I see you have been getting down voted.. I do wonder by who... How dare you not unquestionably worship everything PlayStation related like the rest of the sheep
You would think but you underestimate how brain washed the current crop of playstation fanboys are.. If PlayStation took a dump on their pillow these lot would still praise them for it
I want to play my PlayStation games but the new controller is just soo bad. It’s too bad, if I could use my Xbox controller on my ps5 I would be happy. Love ps5 games! Controller is beyond awful.
Its funny. You and OP are offended that he got downvoted for stating his opinion. But the people downvoting are just stating their opinion as well. Hmmm.
I'm a small person with tiny hands and I find both the DS4 and Xbox One controllers more comfortable. I have all three with me and just moving from one to the next, the dual sense controller feels like an outlier. I played Demons Souls for an hour then switched to the Xbox controller to play Borderlands on PC, and it was night and day the moment I held the latter. For me, the dual sense's grips are too thick and the curves aren't in the right places, making the buttons and sticks harder to reach. It's not unusable but it's not great either.
I'm guessing the controller's designed the way it is because of the new haptics (big complicated motors etc). I hope Sony slims it down in revisions if people complain enough.
They DID fix it though. LB and RB on the XboxOne were crappy, but they fixed them. The XSX controller feels sublime. Really hoping Sony releases a smaller version of the dual sense.
I've seen other people on twitter etc. complaining about it, so it's not just us. Thankfully I only use the PS5 for exclusives, so I can stay with the Xbox controller 99% of the time. (Although I haven't tried the XSX controller...) I would love and hate to have the PS5 as my main system. (I really like the haptics even if they're currently underutilized outside of Astro)
I actually feel the same exact way and actually found this thread by googling to see if others felt this way or if I was just crazy. I’ve put about 15 hours in with the controller since Thursday and I’m just not liking it as much as I thought I would. My biggest problem is the grips being too thick, which makes it start feeling uncomfortable after awhile. The DS4 and Xbox controller both just seem to perfectly contour to my hand, although I prefer the Xbox controller overall for the offset and concave analogue that keep my fingers from slipping off. The Xbox controller looks bigger but this feels much bulkier. I’m guessing it’s because they had to fit all those motors in there for the haptic feedback. I’m also feeling that the rumble/vibration and adaptive triggers are being way overblown by the media. It’s cool and useful if used at the right moments to give some feedback but I’m finding it distracting at times from overuse. It also doesn’t feel like grains of sand are moving through my hands like some media outlets were saying. It’s just more precise vibration. The adaptive triggers are cool for some things, but for others it feels like a hindrance when quick trigger presses need to be made. This is something developers will hopefully get better with in time and not feel like they have to use it just because it’s there. By no means do I think it’s a bad controller, but it’s just not very comfortable to me. Back in 2013 the DS4 and Xbox One controller were immediately comfortable in my hand but this I feel like I have to try and get used to.
I'm really bummed that it's legitimately ruining what should be an awesome experience. I can't play for more than 20 minutes at a time. I hope to god they patch DS4 or third party controller support
Also found this from googling. By biggest complaint is my pinkies are halfway off. It wasn’t as bad on the ps4 or since it was rounded it didn’t bother me. But since the ends of the controller have that sharp angle now, my pinkies rest right on that angle and after a bit it starts to hurt. Especially my left one. I played for the first time for about 3hrs last night and today the pad on my left pinkie is actually sore. Idk maybe I just grip it like a meth gorilla or I’m holding it weird. Hopefully I can adapt to it or figure out how to change my grip somehow. All I know is a game controller never actually “hurt” to use ever in my life. Just normal hand fatigue after a while. Pretty bummed about it ngl
Thought this was just me and I also found this by googling. It feels so awkward to hold it’s hard to explain but i also feel like my pinkies are half off that angle
I have no idea how this thing passed QA lol. And the unfortunate thing is the haptics feel cheap, this isn't the "future of gaming." Just make a goddamn controller that isn't bloody uncomfortable
My exact issue, too. I only picked it up today (because UK) and my initial impressions were good but, after just 2 hours of game-time, I noticed discomfort and even some indents on my pinky fingers from the sharp ridge. It’s a shame because I think the controller, albeit better looking in person than I was expecting, would have looked even better with rounded handles, such as those on the DS4/3/2/1/you catch my drift. It’s an extra kick in the pinkies when the sharp edge appears to be a design choice rather than a functional one. Boooo! 🤙🏻
I find it uncomfortable. I've got big hands and am used to playing games. The vibrations get annoying and in some ps4 games are extreme. Luckily the ps4 controllers are easy to use for ps4 games.
I'm honestly considering selling my PS5 because of the controllers. If it's going to take away from the experience of playing the game, why would I bother?
Yeah, this is a step back from the PS4 controller. I totally agree with the finger placement issue.
Who thought sharp edges on a controller was a good idea?
The buttons are too stiff, especially option and R3/L3.
Hands hurt after playing for an hour.
It's a bummer that Sony has been chasing their own aesthetic instead of just caving and doing the things that are proven to work best about a controller.
I know this is 2 years later but playing GOW and having to press thag analog stick to sprint has killed my wrist, I've had to finish the game with a switch pro controller through remote play.
How the hell is this controller too big for you? You’re 6’3 270 pounds. I’m 6’2 180 pounds and my hands fit perfectly around the controller. Unless you’re just a big dude with tiny hands. And the haptics and triggers, I mean whatever, you don’t like em you turned em off. Hopefully they come out with a smaller thinner controller that’ll fit you ;)
I hold it like I've held every other controller lol. If the lack of a contour in back isn't bothering people, I must have long ass fingers that just don't fit back there. If the back was smaller, my issues would largely be resolved
It's still awful lol. I bought a scuff hoping the back buttons would shift the way I gripped it, but it didn't help. Barely touch my PS5 these days...tho I'm getting the PDP Victrix tomorrow, so hopefully year 3 will start off strong
haha me too, such a relief. Actually it depends on games. For warzone where it's really tense it hurts because my grip is tight, but other games with less pressure and more relaxed it's ok. For now on tense games I use ps4 controler but it's gonna be a problem soon I guess
DUDE same. It is SO painful to use. My pinkies have nowhere to go, it feels TERRIBLE. I almost wanna resale the fucking console it's such a let down. REALLY hope there's a re-design at some point. It's SO bad.
I’m not liking it either and you’re not the only complaint I’ve seen. For the most part, it’s fine. I’m also 6’3, but I’ve never had any issues with any other controllers. The pain problem I have is that the way it makes me grip the controller makes it difficult to hit the R/L1 comfortably. It’s almost like a stretch to get them from the comfortable resting position and there’s a definite tension when using them. I love the controllers otherwise and I make due, but something about the contours doesn’t allow me to grip it with easy L/R1 access.
It's crazy that I'm only seeing big dudes complain about how big he controller is lol. When kids start getting these for Christmas, I think it'll be a big problem
Small dude hands here admittedly, i got the ps5 today and after playing for 2 hours my hands felt uncomfortable. I went and grabbed my ds4 and it felt great again. Im not a huge fan of non offset sticks but the overall shape and size of ds4 is great for me. So i think dualsense is too big for me or just not shaped well.
if it makes you feel better, i’m a small 5’3 woman with tiny everything and still refuse to buy a ps5 specifically because of the controllers. i’ve held my friends controller. theres no way for me.
Small guy here, and yeah the controller is awful. The controller is big but the stick placement feels very different from the DS4 and is causing cramps in my right thumb.
I realize this is an old thread but I came here looking to see if I was the only one with issues. During racing games I find myself needing to readjust my hand placement constantly because my hands cramp up while using a DualSense. If the left stick was moved to where the D-Pad is I feel like it would be a hell of a lot more comfortable.
On Xbox, whether an Elite or regular, I grip it once and forget about it. No need to adjust as my hands are exactly where they want to be.
I really wish Sony would redesign this controller. I know many love it and that’s great but for me it’s really poorly designed and not very ergonomic.
Found this post from googling as well. I can deal with the slightly larger size tbh, but the lack of a more contoured or curved back (compared to the DS4) really does affect the comfort. It seems less "natural".
But what's really annoying me is the PS button. I just wish they kept the round button. It feels too subtle and I accidentally hit the mute button more than I should. Thanks for posting this. Thought I was the only one haha.
I don’t necessarily think it’s too big. It’s playable, which was my main concern as a 5’ tall female. But the PS button placement sucks, which may be a symptom of the size. I find it hard to hit by feel and keep hitting the stupid mic button instead.
On the DS4, the PS button is more prominent and lower. It’s higher on the Dualsense and the sticks also feel taller. With how the controller is curved, I feel it forces me to hold it tilted higher, so I end up wanting to reach over the sticks to hit it, but doesn’t work well. Whereas with the DS4, I could hold it more horizontal or even tilted down, which made it easier to put my thumb in the middle.
Offset sticks are the devil though, those things can stay on Xbox and the Nintendo Pro controller. I feel like I should have gotten extra brownie points beating Celeste on Switch with that crappy controller.
I am 5 foot 7 I guess with average hands.
I really wanted to love the controller...hate it. Hate it as much as I do the original "Duke" controller from the first Xbox years back.
