A pair of recent online listings suggest that Sony is preparing to release a new iteration of its PS5 DualSense controller, or what many believe will be called the V2.
Listings found on Best Buy Canada and EE’s online store confirm an incoming updated version that boasts notable improvements over the original model. The most significant enhancement appears to be battery life, which is reported to be exceptional at 12 hours per full charge. This increase in battery life represents a considerable improvement from the 7-8 hours typically seen with the current model.
The DualSense V2 controller is priced similarly to the original DualSense at $89.99 CAD (which would translate to $69.99 in the US). The price includes a DualSense charging station, offering “click-in charging,” enhancing user convenience. This package deal is an attractive proposition, especially for those who haven’t yet purchased a charging station. In terms of its aesthetics, the V2 controller appears similar to the original white model, maintaining the distinct design features of the DualSense line.
This new development follows the launch of the modular DualSense Edge controller by Sony last year. While the Edge was priced significantly higher, at around $200, it offered only a few additional features. In comparison, the DualSense V2, with its improved battery life and included charging station, seems to offer more value for a similar price point to the original model.
Despite the excitement, Sony has not officially confirmed the release of the DualSense V2 controller. Instead, once discovered and reported on initially by The Verge, the listings were quickly edited and removed, leading to speculation about the controller’s release date and availability. It is possible that Sony may officially announce the controller at an upcoming event or through a simple online reveal.
Sony is expected to host a new State of Play showcase before the current financial year ends in March, presumably after Xbox has hosted its own Direct event and right around the same time Nintendo does its own thing.
In terms of practicality, the reduction in weight from the original DualSense’s 360 grams to 280 grams in the V2 version should improve comfort during extended gaming sessions. This weight reduction makes the V2 even lighter than the DualSense Edge. Along with the improved battery life, these changes aim to address some of the primary concerns users had with the original DualSense controller.
While there is no official word on when the DualSense V2 controller will be available for purchase, the leaked listings suggest that it may be soon.
Surprisingly enough, Sony didn’t announce the DualSense V2 controller at CES 2024, where, among several things, it revealed new colorways for the PlayStation 5 Slim, its DualSense-controlled concept car, and, finally, its upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda with Nintendo.
