It's no big secret that PlayStation 5The DualSense controller is an impressive gamepad, which not only makes for a more immersive, haptics-oriented gaming experience, but also offers more room for control schemes. For example, Housemark's recent SarosLike return Prior to this, DualSense's adaptive triggers essentially use new button creation, which is not possible with other controllers. In short, it's a unique device, and easily one of the biggest benefits of the PS5. However, it is far from perfect.
All-too-common complaints like stick drift, cost, and overall longevity aside, the DualSense isn't an easy fit for the PC environment. Unlike the Xbox controller, which has full feature parity with the PC, DualSense feels a bit more compromised. For example, the aforementioned adaptive triggers are often not supported by PC versions of cross-platform games, and other controller functions, such as the headphone jack and advanced haptics, are only supported via a wired connection. Not only is this disappointing, it also makes DualSense essentially an inferior option for PC gamers, as Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One controllers are often cheaper and without compromises, while being easier to connect and supported by more games. DualSense still has a long way to go on PC, but a Steam app called DSX is making progress in the meantime.
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PS5's DualSense now has wireless haptics and audio support on PC (sort of)
The Steam app DSX recently received a substantial update, honoring its most significant change to the aforementioned DualSense feature suite. The patch notes read: “Added Virtual DualSense with audio support, allowing games to send native DualSense audio and haptics via DSX via Bluetooth or USB.” To reiterate, DualSense audio and haptics were previously only available to PC users who chose to connect their DualSense via USB. This may seem like a minor problem, but for regular use, it can be very frustrating. This is doubly true for those who use their PCs in a living room setup, a demographic that will only grow if Valve's Steam Machine succeeds.
DSX only makes it possible to send audio and haptics to the DualSense via a wireless connection. It won't add haptics or audio support for games that don't already have it.
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DSX also makes for a more complex and customizable DualSense experience overall. With it, you can adjust DualSense's LED lights, deadzones, gyro controls, and more. Of course, you can accomplish many of these goals with other apps (DS4Windows, for example), but DSX tries to be more comprehensive and more user-friendly, aiming to enhance a deeper, console-like experience for PC users who prefer DualSense. But the program has an obvious caveat.
If you want full DualSense functionality on a PC, you'll have to pay
The biggest catch with DSX is its price, which is $8 on Steam. It's not a huge amount, but it's disappointing to have to pay for features that Sony should have included themselves. DSX is another example of independent developers finally picking up the slack of a major company.
Improving DualSense support on Sony PCs will not only be consumer-friendly, but also a smart business decision. After all, if someone is going to play on a PC, why not sell them a fully functional DualSense controller to pair with it? Otherwise, it just creates an opening for other, more compatible controllers in the PC market. And with so many Sony games on PC, it only makes sense. But for now, DSX is arguably PC users' most complete source for DualSense support.