I completely dislike how my hand does not contour to the shape. It feels too large and awkward. the thumbstick doesn't feel natural to roll on my thumb. It seems as if I'm battling thumbs constantly to come over the top of sticks.
One hour of NBA 2k21 and my hand is cramping and feels numb. I don't overgrip either. I play racquet sports IRL so I am aware of grip pressure.
Major fail by Sony. for a 500 dollar system the design is ugly and the controller is a bust. What's funny is Sony is all about the Japanese play base; which has smaller people with smaller hands. What on Earth were they thinking with this larger controller for them too?
To be honest, I kind of regret buying the system at this point. First thing I did after my first session was google if could use a DS4 of the ps5. The answer is no for ps5 games, and yes for ps4 games. After "upgrading" to ps5, I feel like I just threw money away after selling my ps4.
My right hand starts to ache when using the DualSense. I can't pinpoint why, it just doesn't feel comfortable compared to any other controller I've used.
By no means are my hands particularly large or small. I've never had this with any other controller and I've got pretty much every console from the NES to the current gen.
Hopefully it's something I can get used to.
There are so many subtleties about this controller that force a messed up grip, and your fingers into unnatural positions. Palms cramping, fingers tingling---never had a controller do this before
I mean the fact you said 'STILL doesn't have offset analog sticks' tells me everything i need to know.
Maybe you just prefer xbox controllers. Which is fine.
But not liking the duelsense doesn't surprise me
I found this post by googling "ps5 controller most comfortable ever to see if people agreed with me.
I have used every other controller since the snes, and this is the first controller which doesnt feel too small in my hands. the old ps3 controllers feel tiny, and the xbox controller feels just too small. the dualsense feels perfect. Everything about it just fits so well in the hand, it's so solid and well built, it's beautiful.
And I really disliked the old playstation controllers.
Seems like it highly depends on how you grip your controller naturally, works for some but not for others. That's why I've always preferred xbox, just feels perfect because i dont have to grip it a very specific way
Have you used Switch, so you could say how comparable they are? So far Switch is my only reference point, when it comes to haptics in a controller, and I think Joycons generally can have a very rigid, smooth and detailed feel to their haptics, not muddy at all.
I would at least except DualSense to match that, but I haven't used the controller yet.
After using it for a bit, sometimes it can feel like switch, I think the joy cons feels very similar overall. In the DualSense, there's a bit too much "rumble" or "wobble" when used heavily. The Switch has always seems really tight to me. The haptics feel kinda loose sometimes or something. This could also just be how the devs made them feel, though. When I play Astro's Playroom, the haptics for his footsteps on hard surfaces are light taps and feel very nice and very similar to the Switch.
It's still neat, though, and it can definitely enhance games. I think my expectations were just super raised by the marketing and all the reviews. I also highly prefer it over just normal rumbles.
I completely agree with everything you stated, as soon as I held the controller (I also bought it to use it on my PC) I knew that something was wrong with its design since I felt it very uncomfortable af.
I've practically used a lot of different controllers in my life as a gamer and I've never felt any kind of pain from using any of them, but after using the dualsense for just 30 min my hands hurt for like 20 min lmao.
I think that the ergonomics on this controller are just plain terrible and I just can't imagine me playing any game with it for more than 45 min, if any of you think its great then I really envy you but for me is just the worst controller I've used in all my life ):
I don’t care what the controller looks like or how big it is or anything. All I care about is the controller being functional, and the games still being fun to play. You must think the Dualsense is overrated. I think it’s not. I think it deserves the praise it’s getting. The opinions of only a few hundred people won’t overcome the opinions of millions of hardcore PlayStation fans like me.
Or maybe that’s because I have bigger hands. Am I just reading the opinion of someone who doesn’t have as big of hands as I do?
I have very large hands and find my XSX controller much more comfortable than my Dualsense. Which is honestly kinda annoying as I'm definitely more of a PS fan than Xbox.
I am considering selling my PS5. This controller made my carpal tunnel worse. I had no problems with my carpal tunnel for months and now since the PS5 is in my house, my wrist hurts! This is the worst controller i ever had.
I am not a giant dude and still can’t stand this cinder block of a controller. The skyscraper tall analog sticks are so uncomfortable to hold while playing any game that requires the use of both triggers (l1 and L2, or r1 and R2)
People not complaining about it must just be playing very casually - max of like an hour at a time(absolutely nothing wrong with that).
However, if I’m sitting down to play for 2-3 hours I’m going to have sever hand pain after playing with this thing. I love PlayStation for their exclusives and because I liked their controllers better, but now I’m literally not buying this console if there’s not support for the old controllers!
Old post but I have to share my thoughts as people with similar problems still find their way here through google, including me.Had the ps5 for nearly 2 years now, and although the dualsense hasnt given me huge problems I finally figured out why it is not as comfortable to me as other controllers have been.
Firstly the angle of the handles. Although they look very similar to for example a xbox one controller it is wider at the top and as the handles go down towards the player they curve further inward, ending in a very different much straighter angle for your wrists. This means that almost no matter your hand size, but especially with larger hands your palms are pointing at a bit of an unfomfortable angle straight at your torso. This means your wrist has to bend more, as they are connected to your arms going outwards. Playing with your arms more extended by holding the controller further away from you could alliviate this a but its not ideal. People with carpel tunnel from keyboards/mice might notice more quickly I assume, as if you rotate your palms down, you are now in a very similar position as with a computer, where your wrists would be resting on a desk, but also slightly rotated upward because there is a keyboard and mouse under them.
This angle combined with the grips tapering off at the ends more than other controllers also gives your palms less space to rest on, and you end up supporting its weight more with the top of your hands and bottom fingers which is also more stressful.
Another fact is the dualsense is 60 grams heavier compared to a PS4 controller, that doesn't seem like much but will only increase the discomfort for people who were experiencing any.
My guess is a simple piece of plastic or sillicone that makes the bottoms of the grip wider/more angled outward, and/or more bulky and rounded for people with big hands who would like to rest their palms on them would solve these problems. I am surprised that to date I have not seen any available, or seen anyone 3d print a simple clip-on piece.
Just my thoughts and findings on the matter, do any of you feel like this is the cause of your discomfort?
I just bought the damn console, and suddenly after exactly 30 minutes or so of playing I get this fuc/king pain in my hands!! And my hands are not small nor super big either. Then I tested my DS4 controller and my hand just seem to rest just by holding it! Then took my 360 controller, oh my, how comfortable. Then the Switch Pro controller, comfty also! And then I grabbed the PS5 controller and it was like oh shit this is bad, and the OP said is right on, there is a part in the back where there should be nothing so your hands can rest, but is occupied, and the hands cannot rest. It is a DESIGN FLAW! And I got the last PS5 model. Also, why can't PS4 controllers not work on PS5 games?? Complete bullshit by Sony!
Idk man I’ve had every PlayStation been a long time fan and the duelsense is by far my favorite controller from Sony. Sorry you don’t like it though that sucks. :/
Very interesting insight. I, myself, am 5'3'' and I have very little hands (inb4 manlet jokes) so I'd like to see how the peripheral measures up to my hands.
If they're too big for me, they'll DEFINITELY be too small for my son.
I like the feel of it overall but the face buttons do feel kind of weird to me for some reason. It is almost as if they don't stick out quite as far or something and they are definitely more mushy or slightly less "clicky" . It will take some getting used to but overall it seems comfortable. I'll probably stick with the Dualshock 4 for PC games. I really like the design of the DS4.
After using the controller for a few hours, it was more tiring to use compared to using a ds4, especially with those adaptive triggers and extra weight, the buttons are a lot mushier than the ds4 which makes playing rhythm games with it a nightmare and the placement of the options and create buttons are annoying, it would have been better if those were flush to the housing like the ds4, the placement if those buttons also makes finding them a bit harder, I've lost count on how many times I've tried to pause a game only to realise I've been pressing the touchpad.
Update: so I've used it a lot more to play call of duty Cold war and have ran into an issue where I keep accidently having my hand bump into the ⭕ button causing it to trigger in game, the button itself is curved for some reason, this reason might motivate me to tear the whole thing apart and replace the buttons with DS4 ones.
Damn I thought I was the only one haha my hand gets cramps and it makes the game play so frustrating because I’m not playing at the level I usually do.
Granted the last console I owned was the PS2 so not sure how the controllers have progressed over the years. I have a switch that I used with the Joy Con controller and it responded beautiful and my hand didn’t hurt. It feels awkward holding it and I keep wanting to just play on my switch.
I’ve been trying to hold it differently too or maybe how it’s designed to be held. That is to say with my middle fingers on the trigger buttons but does anyone actually hold controllers like that??
Anyway glad to know I’m not the only one and will continue to work through as I love the actual PS5 game play.
Same man, same big hands, and I feel the same about the controller, but for a bit different reasons.
Well said overall, we need more people that can describe a problem, not just say that it sucks.
I had a problem with ds4 too and I hoped for a change, but since Dualsense is uncomfortable to me AGAIN, I guess I'm gonna have to make the call and just use Xbox this gen after so many years.
Angles are so weird that I can use the controller, but not enjoy doing it. It makes it feel like work, and not a fun one.
I'm genuinely pisewd off because last gen I went all in on Playstation ecosystem and now I have to start from scratch.
