Is the PlayStation 5 Controller Heavier than the PS4‘s? A Thorough Breakdown

As an avid gamer and industry analyst covering the latest in hardware releases and news, one of the most common questions I‘ve been asked since the PS5 debuted is around the weight of its new DualSense controller. Specifically – is it heavier than the previous generation DualShock 4?

Well after extensive testing and analysis, the short answer is yes – the DualSense does carry slightly more heft. But how much of a difference does that extra weight make? Will it impact your gameplay or comfort in any meaningful way? And what about options for competitive gamers who may prefer a lighter or more customizable alternative?

I‘ll cover all the key questions around the DualSense weight comparison in this comprehensive guide.

At a Glance: DualSense vs. DualShock 4 Specs

First, let‘s directly compare the weights and dimensions of the PS5 and PS4 controllers with some hard data:

As you can see, the DualSense brings a nearly 3 ounce increase over the DualShock 4 – marking it around 25% heavier overall. It‘s also larger in every dimension – notably being over half an inch taller.

So what does that size and weight difference actually look and feel like in hand?

Ergonomics and In-Game Feel

Having logged countless hours with both controllers across a variety of game genres, I can definitively say that the DualSense‘s added weight is noticeable initially. The heavier feel makes it seem higher quality and more premium at first glace.

However, when actively gaming the weight difference becomes far less pronounced. The excellent ergonomic design and textured trigger grips keep the controller firmly and comfortably rooted in your hands even during frantic gameplay moments.

I‘ve found the size increase far more impactful than the heft – the DualSense is simply bigger all around. So gamers with smaller hands may find longer sessions more fatiguing compared to the lighter, more compact DualShock 4. No amount of contouring fully compensates for laws of physics – expect some hand cramping if you fall into that camp.

In terms of effects on essential functions like responsiveness, precision aim, or mashing buttons the results are negligible. The DualSense performs excellently on all fronts thanks to its high quality mechanical design. If anything the added stability of the weight actually helps accuracy during shooter missions requiring featherlight trigger pulls.

So bottom line – while definitively heavier, the DualSense delivers outstanding ergonomic performance even over extended gaming marathons. Outside of some hand fatigue concerns for those with smaller statures, the heftier weight hasn‘t had any detrimental over gameplay in my extensive testing.

Competitive Gaming and the DualSense Edge

For the competitive esports scene, every ounce matters when championships and cash prizes are on the line. I‘ve seen some professionals complain of fatigue from the DualSense‘s bulkier frame during tournaments spanning multiple hours.

Again the issue stems more from simple physics – extended periods clenching an 11 ounce controller taxes muscles and strains joints faster than a lighter 7 ounce one. No design tweaks fully prevent that, aside from simply dropping weight.

Addressing that, Sony recently launched the DualSense Edge – a higher-end pro controller purpose built for hardcore gamers. Marking their first foray into the competitive scene, it‘s clear Sony banked heavily on cutting ounces.

Surprisingly even the Edge hardly trims weight though – at 12.6 ounces it‘s even slightly heavier than the stock DualSense. It seems for all the customizability touted, shaving grams took a backseat.

For now, pros may want to stick to familiar third party options until Sony better understands what truly elite gameplay demands. Between overweight frames and the ongoing drift epidemic, the company still has refinements to make before taking esports by storm.

The Verdict: Excellent Overall Despite Added Weight

While definitively heftier than previous entries, the DualSense‘s ergonomic design and superb overall quality keep it extremely usable even during marathon sessions. Casual gamers are unlikely to notice the heavier weight hindering enjoyment or performance. Competitive circles demand every possible advantage however, so hopefully Sony continues tweaking future iterations for ounce-conscious hardcore audiences.

For now, the DualSense stands as an outstanding leap forward consolidating Sony‘s position at the forefront of immersive controller technology. Its substantial weight underpins a feeling of stark quality befitting the PS5‘s cutting edge next-gen ambitions. While refinements remain, the DualSense sets a high water mark for what premium gameplay can ultimately achieve.

Over 7 years writing for top gaming publications like IGN and GameSpot has made Michael an industry expert. He specializes in hardware analysis and racing game mechanics. A passionate gamer since childhood, Michael now splits time testing next-gen offerings and crafting in-depth guides.