Ranking Every Special Edition PS5 DualSense Controller: From Worst to Best!

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For the past four years, the DualSense controller for PS5 has been released in multiple colors, catering to players who prefer options beyond the standard black and white design. While I appreciate the Midnight Black and Volcanic Red versions, it’s the Special Edition controllers themed around PS5 games that truly grab my attention. From the God of War: Ragnarok, Astro Bot, and even Concord-themed DualSenses, Sony often creates unique controllers to complement its first-party game releases.

11 specific DualSense controllers in the Special Edition line are harder to find and require more effort than your typical PS5 controller, so you’ll need a strong preference for one of these unique designs if you plan on hunting them down. To make your search easier, I’ve organized my personal preferences for their design, from least favorite to most favorite, as a starting point for your quest.

11. Fortnite

Perhaps, I might be past the mark as a millennial to appreciate this style, but personally, I find the Fortnite-themed DualSense controller somewhat garish. The graffiti art design on the controller seems more like an eyesore than a pleasing addition, especially against the teal background, and the game title on the touchpad appears downright ugly to me. Unless you’re a dedicated Fortnite player who doesn’t venture into other games much, I would recommend considering alternative DualSense controllers over this one, including the Starlight Blue model that this design seems to tarnish.

10. LeBron James

As a gamer, let me clarify that LeBron James isn’t some PlayStation character, but he does own his very own DualSense controller. While the motivational phrases on this controller are more inspiring than the Fortnite logo or graffiti seen on earlier versions, it feels like a slightly overloaded version of a standard DualSense recolor. It’s quite tricky to come by these days since they were part of a limited promotion back in 2023, and I personally don’t believe it’s worth the hunt to find one.

9. The Last of Us

Sony’s most recent DualSense controller doesn’t rank among its top offerings. This one is themed after “The Last of Us” and serves as a tribute to the franchise. It features emblems from the series on a DualSense controller that switches the usual black-and-white color scheme. To me, it seems a bit too corporate for such an intimate, emotionally charged series, and I would have preferred a design influenced by Joel, Ellie, Abby, or a Clicker instead.

8. Hogwarts Legacy

The highly successful video game based on Harry Potter, titled Hogwarts Legacy, received a customized DualSense controller, and it’s satisfactory. This version of the DualSense uses Midnight Black as its base color, accentuated with gold streaks and a golden image of Hogwarts on the touchpad. I believe that diehard Harry Potter enthusiasts will appreciate this controller, but in comparison to other controllers on the list, I find its theming somewhat less captivating.

7. Monster Hunter Wilds

The Monster Hunter Wilds DualSense controller bears a resemblance to the design of Hogwarts Legacy, with special gaming motifs added onto an existing color scheme for this popular controller. Compared to a golden version of Hogwarts, the floral designs on this controller appear more aesthetically pleasing. Notably, this controller is only available in Japan, making it slightly harder but all the more enticing to acquire one for myself.

6. God of War: Ragnarok

As a devoted fan, I must say that the God of War: Ragnarok controller is quite stylish and stands out among its peers by not merely slapping art over a repurposed DualSense design. However, opting for a wolf and bear motif rather than the iconic Kratos emblem leaves me somewhat taken aback. While this change might be appealing to those seeking a more subdued aesthetic, I can’t help but wish that the controller retained a bit more of the God of War series’ distinctive flair.

5. Helldivers 2

The “Helldivers 2” controller harmoniously aligns with the game’s visual theme. The combination of black and yellow colors is fitting for Helldivers, while the intentional stretch marks on the controller give it a battle-worn appearance reminiscent of a DualSense that has survived a warzone. This controller would be an excellent choice for fans of “Helldivers 2” or gamers who prefer their controllers to bear the signs of rough use, incorporating such scratches into the overall aesthetic of the DualSense.

4. 30th Anniversary

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the special edition DualSense controller offers a delightful trip down memory lane. It sports a gray hue reminiscent of the PS1’s controller, reinstates the classic colors of X, Square, Triangle, and O buttons as they were on DualShock, and replaces the home button with the original PlayStation logo. If you’re into retro gaming or yearn for the early days of PlayStation, this one is definitely worth adding to your collection.

3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Among all the DualSenses listed, the one I intentionally sought out is simply outstanding – the Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 controller. The design genius lies in the combination of black and red versions of the DualSense, giving an impression that the Symbiote has invaded the controller. This aesthetic tie-in with the game enhances its relevance to the storyline, while also serving as a fantastic Spider-Man-themed accessory for Marvel character enthusiasts.

2. Concord

As a gamer, I must admit that Firewalk Studio’s Concord game didn’t quite hit the mark, but boy, their DualSense controller is something else! It’s got this vibrant, futuristic vibe reminiscent of Helldivers 2’s DualSense, only sleeker and cleaner. It doesn’t seem overly tied to the game itself, which makes it all the more intriguing. Just gazing at it gives me a hankering for some out-of-this-world gaming experiences. This controller is cool, no question about it, and now that Concord has been delisted, it’s something we can remember the game by – a rad piece of hardware that’s a testament to Sony’s innovative design.

1. Astro Bot

The character in Astro Bot was specifically crafted to embody the essence of PlayStation, making it fitting that the design of the DualSense controller mirrors this character. Featuring colors similar to the DualSense seen within the game, this controller boasts crisp whites and blues, ensuring it catches your eye on your shelf. It also incorporates subtle robotic details for a more authentic look. The joy this controller exudes is infectious, and given how fantastic Astro Bot is as a game, it’s no wonder that the DualSense designed for it is considered the best.

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2025-03-11 21:42