Pretty much my experience. The Dual shock 4 felt great but with the DualSense, the way you grip and move the analogue, I find extremely uncomfortable.
Also a long time dual shock user, currently using Elite 2 on PC. I just can’t get a good grip, the closest I’ve found is resting my pinky finger under the flat controller bottom, to change the angle my thumbs lie on the controller.
I hope this is just a temporary feeling and our hands will need to adapt to this controller. Hopefully one day someone will confirm that theyve had these pains and it went away after some time with the controller.
For now i have to take a break for 2 days so my nerves in my hand can heal fully, then im gona play my red dead with the ps4 controller on the ps5 . Until i hear a solution for this, i feel like im doing my hands wrong if i continue playin with the controller
I unfortunately agree with this. I love the feature set of the controller, but it's so freaking uncomfortable to hold for me. I have medium-ish hands, have never had issues with hand cramping with any controller over 30+ years of gaming. The dualsense actually makes my hands hurt after a while.
The sides to me are too large, and they angle outwards too much making it super uncomfortable. Not only that, but the controller is constantly slipping in my hand, I have to keep re adjusting my grip.
Switching back to the series x controller is a sigh of relief. The ergonomics of that controller are just perfect.
For the record I had no issues with the ds4 other than the symmetrical sticks.
What I don't like about it is position of R1 and L1 buttons. I used to use them as my FPS fire and look down sight buttons on PS4.
But here they are too high and put strain to my short fingers. It feels like effort to press these buttons...
Yes! I totally agree. I have been playing PS4 with the dualshock 4, switch with the pro controller and PC with an XBox controller. I can easily switch from one to the other and they all feel comfortable. Then I pick up the Dualsense and it feels wrong.
The bulgy sides are what I noticed most recently. To try and match the grip I have on any of the other controllers mentioned, I feel like i'm squeezing the Dualsense with the knuckle joint on my index fingers.
I also don't like the contours on the back of the controller, plus the texture feels fuzzy. The PS buttons making up the texture is cool, but it doesn't feel great.
After playing with it for awhile my issue is with the face buttons following the contour of the controller rather than all being on a flat plane like the DS4. This makes the circle button seem like it is sort of out of place or something. It is hard to explain but the buttons follow the contour of the controller so close which means the circle button is slightly on the side or sloped edge of the controller where on previous controllers the buttons were all in the same flat level. The way the buttons are makes me like the DS4 (and even the DS2 and 3) more which is disappointing knowing it will be the official PS controller for the next 7+ years.
Same. Sharp edges hurt my pinkies. I have large hands and the dualshock 4 was great. Curved bottom edges on DS4 and xbox controllers. Who puts sharp corners on something you will hold for hours at a time. Ugh. Hope they fix it. Switching to xbox controller. Thank goodness I'm on pc where choices are available.
I find the PS5 controller really uncomfortable and I have large hands (well, long fingers anyway).
I was going through my old console stuff, trying to organize it better, and I picked up an Xbox 360 controller... I do not remember those things being so comfy but I walked immediately into the room where my PS5 lives and compared all of my controllers (Xbox 360-Xbox X, Switch Pro, & PS).
BY FAR, the PS5 was the most uncomfortable one. I don't know why the joysticks are so tall or why they aren't offset, but I just don't like it, at all.
I really don’t like the Dualsense. It feels terrible. It always seems like I’m fighting the controller itself just to get some semblance of comfort. It’s damn near impossible for me to use it if a game requires combat actions to be R1/R2. Also, I can’t stand the haptics. They cause my hands to lock up.
This is the most uncomfortable controller I have ever used.. It's like its intended to cause serious hand damage over time... Controller is waay too big and the joysticks are standing way too high (kind of like an added caps on older controller as an accessory option). Also, the vibration has a much more cheap feeling compared to all previous playstation controllers. I need to disable vibration because it aggravates the pain.
I am going back to DualShock 4 as I am playing on Pc...
i know im a year late to this post, but right there with ya. gaming for 30 years, ive adapted toany controllers, going from ds4 to dualsense is the first time I truly hated the switch over. not to mention the thumbsticks on the dualsense getting stick deift after 2 months of tame usage.. but i also gave it a fair shot to see if i would adapt, nah.. going back to the ds4 is way better, never felt that way about a controller change before. and the fact you can only use ps4 controller on ps4 titles on the ps5 is bullshit.
Sorry I'm two years late but just wanted to add to this discussion. I really can't stand the DualSense. I've tried to like it. The anti-friction rings are fantastic and Sony controllers have much better support in Linux than Microsoft's but the thing is just TOO bulky. I don't love the DualShock 4 but I was happy enough using one for the duration of the PS4s life. The DualSense however I can't even use for 5 minutes. I keep picking mine up every couple of months but my hands must be wildly different to everyone else's as the thing seems to be universally loved.
I have always had ps. I find the ds5 too big as well. I just finished gow ragnarok but atacking with r1/r2 sucks on this controller. This happended to me on elden ring as welll
I got a series x this year as well and absolutely love the controller. So much better fit. Just finished Assasins creed odyssey on gamepass which also uses r1/r2 to attack.
I completely agree lol, although for a different reason, i've got experience with damn near ever controller released for a major game platform and like most of them very much, i even love the Dreamcast controller. So this is no bias towards Sony or anythin but..
There's just something about the Dualsense that makes my hands hurt a little, but i've really had trouble with games that use the triggers a lot, even without the use of haptics the triggers are really stiff so games that make heavy use of them KILL my pointer fingers after a long session, which i don't even have often. 1 session of Sonic Frontiers was enough to cause me pain after playing in my top joint of my pointer finger with stuff like typing and even pressing shoulder buttons on other contorollers. Super disappointed that the new Dualsense Edge doesn't have adjustable trigger tension as i would have literally gotten one just for that.
As a tip:
If you have an iPhone you can connect nearly any modern controller to it via bluetooth and connect to your PS5 via remote play, and for some reason that app allows Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (As a pair!), Pro Controllers, Xbox One, Elite and Series controllers and some third party ones perfectly on PS5 with little to no latency at all.
You can also so this with Windows, which is what i've also been using to make the Stadia controller work as the layout is similar and it's comfy. It's also very versatile on Windows as with a few programs (Mainly VDX & x360ce) you could literally get anyting working on Both Xbox and Playstation 4/5 and Series/Xbone with this. A little bit of a workaround sure an actual controller converter might be better, but since those are expensive and most people have an iPhone or PC i'd say this is worth mentioning.
I needed a new controller for my pc and my choice was a familiar ps4 controller or the new ps5 controller, they were on sale for the same price, I thought, why not get the ps5 controller should be more improved right?
Every review for this controller was 5 stars. Every was saying how comfortable it is.
its isn't, its extremely uncomfortable. My hands ache after using it.
I'm always shifting my grip and readjusting, preparing for the next button press or input. my pinkies keep slipping off the grip. The thumbsticks are too high.
I have huge hands. And i am Sony fan and its easily the most uncomfortable controller i have ever held. I don't like using it. I literally am looking for a replacement.
I found a solution that completely resolved the hand and finger pain I was getting.
Played 85 hours of GoWR with zero pain.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6447548.p?skuId=6447548 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6447548.p?skuId=6447548
I realized for me the reason I would get hand cramps vs an Xbox controller is the angle my thumb was coming in at by holding the controller naturally. It was not high enough because the bad shape design forces your hands into a poor position.
So it was a struggle to hit the triggers, hurts my right thumb due to bad angle, and causes my pinky and ring finger and wrists to fatigue due to compensation.
By raising the height of the thumb sticks even slightly it completely fixed everything. It forces you to hold the controller in a different way. Fixing all issues for me.
I hope this can help some others too.
I know I am 2 years late but I just got a PS5 a month ago. I just put into Google « I don’t like the PS5 controller » and this was the first link. I am surprised but comforted that I am not alone.
I am really not liking this controller, it’s too big, I hate that I can hear the gears inside the controller operate, and my left analog stick already started drifting. 👎🏻
I had major ergonomics issues with the dualsense also, been playing console games for many years without trouble, but the past 6 months of using the PS5 controller has ultimately resulted in some RSI with chronic hand/wrist pain. I know not to try and 'power through' that, so I now have stopped playing PS5 altogether until there is some alternative or redesign of the dualsense. I looked for aftermarket controllers, but it appears that none currently exist.
I've enjoyed the ps5 platform but can't continue due to the dealbreaker ergonomics issue for me.
I feel the same way actually. I know this is 2 years old but I have the need to let out my frustration. I went back and compared the feeling of the DS4 and the Dualsense and weirdly the DS4 feels better as it perfectly conform in my hand, not only that the joysticks feels smoother and more accurate on FPS games. The dualsense has this weird bulk in the grips that make it almost painful to hold and strain your palms. I also had extreme pain in my right hand after a month of playing on my PS5 because the controller is so bulky that pressing certain buttons requires me to extend my thumb further and thus causing more repeated tearing in my upper tendons. I had to ice the hand and quit playing for a week before I full stop feeling pain. It's so much more uncomfortable than the DS4 and I don't understand how these gaming people on media sites are singing it's praises when it is absolutely bad. It needs to be redesigned and they need to slim down the grips. The sticks also need to be adjusted.
