do a guide on how to set this up on PC wirelessly? I had severe input latency when trying wireless as well as my pc struggling to recognise it due. Also, in regards to the video, what you said were my exact thoughts when buying it. I’ve found that the lock on connector surprisingly useful to prevent the controller from disconnecting when plugged in.

[@tekgeekster]

@@onriica If you're using a Bluetooth dongle, buy a usb 2.0 extension cord for it. USB 3.0 interferes with the signal.

[@onriica]

@@tekgeeksterthank you!

[@caleasthetic]

steam does not recognise the extra inputs anymore. afew months back i used the betal channel and it worked fine. then after afew updates the extra remapped inputs stopped working. i switched back to the regual stable channel and it worked for a few days again. now after the last update i can still remap them, but the inputs dont work anymore.

[@tekgeekster]

what channel you using now? beta or stable?

[@SeohnAranys]

Or you could just have a bugged Steam. Happens sometimes. Seems odd they would remove a feature, that or was accidentally broken, one of the features I used regularly in games was harder to find for the longest time when Steam switched their UI, but it was later fixed. Unless Sony got mad.

[@gobanuke]

May I ask which version of Descent you are playing on Steam Deck?

[@tekgeekster]

2. But it doesn't matter as long as you use luxtropeda. You'll get amazing performance, little battery usage and little heat generated. Descent makes full use of the steamdeck's controls too. I love it.

[@gobanuke]

Thanks for the fast reply. Am I missing something or I just have the second part of your reply though?

[@tekgeekster]

Descent 2*

[@tekgeekster]

What I was saying, I was playing 2, but it doesn't matter which of the first two you play. They both work great with luxtropeda on the SD

[@Ramotttholl]

i was considering to get one... but then leaks for a New Steamcontroller came out and well im just gonna wait now. also i really dont like the basic looks of the PS4.. the black or white options or the options customization shops give. the only version i somewhat like is the 30th anniversary edition so ill get it if i can get one from the store but otherwise ill wait.(because fuck scalpers)

[@GuyManley]

The PS5 controller handle feel like gripping a pair of bananas. My pinkies don't sit naturally and it make them go numb after I while. I've only played my ps5 twice because I hate the damn controller and everything is on or will be on steam eventually anyway.

[@tekgeekster]

the shape of the handles definitely filled out with the DSE. I hated the original ds because of it's handles

[@charlieneath7121]

Yo, I’ve been following your content for a AGES to see gyro content. I’ve been looking into gyros for a while now and I still have questions, is their anywhere you have like a discord where I could ask you a few questions?

[@tekgeekster]

There is. You can find an invite link in the gyro aiming subreddit.

[@charlieneath7121]

@@tekgeekster I’m looking through that subreddit right now funnily enough but unfortunately I can’t find it

[@tekgeekster]

check general faqs

[@charlieneath7121]

@@tekgeekster thanks so much, found it and looking for help, now we wait

[@charlieneath7121]

@@tekgeekster I hopped in but still no response 💀 thank you anyway

[@kallestofeles]

Heya, thanks for the review! Just wanted to ask... how is the Bluetooth latency on this? I am pretty sensitive to latency and so far the Steam Controller (or any other 2.4GHz option) is the only real way I can bring myself to play wirelessly.

[@tekgeekster]

It's unnoticeable to me. The high polling rate combined with a pci-e wifi/Bluetooth card make for a very smooth experience.

[@kallestofeles]

@@tekgeekster Brilliant. Thank you very much! 🍻

[@xray437]

biggest issue is finding sticks to replace, can't find any x.x

[@tekgeekster]

@@xray437 for the dualsense?

[@xray437]

@tekgeekster yea, only sticks I can find for the edge are scalped at like $40ish dollars including shipping

[@xray437]

For context I've owned one that has broken sticks for a few months now

[@rikiishitoru8885]

You sound like if Microsoft Sam was a real guy

[@Mennenth]

"trackpad doesnt work well when used as mouse" .... so yeah. a "Deck Controller Lite", not a "Steam Controller 2" I will die on this hill. (the dualsense and dualsense edge are both great controllers though, dont get me wrong)

[@tekgeekster]

I KNOW! I JUST NEEDED A BUZZWORD, DAMN IT! GET OFF MY CASE. Lol.

[@Mennenth]

@@tekgeekster ... "Deck Controller" isnt a buzzword? :P

[@Mennenth]

@@tekgeekster good video though

[@tekgeekster]

No.

[@tekgeekster]

And thank you.

[@seethruhead7119]

It’s BY accident not ON accident!

[@tekgeekster]

... huh?

[@onriica]

Have you considered reviewing the Hori Steam Controller? It has one small advantage over this controller in that it has capacitive joy sticks for gyro.

[@tekgeekster]

I have. Unfortunately it's something I can't afford, and I don't feel emotionally stable enough to review another controller let alone come back to making videos.

[@onriica]

@@tekgeekster ah, fair enough, sorry to hear that. It’s annoying how it has only been released in Japan. I hope things get better for you 🤞

[@tenbob1973]

No touchpad though. For the same price you can get the standard Dualsense.

[@TheSixteen60]

That doesn’t have touchpads.

[@GrahamTheThe]

I LOVE GYRO aiming

[@Nabiuxhe]

My wallet is scared

[@tekgeekster]

Up to you if you think it'll suit your gaming needs.

[@rediculousman]

I hate how the touchpad is in the middle...

[@tekgeekster]

yep

[@kindpanda1075]

The PS5 controller including the Edge can't do the basic function of what the design of the Steam Controller was for, neither can the new "Steam Controller" people are so excited about. They still don't provide a great experience in mouse first PC games. Dragon Age Origins, The Witcher 1, so on...

[@tekgeekster]

it's still better than nothing. Sure, the sc might be able to run circles around the competition in something like an rts or moba (if you're sick in the head enough to enjoy most mobas), but the newer controllers build quality and polling rates are nothing to scoff at.

[@SuperTopmaster]

This Cyrano guy kinda sucks ngl

[@tekgeekster]

An absolute doofus.

[@Molteniceee]

perfect video except it should be pronounced YEEro-scope

[@tekgeekster]

Get out ಠ⁠ಗ⁠ಠ

[@RiasatSalminSami]

Too expensive.

[@tekgeekster]

Yes

[@BeHempy]

No.

[@tekgeekster]

Si.

[@camwhite4015]

WTF 200 dollars for a controller thanks for wasting my time smh

[@tekgeekster]

Why do you think I put it in the negative rant section? Just to say "Gee! I sure do love blowing $200 left n right, I tell you what! Sure no better feeling than being in debt!"