The more expensive, customizable DualSense controller runs out of juice even faster than the base model, and now we know why!

We’ve previously reported that Sony has confirmed that the DualSense Edge, available since January 26 for $200/€240 via PlayStation Direct, will run out of battery power slightly faster. The controller has cut back on a critical component, which seems a bit cheeky considering the price. Even though the premium controller has extra buttons or interchangeable analog levers, its battery is LESS than the basic controller!

Sony Interactive Entertainment explained the slightly shorter battery life by having more features in the same form factor and ergonomic design of the DualSense Edge and by striking a good balance between wireless usage and robust, high-performance features. Budd’s Controllers, an Australian electronics firm, took the DualSense Edge apart and compared the battery life of the two controllers. The difference is striking.

The battery size is already smaller than the base PlayStation 5 controller, but let’s compare how much battery power is in the two: the DualSense has a 1560 mAh battery, while the DualSense Edge has 1000 mAh (the same used in DualShock 4)! The milliampere per hour (mAh) is how much charge the battery can take before it runs out. The bigger, the better because it can be used for longer and must be charged less often (and the battery has a longer life). The difference is almost 36% between the basic (also fast-draining) controller and the expensive version!

Let’s not forget that a smaller battery can also be efficient when a more power-saving device uses it. Still, we have to go back to the fact that Sony has packed more features into the DualSense Edge, so the smaller size and charge of the battery will undoubtedly drain faster than the base DualSense. They couldn’t find a similarly small but larger mAh battery for the new controller…?

Source: VGC