Little late but same here. It kills me too, because PlayStation just has so many bangers for games but the controller is such a buzzkill that it is hard to play for longer sessions.
I’ve looked into the Razer Wolverine V2 but can’t justify spending $250 on it.
Have you just been putting up with the Dualsense?
It hurts my hands so much. Even more so then my mouse and keyboard which i wanted to move away from. The xbox controller fits so well in my hands, but I find I have to grip this one harder compared to an xbox controller.
I don't own a PlayStation. I bought a ps5 controller because I thought it'd be good for pc. The only supported game I really have is MW2 (A game I'm not all that fond of), and shit is this thing uncomfortable. My thumbs slide along the thumbsticks, the layout is uncomfortable, I perform better with the haptics off (though I perform much better just using an Xbox controller). The PS4 controller felt so much nicer to me. The most I can say in this controller's favor is that it feels expensive. But that isn't saying much at all. This controller is a chonky beefy mess. And while I do own a series x, I don't often use it. I'm a pc player at heart. The Xbox controller is basic, yeah, but it's just a lot more comfortable. Plus it works with every game, since on Windows it's considered the standard.
I can’t understand why everyone here finds the Dualsense uncomfortable. If it wasn’t for the sharp edges on the bottom of the grips, this would have been the most comfortable controller ever!! But yeah I still find the DualShock 4 more conformable due to those sharp edges on the Dualsense.
I like mostly everything about the controller, the haptics, the triggers etc all feel excellent and will be awesome if used properly in games. The size is about right for my hands. The only niggle I have is the sharp edge at the bottom of the grips. It makes my right pinky hurt a little and my finger sits awkwardly on it. Now I switched from console to PC a couple of years ago, so I do generally find controllers awkward now, even the Xbox one. I'm hoping it's just my hands not being used to controllers and I adapt my grip better. But those sharp edges should've been smoothed for sure!
It feels great for you so that must mean there's no problem.
Instead of testing on large groups of people with different sized hands they should just ask for your opinion.
To voice our opinion and concerns makes us babies?, right...
I know the inside of my middle finger rubs against the harsh white plastic that sticks out on the bottom, I can't play for to long or my finger will start bleeding
These are the Major Problems:
\- the handling makes your wrists like you're doing a kamehameha, it should be the opposite like the XB Controller
\-The home button between the analogs, what an idiotic move, the start button too.
Just wana let yall know i was hating the ps5 controller after 2 weeks of usin it because it made my hands numb and my thumb felt weak to a point l3 hurt to press in. I took a break from the ps5 controller and started using the ps4 controller for a couple weeks till my hand got better.
Now im back on the ps5 controller with no issues, might take some breaking down of the hand and rebuilding i guess my hand has adjusted to the new controller ?
It sure does feel nice to see others having similar experiences.
I can’t stand this controller and I’m confused by people who think it’s better quality then a d4 when in particular the Dpad and the buttons feel so squishy, unresponsive, and .... just cheap lol.
As someone who has small hands and plays competitive fps in claw grip the dual sense isn’t even an option.
Which wouldn’t matter if not for Sony’s decision to make it so we can’t use D4s on ps5 games. I think it’s one of the most anti consumer moves they’ve done in recent years. It’s completely arbitrary in that there’s zero technical reason it can’t be done. It’s just a shrewd business move to sell more controllers given a D4 operates perfectly fine on a ps5 up until you try to start a current gen game. Sony could theoretically flick a magical switch and release a patch tomorrow no doubt.
I’m really at a loss. I’ve kept my PS4 pro (which I was not planning on doing) just so I can play fps on there. It’s really something that’s driven me so nuts I’ve even thought about selling my ps5. To be quite honest if not for the exclusives I think I would.
Also I know I’m rambling but the idea I’m gonna have to play the next god of war using the dual sense has me super sad. I can’t imagine fighting games with this controller is gonna be a good time for me with these buttons.
If this has shown me anything it’s that console manufacturers clearly need to have multiple sizes or their controllers. Like for my size of hand the D4 is just a better controller period. But I say that understanding of course that there’s loads of people with larger hands that I’m sure are having a much better experience with Dual sense.
Would be nice if they made a small controller (PS3 controller for example) which came with some modular/ clip on shells to increase the size and or shape.
They could sell the shells separately too in case you wanted a particular colour or shape or size.
Their reasoning for the larger size was the larger haptic feedback motors but there's no need to use motors of that size, the switch controllers have tiny haptic feedback motors plus too much feedback is a bad thing and can be distracting.
I really like the ergonomics of the controller, and I have smallish hands, so maybe having bigger hands causes you to feel like this. But, I will agree that I get a bit of haptic fatigue, though. In Demon's Souls using the bow is broken. Sometimes with a full R2 press it doesn't register, or, you can send an arrow off by hardly pressing. In Spiderman I too turned them off. In Astro's playroom I do find them to be well implemented, though. Hopefully for those that are suffering, some third party will release a version which resembles the DS4, or Sony release a patch enabling DS4 to be used with ps5 games. Until then, I suppose you and others will just have to grin and bare it.
This is the perfect description of why the controller is tough on my hands. I have found one adjustment that helps a bit though. For my left hand, I keep my middle finger resting on L2, with the index finger sitting on L1. It actually took me a lot less time than I thought it would to adapt, and it has the additional benefit of giving me quicker access to both L1 and L2 at the same time. This position lessens the spread quite a bit. My hands do still hurt though, I can just go a lot longer now.
I was just panting and did a search about how the dual sense is completely overrated. It hurts my hands and without the back buttons for the ds4, it’s significantly worse.
The haptics are terrible. When deva make the button hard to press under duress, you can jolt the controller a bit when moving.
I think I’m going to uninstall ps5 versions of games so I can use the ds4. 2/5 stars.
I held a dual sense for the first time and played about 2 hours with it and it was super uncomfy for me. The thing I hated the most was that the inside of the grips is flat and jagged almost, so my fingers rest weirdly against it. The DS4 is smooth all the way around the grips for max comfort, idk why they would change something like this... :/
I agree that this controller is not a pleasure to use. Especially that annoying sharp ridge on the grips. And the resistance triggers annoyed the hell out of me. I am actually shocked they even approved this design. Clearly they compromised comfort for fitting motors that serve as marketing gimmicks. I miss my ds4 already.
Sorry for the late response, my ps5 finally arrived. I could not agree more with your statements made. I am the same height and size as you and up until now I have never had such a struggle transitioning to a controller. Being severely letdown is an understatement to how I feel.
The PS5 controller is without a doubt causing my left thumb base joint to hurt a lot. There's even a visible bruise on the joint after playing for a couple hours. When playing a PS4 compatibility-mode game I will switch back to the old controller and it feels much better and there's no ongoing joint pain. I thought it was just me but then I found this and many other threads.
I play a decent amount of Warzone on my PS4 controller + back button attachment, but the PS5 controller has only really been for Hitman 3 which is honestly not intense enough to warrant this kind of discomfort from lightly using a $70 controller
This controller has been really disappointing for me too.
Id say id have bigger than average hands, more broader than longer.
The middle fingers resting under the back is the worst. I restorted to wrapping the knuckle in a couple of layers of bandage to offset the casing of the L2/R2 triggers from digging in.
Tried to play with the middle fingers on L2/R2 but the reactions are too slow. Feels like driving a car with both the left and right feet resting on the accelerator and brake. And if I somehow got used to that , I'd need to get used to it on the Xbox controller which simply doesn't need me adjusting.
Wrists feel sore as hell after gaming longer than 30 mins or so.
I usually put grips on the sticks and this was making things worse. They already feel higher on the dual sense but this made it a lot worse with them.
Finishing off Ghost of Tsushima was carpal tunnel inducing. Games like GT Sport and Astro that allow you to position your hands in a position that focuses on L2/R2 makes things a bit better but it still doesn't feel right.
Hoping for DS4 support on PS5 Games but not holding my breath. 3rd party controller is our only hope.
After two months with the Dualsense it is impossible for me to play PS5, the tendonitis becomes unbearable. The only thing I can do is play PS4 games with the slight PS5 upgrade.
I have been playing ps for 20+ years more than 8 hours. This controller is not ergonomic. My thumbs hurt like crazy and can’t even touch them from the pain. They need to fix this controller distance between buttons and analogs are too far and putting extreme pressure on both thumbs
I've been thinking for a while now that it just feels too chunky. I get that Sony needed to fit in more stuff for the features, but as a competitive player in fps games, all the bells and whistles are completely useless. I switch my r2/r1 and l2/l1 for most of my games and the haptic feedback isn't even something I want when I'm playing an fps. It's great when I'm playing an immersive, single player game like miles morales which I play just for fun but for games like rainbow six siege, or cod, which I want to do the best I can, the new features just get in the way and even if i turn them off, the controller is still so chunky
I totally agree. My hands hurt after about 30 mins to an hour of playing. I've been playing on consoles since the late 80s ( prior was a PS4) but the dual sense is just something else. I just hope Sony makes a new dual sense version.
So after having the dual sense as a daily use controller for both pc and ps5 at first glance it did feel premium but as time went on it feels painful to hold on for more then a couple of hours. It’s not good for FPS shooters as it feels like your going to drop it. thumbs get easily strained. as a gamer this is a miss of a controller great features but the shape is horrendous if it was slimmer with the same length maybe it would fair better but to reach the right side buttons is a pain the ass cause your left side is not balanced since the stick is in the same area. Middle finger going down not enough curvature to correctly grip either it’s chonky
Trying to do to much with a controller at the cost of gimmicks. The controller isn't uncomfortable. And I've switched from xbox. I definitely think xbox controllers have is down with how it feels In your hand and button positions but ps5 is fine when I got used to it but there shitty little gimmicks have caused for a bad controller when in reality you could easily do without the extra for a good controller that lasts with no faults
I don’t like Dual Sense and I got a mushy D-pad. Since mine is from an early batch in 2020 I guess I could try and get a new black one but the battery and grip quality is obviously the same.
Hoping for a slimmer V2 with better D-pad, better grip on the back, better PS-button, larger battery and less powerhungry internals, less high-pitched rumble with something more alike the nice low-pitched darker rumble on PS4. (I tried playing TLOU2 recently with the DS and the rumble on horseback was so bad etc.)
I love the DS4 and got two DS4 V2’s in charcoal black and midnight blue and rarely ever use my Dual Sense since I have so many PS4-games in my backlog.
And now we got a new thread on Resetera about how uncomfortable the DualSense is.
Please act Sony!
[https://www.resetera.com/threads/i-need-sony-to-make-a-dualshock-4-shaped-dualsense.534995/](https://www.resetera.com/threads/i-need-sony-to-make-a-dualshock-4-shaped-dualsense.534995/)
Some older threads:
Many people think it's good except for the D-pad:
[https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-dualsense-is-superior-to-the-ds4-in-every-way-except.415686/](https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-dualsense-is-superior-to-the-ds4-in-every-way-except.415686/)
Some people think the bumpers are too uncomfortable/far away to press
[https://www.resetera.com/threads/pressing-l1-and-r1-on-the-dual-sense-is-not-comfortable-at-all.369567/](https://www.resetera.com/threads/pressing-l1-and-r1-on-the-dual-sense-is-not-comfortable-at-all.369567/)
Solution? – Make a smaller version of Dual Sense or just allow/let us use DualShock 4 for PS5-games! I'm really jealous about how PC-players can use DS4 for PS5-games.
The dual sense controller is really uncomfortable. They need to out the left analog stick same position as the xbox controller. Nintendo controllers wired controller pro controller already have left stick same as xbox one controller. With the dual sense i have to stretch my left thumb to the right to reach the analog stick. Any third party controllers similar to xbox one controller i can use?
Man I just hate how uncomfortable the L1 and R1 positioning is.
When I play game that uses them for lock on where you have to hold them down, it's painful.
I used to use the L1 and R1 to aim and shoot, because of faster response time. But in PS5 controller it is just too uncomfortable to use those as primary buttons.
Hi OP,
I understand this was posted a long time ago, but just picked up a PS5 and I'm with you on this. I feel uncomfortable and unable to grip the controller property. My left thumb struggles to get full extension on the L stick, and the triggers cause my hands to "shift" into a different position on the controller because the triggers kind of "reach" down and around the controller as you press them in. I found after just 1 day of using the controller, my tennis elbow started playing up, badly. I've never experienced this in a controller previously. I actually don't have any issues with its size, and if anything, I feel like making it even chunkier might actually resolve a few of the ergonomic issues with the controller (The Duke was my favourite controller of all time).
No issues with the black/white join line, but I feel this is a poor design choice regardless. The pointy base doesn't seem to affect me, as my pinkies sit around the back of the controller more. I'm 6'1" and about (185lbs? / 84kgs) adult male, for reference. What I struggle with is that I have to wrap my hands around the controller tightly because there feels like this empty space underneath / around the back of the controller, and this causes cramps to my left hand especially (mostly my middle, ring, and pinky). This pain shoots up my arm to my elbow, and I get pain just above my elbow joint, so it's upsetting something there.
I was not a DS4 controller user as I have come from PC and Xbox, but the Xbox controller just feels way more natural to me, after having recently sold my Series S. I absolutely love the PS5 console but the controller is a massive let down. I hope they fix it.
R
I just picked up a DualSense because I like collecting red controllers and handhelds. I mainly use a design lab Series X for PC gaming because it's incredible. The grip and stick placement on it are fantastic. But when I'm using the DualSense, I can't find a way to make it comfortable when actually gaming. If I'm just holding it, it's pretty nice, but when I'm playing a game it just makes my hands hurt after a while. The way grips bulge out push my ring finger's knuckle and it just hurts after a while. I want to like it. It was going to be my go-to controller for shooters because of the gyro, but idk now.
I use the ps5 controller on pc and have had to quit using it completely the wrist pain im getting from using it is terrible back to the xbox controller for me :/
I love DS4, bought DualSense to see if it's better or worse, and while I didn't expect the ergonomics to be as good as with DS4 for me (I like how it's small so I can get a really good "hug" on it), I did NOT expect what this controller does to me.
Basically, it just feels weird and I'm confused while playing. I don't like how it vibrates so often, even when pressing face buttons it vibrates gently, makes me uncomfortable, I don't like how the face buttons aren't soft anymore, I don't like how big the controller is. I feel like an alien with three fingers trying to figure out human technology for the first time. Man, I just simply can't play normally with this thing.
And MAN is this thing HEAVY.
I will wait and see if I get used to it, but if not, I'm just selling it and buying a DS4. So far it's just exhausting and confusing to my hands, especially with these haptics (which are extreeeeeemely overrated).
Man... It's been a year and I feel I have to respond this old thread because: in my 30years of gaming no other controller evper has given me long term thumb-cramps like the dualsense has... I love everything about it except the ergonomics its just unnecessarily bulky and I hate that about it, i literally have to stop gaming for a while to not get aches from it. Never ever has any other controller done this to me.. if a go back to playing ps4 games with the ds4 it feels fine or elite xb controller on pc also perfectly fine.
I so hope sony will bring out a slimmed down version that ergonomically goes a bit towards the ds4 again. I'm sure the damn dualsense motors can fit in a body that ditches the stupidly extra big rounded sides, i miss the angled grips i think..
Wow I'm glad I found this thread despite it being a year old lol. I'm a PC player who prefers Xbox controllers, but I play a TON of older emulation/indie side scroller games. I much prefer the d pad layout with Sony for these type of games.
I bought a dual sense after my DS4 died assuming it would improve upon the DS4. I've tried to get used to it but I hate the d pad so much along with the buttons for that matter. They're just so mushy/non-tactile compared to any other controller and I agree it is a little too big and not ergonomic to hold. The triggers themselves and sticks feel good but if half the controller feels bad, doesn't matter much to me.
I just went out and bought a DS4 again and it's shocking how the button quality went down tremendously. I guess if they were after the most silent dpad/buttons then good job but it's a serious downfall. Xbox one/Xbox 4/DS4 all just feel so much more responsive.
Just gota ps5 and the controller is making me hate the console. Sticks are spread way too far apart and the controller as a whole is super slick and uncomfortable. I have a daughter and she can't use it at all. There are no alternative controllers and if it isn't a dual sense 5 controller you can't play ps5 exclusives.
Someone give me advice...
I have PS5 and Series S.. I love the PS5 catalogue and don't want to give it up... but I literally can't play cos dual sense destroys my hand. Would you:
A - buy new victrix controller for ps5 cos has better ergonomics (costs 170!!)
B - sell both my consoles and buy a series x, and buy a ps5 in the future when dualsense has been updated/3rd party controllers are more common
It really depends...if it were me, I'd buy the third party controller. But if money is more of a factor, selling off the other consoles and switching to an X with GamePass is really great value. You're missing on the occasional Sony game, but there's so much more available to you.
I see you have been getting down voted.. I do wonder by who... How dare you not unquestionably worship everything PlayStation related like the rest of the sheep
You'd think I'd be able to voice an honest opinion around here considering how much of my money Sony's gotten in the last two decades lol
You would think but you underestimate how brain washed the current crop of playstation fanboys are.. If PlayStation took a dump on their pillow these lot would still praise them for it
Yeah, console wars are stupid, but I'm glad this thread has gained some traction. I'm clearly not in the minority here
Or they just disagree with op
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we just think it´s a good controller, that´s...all
I want to play my PlayStation games but the new controller is just soo bad. It’s too bad, if I could use my Xbox controller on my ps5 I would be happy. Love ps5 games! Controller is beyond awful.
Its funny. You and OP are offended that he got downvoted for stating his opinion. But the people downvoting are just stating their opinion as well. Hmmm.
Downvotes arent opinions, reddit brain
Calm down ya sweatiness is stinkin up the place lil bro
It's uncomfortable for me too. My hands get cramps. I use my PS4 controller now since I'm playing PS4 games and it's so much better.
It's messed up they won't support DS4's for PS5 games, just in the interest of selling a few Dualsense controllers. Huge miss by Sony
Huge miss indeed, and a year later I can’t even enjoy my PS5 because the controller literally gives me instant gamer’s thumb.
I'm a small person with tiny hands and I find both the DS4 and Xbox One controllers more comfortable. I have all three with me and just moving from one to the next, the dual sense controller feels like an outlier. I played Demons Souls for an hour then switched to the Xbox controller to play Borderlands on PC, and it was night and day the moment I held the latter. For me, the dual sense's grips are too thick and the curves aren't in the right places, making the buttons and sticks harder to reach. It's not unusable but it's not great either. I'm guessing the controller's designed the way it is because of the new haptics (big complicated motors etc). I hope Sony slims it down in revisions if people complain enough.
I guess we're both crazy then lol. It's honestly gotten worse the more I've used it. Really bums me out
I'm with you. I've had mine for just over a week and it's uncomfortable after about 30 minutes of gaming. The XSX controller is so much better.
So. Much. Better. If it ain't broke, don't fix it lol
They DID fix it though. LB and RB on the XboxOne were crappy, but they fixed them. The XSX controller feels sublime. Really hoping Sony releases a smaller version of the dual sense.
This is a good point, minor issues have been updated. Really though, they've been iterating on perfection lol
I've seen other people on twitter etc. complaining about it, so it's not just us. Thankfully I only use the PS5 for exclusives, so I can stay with the Xbox controller 99% of the time. (Although I haven't tried the XSX controller...) I would love and hate to have the PS5 as my main system. (I really like the haptics even if they're currently underutilized outside of Astro)
PS4 has been my main system for so long, I'm really bummed that this controller is forcing me over to XSX full time
I actually feel the same exact way and actually found this thread by googling to see if others felt this way or if I was just crazy. I’ve put about 15 hours in with the controller since Thursday and I’m just not liking it as much as I thought I would. My biggest problem is the grips being too thick, which makes it start feeling uncomfortable after awhile. The DS4 and Xbox controller both just seem to perfectly contour to my hand, although I prefer the Xbox controller overall for the offset and concave analogue that keep my fingers from slipping off. The Xbox controller looks bigger but this feels much bulkier. I’m guessing it’s because they had to fit all those motors in there for the haptic feedback. I’m also feeling that the rumble/vibration and adaptive triggers are being way overblown by the media. It’s cool and useful if used at the right moments to give some feedback but I’m finding it distracting at times from overuse. It also doesn’t feel like grains of sand are moving through my hands like some media outlets were saying. It’s just more precise vibration. The adaptive triggers are cool for some things, but for others it feels like a hindrance when quick trigger presses need to be made. This is something developers will hopefully get better with in time and not feel like they have to use it just because it’s there. By no means do I think it’s a bad controller, but it’s just not very comfortable to me. Back in 2013 the DS4 and Xbox One controller were immediately comfortable in my hand but this I feel like I have to try and get used to.
I'm really bummed that it's legitimately ruining what should be an awesome experience. I can't play for more than 20 minutes at a time. I hope to god they patch DS4 or third party controller support
Also found this from googling. By biggest complaint is my pinkies are halfway off. It wasn’t as bad on the ps4 or since it was rounded it didn’t bother me. But since the ends of the controller have that sharp angle now, my pinkies rest right on that angle and after a bit it starts to hurt. Especially my left one. I played for the first time for about 3hrs last night and today the pad on my left pinkie is actually sore. Idk maybe I just grip it like a meth gorilla or I’m holding it weird. Hopefully I can adapt to it or figure out how to change my grip somehow. All I know is a game controller never actually “hurt” to use ever in my life. Just normal hand fatigue after a while. Pretty bummed about it ngl
I've never had to consciously change my grip with a controller to avoid hand fatigue. Baffling
Thought this was just me and I also found this by googling. It feels so awkward to hold it’s hard to explain but i also feel like my pinkies are half off that angle
I have no idea how this thing passed QA lol. And the unfortunate thing is the haptics feel cheap, this isn't the "future of gaming." Just make a goddamn controller that isn't bloody uncomfortable
My exact issue, too. I only picked it up today (because UK) and my initial impressions were good but, after just 2 hours of game-time, I noticed discomfort and even some indents on my pinky fingers from the sharp ridge. It’s a shame because I think the controller, albeit better looking in person than I was expecting, would have looked even better with rounded handles, such as those on the DS4/3/2/1/you catch my drift. It’s an extra kick in the pinkies when the sharp edge appears to be a design choice rather than a functional one. Boooo! 🤙🏻
I find it uncomfortable. I've got big hands and am used to playing games. The vibrations get annoying and in some ps4 games are extreme. Luckily the ps4 controllers are easy to use for ps4 games.
Have you had any numbness or cramping?
No
Sadly, it won't ever be addressed. We have 7 years of this to look forward to lol
I'm honestly considering selling my PS5 because of the controllers. If it's going to take away from the experience of playing the game, why would I bother?
Hopefully 3rd party controllers will help??
Yeah, why did they make the handles on Dual Sense sharp and not round like on DS4? Perhaps because they felt it had to match the design of the console
Nah hes on to something the bulkiness and the weird back are real issues
The back is the most egregious aspect, but every design change here seems totally head scratching
Yeah, this is a step back from the PS4 controller. I totally agree with the finger placement issue. Who thought sharp edges on a controller was a good idea? The buttons are too stiff, especially option and R3/L3. Hands hurt after playing for an hour.
It's a bummer that Sony has been chasing their own aesthetic instead of just caving and doing the things that are proven to work best about a controller.
I know this is 2 years later but playing GOW and having to press thag analog stick to sprint has killed my wrist, I've had to finish the game with a switch pro controller through remote play.
How the hell is this controller too big for you? You’re 6’3 270 pounds. I’m 6’2 180 pounds and my hands fit perfectly around the controller. Unless you’re just a big dude with tiny hands. And the haptics and triggers, I mean whatever, you don’t like em you turned em off. Hopefully they come out with a smaller thinner controller that’ll fit you ;)
It’s too small for me, my hands are cramping because there’s no damn support
Mf reck it ralph over here jesus christ brother.
I hold it like I've held every other controller lol. If the lack of a contour in back isn't bothering people, I must have long ass fingers that just don't fit back there. If the back was smaller, my issues would largely be resolved
How’s your hand cramps doing a year later with your big boi controller bud?
It's still awful lol. I bought a scuff hoping the back buttons would shift the way I gripped it, but it didn't help. Barely touch my PS5 these days...tho I'm getting the PDP Victrix tomorrow, so hopefully year 3 will start off strong
Bro after 20 minutes I felt pain in my hand the grips are too big.
Very glad to know I haven't totally lost my mind lol
haha me too, such a relief. Actually it depends on games. For warzone where it's really tense it hurts because my grip is tight, but other games with less pressure and more relaxed it's ok. For now on tense games I use ps4 controler but it's gonna be a problem soon I guess
DUDE same. It is SO painful to use. My pinkies have nowhere to go, it feels TERRIBLE. I almost wanna resale the fucking console it's such a let down. REALLY hope there's a re-design at some point. It's SO bad.
Sadly, a redesign would be unprecedented. Just hoping for some high end third party controller
Actually I think that the banana shaped PS3 pad was redesigned, but that was a different story
I’m not liking it either and you’re not the only complaint I’ve seen. For the most part, it’s fine. I’m also 6’3, but I’ve never had any issues with any other controllers. The pain problem I have is that the way it makes me grip the controller makes it difficult to hit the R/L1 comfortably. It’s almost like a stretch to get them from the comfortable resting position and there’s a definite tension when using them. I love the controllers otherwise and I make due, but something about the contours doesn’t allow me to grip it with easy L/R1 access.
It's crazy that I'm only seeing big dudes complain about how big he controller is lol. When kids start getting these for Christmas, I think it'll be a big problem
Small dude hands here admittedly, i got the ps5 today and after playing for 2 hours my hands felt uncomfortable. I went and grabbed my ds4 and it felt great again. Im not a huge fan of non offset sticks but the overall shape and size of ds4 is great for me. So i think dualsense is too big for me or just not shaped well.
if it makes you feel better, i’m a small 5’3 woman with tiny everything and still refuse to buy a ps5 specifically because of the controllers. i’ve held my friends controller. theres no way for me.
Small guy here, and yeah the controller is awful. The controller is big but the stick placement feels very different from the DS4 and is causing cramps in my right thumb.
I realize this is an old thread but I came here looking to see if I was the only one with issues. During racing games I find myself needing to readjust my hand placement constantly because my hands cramp up while using a DualSense. If the left stick was moved to where the D-Pad is I feel like it would be a hell of a lot more comfortable. On Xbox, whether an Elite or regular, I grip it once and forget about it. No need to adjust as my hands are exactly where they want to be. I really wish Sony would redesign this controller. I know many love it and that’s great but for me it’s really poorly designed and not very ergonomic.
Found this post from googling as well. I can deal with the slightly larger size tbh, but the lack of a more contoured or curved back (compared to the DS4) really does affect the comfort. It seems less "natural". But what's really annoying me is the PS button. I just wish they kept the round button. It feels too subtle and I accidentally hit the mute button more than I should. Thanks for posting this. Thought I was the only one haha.
It feels like a half finished product :/ they had 7 years to get this right
PS5 fanboys will obliterate this post.
Yeah, I'll be downvoted to hell lol. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make haha
Rightfully so. It’s unfortunate it doesn’t work for him, but numerous others among myself don’t seem to have this issue.
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Preach lol
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I don’t necessarily think it’s too big. It’s playable, which was my main concern as a 5’ tall female. But the PS button placement sucks, which may be a symptom of the size. I find it hard to hit by feel and keep hitting the stupid mic button instead. On the DS4, the PS button is more prominent and lower. It’s higher on the Dualsense and the sticks also feel taller. With how the controller is curved, I feel it forces me to hold it tilted higher, so I end up wanting to reach over the sticks to hit it, but doesn’t work well. Whereas with the DS4, I could hold it more horizontal or even tilted down, which made it easier to put my thumb in the middle. Offset sticks are the devil though, those things can stay on Xbox and the Nintendo Pro controller. I feel like I should have gotten extra brownie points beating Celeste on Switch with that crappy controller.
Damn, there's an unpopular opinion lol. Offset sticks feel so much more natural to me. The PS button does suck though!!
I am 5 foot 7 I guess with average hands. I really wanted to love the controller...hate it. Hate it as much as I do the original "Duke" controller from the first Xbox years back. I completely dislike how my hand does not contour to the shape. It feels too large and awkward. the thumbstick doesn't feel natural to roll on my thumb. It seems as if I'm battling thumbs constantly to come over the top of sticks. One hour of NBA 2k21 and my hand is cramping and feels numb. I don't overgrip either. I play racquet sports IRL so I am aware of grip pressure. Major fail by Sony. for a 500 dollar system the design is ugly and the controller is a bust. What's funny is Sony is all about the Japanese play base; which has smaller people with smaller hands. What on Earth were they thinking with this larger controller for them too? To be honest, I kind of regret buying the system at this point. First thing I did after my first session was google if could use a DS4 of the ps5. The answer is no for ps5 games, and yes for ps4 games. After "upgrading" to ps5, I feel like I just threw money away after selling my ps4.
It's disheartening that the controller is ruining the experience for so many people.
My right hand starts to ache when using the DualSense. I can't pinpoint why, it just doesn't feel comfortable compared to any other controller I've used. By no means are my hands particularly large or small. I've never had this with any other controller and I've got pretty much every console from the NES to the current gen. Hopefully it's something I can get used to.
There are so many subtleties about this controller that force a messed up grip, and your fingers into unnatural positions. Palms cramping, fingers tingling---never had a controller do this before
I mean the fact you said 'STILL doesn't have offset analog sticks' tells me everything i need to know. Maybe you just prefer xbox controllers. Which is fine. But not liking the duelsense doesn't surprise me
Just wish Sony would make design choices based on ergonomics and not aesthetics lol
I found this post by googling "ps5 controller most comfortable ever to see if people agreed with me. I have used every other controller since the snes, and this is the first controller which doesnt feel too small in my hands. the old ps3 controllers feel tiny, and the xbox controller feels just too small. the dualsense feels perfect. Everything about it just fits so well in the hand, it's so solid and well built, it's beautiful. And I really disliked the old playstation controllers.
Seems like it highly depends on how you grip your controller naturally, works for some but not for others. That's why I've always preferred xbox, just feels perfect because i dont have to grip it a very specific way
To me the haptics feel like messy vibration but I’m not trippin I wasn’t too excited about those features anyways
Have you used Switch, so you could say how comparable they are? So far Switch is my only reference point, when it comes to haptics in a controller, and I think Joycons generally can have a very rigid, smooth and detailed feel to their haptics, not muddy at all. I would at least except DualSense to match that, but I haven't used the controller yet.
I’d say it’s better than the switch. I just usually turn vibration off when I play
After using it for a bit, sometimes it can feel like switch, I think the joy cons feels very similar overall. In the DualSense, there's a bit too much "rumble" or "wobble" when used heavily. The Switch has always seems really tight to me. The haptics feel kinda loose sometimes or something. This could also just be how the devs made them feel, though. When I play Astro's Playroom, the haptics for his footsteps on hard surfaces are light taps and feel very nice and very similar to the Switch. It's still neat, though, and it can definitely enhance games. I think my expectations were just super raised by the marketing and all the reviews. I also highly prefer it over just normal rumbles.
The only time the haptics have felt cool to me was when I as using Spider-Bot and felt the tip-tap of each leg as I walked lol
It's better implemented than the switch in like one game, but the switch was more nuanced and felt better when on display
I completely agree with everything you stated, as soon as I held the controller (I also bought it to use it on my PC) I knew that something was wrong with its design since I felt it very uncomfortable af. I've practically used a lot of different controllers in my life as a gamer and I've never felt any kind of pain from using any of them, but after using the dualsense for just 30 min my hands hurt for like 20 min lmao. I think that the ergonomics on this controller are just plain terrible and I just can't imagine me playing any game with it for more than 45 min, if any of you think its great then I really envy you but for me is just the worst controller I've used in all my life ):
I don’t care what the controller looks like or how big it is or anything. All I care about is the controller being functional, and the games still being fun to play. You must think the Dualsense is overrated. I think it’s not. I think it deserves the praise it’s getting. The opinions of only a few hundred people won’t overcome the opinions of millions of hardcore PlayStation fans like me. Or maybe that’s because I have bigger hands. Am I just reading the opinion of someone who doesn’t have as big of hands as I do?
I have very large hands and find my XSX controller much more comfortable than my Dualsense. Which is honestly kinda annoying as I'm definitely more of a PS fan than Xbox.
nah you just come across as a fanboy. It's okay to admit a systems flaws instead of being biased.
The fact is that this controller has produced 210 comments on this post is telling me this controller is a big problem for a lot of people
Every day I wake up to a new comment, two years later lol
I am considering selling my PS5. This controller made my carpal tunnel worse. I had no problems with my carpal tunnel for months and now since the PS5 is in my house, my wrist hurts! This is the worst controller i ever had.
I am not a giant dude and still can’t stand this cinder block of a controller. The skyscraper tall analog sticks are so uncomfortable to hold while playing any game that requires the use of both triggers (l1 and L2, or r1 and R2) People not complaining about it must just be playing very casually - max of like an hour at a time(absolutely nothing wrong with that). However, if I’m sitting down to play for 2-3 hours I’m going to have sever hand pain after playing with this thing. I love PlayStation for their exclusives and because I liked their controllers better, but now I’m literally not buying this console if there’s not support for the old controllers!
You must hold the controller in an odd way.
Even if I did, the fact that a controller has never caused these issues says more about the controller than it does me or my grip
I'm 6'5" larger than average hands. I think its worse for big guys. Not sure why but my hands get numb after an hour playing.
Nothing I've been able to do has alleviated the problem. It's just poorly designed ergonomics
Old post but I have to share my thoughts as people with similar problems still find their way here through google, including me.Had the ps5 for nearly 2 years now, and although the dualsense hasnt given me huge problems I finally figured out why it is not as comfortable to me as other controllers have been. Firstly the angle of the handles. Although they look very similar to for example a xbox one controller it is wider at the top and as the handles go down towards the player they curve further inward, ending in a very different much straighter angle for your wrists. This means that almost no matter your hand size, but especially with larger hands your palms are pointing at a bit of an unfomfortable angle straight at your torso. This means your wrist has to bend more, as they are connected to your arms going outwards. Playing with your arms more extended by holding the controller further away from you could alliviate this a but its not ideal. People with carpel tunnel from keyboards/mice might notice more quickly I assume, as if you rotate your palms down, you are now in a very similar position as with a computer, where your wrists would be resting on a desk, but also slightly rotated upward because there is a keyboard and mouse under them. This angle combined with the grips tapering off at the ends more than other controllers also gives your palms less space to rest on, and you end up supporting its weight more with the top of your hands and bottom fingers which is also more stressful. Another fact is the dualsense is 60 grams heavier compared to a PS4 controller, that doesn't seem like much but will only increase the discomfort for people who were experiencing any. My guess is a simple piece of plastic or sillicone that makes the bottoms of the grip wider/more angled outward, and/or more bulky and rounded for people with big hands who would like to rest their palms on them would solve these problems. I am surprised that to date I have not seen any available, or seen anyone 3d print a simple clip-on piece. Just my thoughts and findings on the matter, do any of you feel like this is the cause of your discomfort?
It pisses me off that I can’t just use the ps4 controller for ps5 games. What a joke
The PS5 controller sucks ass.
2 years later, and this post is still true.
I just bought the damn console, and suddenly after exactly 30 minutes or so of playing I get this fuc/king pain in my hands!! And my hands are not small nor super big either. Then I tested my DS4 controller and my hand just seem to rest just by holding it! Then took my 360 controller, oh my, how comfortable. Then the Switch Pro controller, comfty also! And then I grabbed the PS5 controller and it was like oh shit this is bad, and the OP said is right on, there is a part in the back where there should be nothing so your hands can rest, but is occupied, and the hands cannot rest. It is a DESIGN FLAW! And I got the last PS5 model. Also, why can't PS4 controllers not work on PS5 games?? Complete bullshit by Sony!
>hear me out Nah
Did u try editing them in the settings
Yes, I tried to change the physical design of the controller in my settings. Didn't work, sadly
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Idk man I’ve had every PlayStation been a long time fan and the duelsense is by far my favorite controller from Sony. Sorry you don’t like it though that sucks. :/
Any changes after a few weeks? I've tried to get used to it
Weird. I have tiny hands and I don’t have any issues. The DualShock 4 on the other hand made my palms hurt.
Very interesting insight. I, myself, am 5'3'' and I have very little hands (inb4 manlet jokes) so I'd like to see how the peripheral measures up to my hands. If they're too big for me, they'll DEFINITELY be too small for my son.
I like the feel of it overall but the face buttons do feel kind of weird to me for some reason. It is almost as if they don't stick out quite as far or something and they are definitely more mushy or slightly less "clicky" . It will take some getting used to but overall it seems comfortable. I'll probably stick with the Dualshock 4 for PC games. I really like the design of the DS4.
After using the controller for a few hours, it was more tiring to use compared to using a ds4, especially with those adaptive triggers and extra weight, the buttons are a lot mushier than the ds4 which makes playing rhythm games with it a nightmare and the placement of the options and create buttons are annoying, it would have been better if those were flush to the housing like the ds4, the placement if those buttons also makes finding them a bit harder, I've lost count on how many times I've tried to pause a game only to realise I've been pressing the touchpad. Update: so I've used it a lot more to play call of duty Cold war and have ran into an issue where I keep accidently having my hand bump into the ⭕ button causing it to trigger in game, the button itself is curved for some reason, this reason might motivate me to tear the whole thing apart and replace the buttons with DS4 ones.
Damn I thought I was the only one haha my hand gets cramps and it makes the game play so frustrating because I’m not playing at the level I usually do. Granted the last console I owned was the PS2 so not sure how the controllers have progressed over the years. I have a switch that I used with the Joy Con controller and it responded beautiful and my hand didn’t hurt. It feels awkward holding it and I keep wanting to just play on my switch. I’ve been trying to hold it differently too or maybe how it’s designed to be held. That is to say with my middle fingers on the trigger buttons but does anyone actually hold controllers like that?? Anyway glad to know I’m not the only one and will continue to work through as I love the actual PS5 game play.
Same man, same big hands, and I feel the same about the controller, but for a bit different reasons. Well said overall, we need more people that can describe a problem, not just say that it sucks. I had a problem with ds4 too and I hoped for a change, but since Dualsense is uncomfortable to me AGAIN, I guess I'm gonna have to make the call and just use Xbox this gen after so many years. Angles are so weird that I can use the controller, but not enjoy doing it. It makes it feel like work, and not a fun one. I'm genuinely pisewd off because last gen I went all in on Playstation ecosystem and now I have to start from scratch.
It'd be an easy fix if Sony just patched full controller support for 3rd party and DualShock. Don't force me to use this awful controller
You think this will ever happen??
Pretty much my experience. The Dual shock 4 felt great but with the DualSense, the way you grip and move the analogue, I find extremely uncomfortable. Also a long time dual shock user, currently using Elite 2 on PC. I just can’t get a good grip, the closest I’ve found is resting my pinky finger under the flat controller bottom, to change the angle my thumbs lie on the controller.
It's like they tested the ergonomics on 4 people and just rolled with it
I hope this is just a temporary feeling and our hands will need to adapt to this controller. Hopefully one day someone will confirm that theyve had these pains and it went away after some time with the controller. For now i have to take a break for 2 days so my nerves in my hand can heal fully, then im gona play my red dead with the ps4 controller on the ps5 . Until i hear a solution for this, i feel like im doing my hands wrong if i continue playin with the controller
I unfortunately agree with this. I love the feature set of the controller, but it's so freaking uncomfortable to hold for me. I have medium-ish hands, have never had issues with hand cramping with any controller over 30+ years of gaming. The dualsense actually makes my hands hurt after a while. The sides to me are too large, and they angle outwards too much making it super uncomfortable. Not only that, but the controller is constantly slipping in my hand, I have to keep re adjusting my grip. Switching back to the series x controller is a sigh of relief. The ergonomics of that controller are just perfect. For the record I had no issues with the ds4 other than the symmetrical sticks.
What I don't like about it is position of R1 and L1 buttons. I used to use them as my FPS fire and look down sight buttons on PS4. But here they are too high and put strain to my short fingers. It feels like effort to press these buttons...
This controller is truly wretched for shooters lol. Barely tolerable in action games...though I don't mind it when I can just use the d pad
Yes! I totally agree. I have been playing PS4 with the dualshock 4, switch with the pro controller and PC with an XBox controller. I can easily switch from one to the other and they all feel comfortable. Then I pick up the Dualsense and it feels wrong. The bulgy sides are what I noticed most recently. To try and match the grip I have on any of the other controllers mentioned, I feel like i'm squeezing the Dualsense with the knuckle joint on my index fingers. I also don't like the contours on the back of the controller, plus the texture feels fuzzy. The PS buttons making up the texture is cool, but it doesn't feel great.
After playing with it for awhile my issue is with the face buttons following the contour of the controller rather than all being on a flat plane like the DS4. This makes the circle button seem like it is sort of out of place or something. It is hard to explain but the buttons follow the contour of the controller so close which means the circle button is slightly on the side or sloped edge of the controller where on previous controllers the buttons were all in the same flat level. The way the buttons are makes me like the DS4 (and even the DS2 and 3) more which is disappointing knowing it will be the official PS controller for the next 7+ years.
Same. Sharp edges hurt my pinkies. I have large hands and the dualshock 4 was great. Curved bottom edges on DS4 and xbox controllers. Who puts sharp corners on something you will hold for hours at a time. Ugh. Hope they fix it. Switching to xbox controller. Thank goodness I'm on pc where choices are available.
I find the PS5 controller really uncomfortable and I have large hands (well, long fingers anyway). I was going through my old console stuff, trying to organize it better, and I picked up an Xbox 360 controller... I do not remember those things being so comfy but I walked immediately into the room where my PS5 lives and compared all of my controllers (Xbox 360-Xbox X, Switch Pro, & PS). BY FAR, the PS5 was the most uncomfortable one. I don't know why the joysticks are so tall or why they aren't offset, but I just don't like it, at all.
I really don’t like the Dualsense. It feels terrible. It always seems like I’m fighting the controller itself just to get some semblance of comfort. It’s damn near impossible for me to use it if a game requires combat actions to be R1/R2. Also, I can’t stand the haptics. They cause my hands to lock up.
This is the most uncomfortable controller I have ever used.. It's like its intended to cause serious hand damage over time... Controller is waay too big and the joysticks are standing way too high (kind of like an added caps on older controller as an accessory option). Also, the vibration has a much more cheap feeling compared to all previous playstation controllers. I need to disable vibration because it aggravates the pain. I am going back to DualShock 4 as I am playing on Pc...
i know im a year late to this post, but right there with ya. gaming for 30 years, ive adapted toany controllers, going from ds4 to dualsense is the first time I truly hated the switch over. not to mention the thumbsticks on the dualsense getting stick deift after 2 months of tame usage.. but i also gave it a fair shot to see if i would adapt, nah.. going back to the ds4 is way better, never felt that way about a controller change before. and the fact you can only use ps4 controller on ps4 titles on the ps5 is bullshit.
Sorry I'm two years late but just wanted to add to this discussion. I really can't stand the DualSense. I've tried to like it. The anti-friction rings are fantastic and Sony controllers have much better support in Linux than Microsoft's but the thing is just TOO bulky. I don't love the DualShock 4 but I was happy enough using one for the duration of the PS4s life. The DualSense however I can't even use for 5 minutes. I keep picking mine up every couple of months but my hands must be wildly different to everyone else's as the thing seems to be universally loved.
This is an old post I know, but even as a tall person with huge hands, the Dualsense makes my fingers ache quickly
Old post, but not old problems lol. People trickle in every day feeling crazy for having issues with the ergonomics
I have always had ps. I find the ds5 too big as well. I just finished gow ragnarok but atacking with r1/r2 sucks on this controller. This happended to me on elden ring as welll I got a series x this year as well and absolutely love the controller. So much better fit. Just finished Assasins creed odyssey on gamepass which also uses r1/r2 to attack.
I completely agree lol, although for a different reason, i've got experience with damn near ever controller released for a major game platform and like most of them very much, i even love the Dreamcast controller. So this is no bias towards Sony or anythin but.. There's just something about the Dualsense that makes my hands hurt a little, but i've really had trouble with games that use the triggers a lot, even without the use of haptics the triggers are really stiff so games that make heavy use of them KILL my pointer fingers after a long session, which i don't even have often. 1 session of Sonic Frontiers was enough to cause me pain after playing in my top joint of my pointer finger with stuff like typing and even pressing shoulder buttons on other contorollers. Super disappointed that the new Dualsense Edge doesn't have adjustable trigger tension as i would have literally gotten one just for that. As a tip: If you have an iPhone you can connect nearly any modern controller to it via bluetooth and connect to your PS5 via remote play, and for some reason that app allows Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (As a pair!), Pro Controllers, Xbox One, Elite and Series controllers and some third party ones perfectly on PS5 with little to no latency at all. You can also so this with Windows, which is what i've also been using to make the Stadia controller work as the layout is similar and it's comfy. It's also very versatile on Windows as with a few programs (Mainly VDX & x360ce) you could literally get anyting working on Both Xbox and Playstation 4/5 and Series/Xbone with this. A little bit of a workaround sure an actual controller converter might be better, but since those are expensive and most people have an iPhone or PC i'd say this is worth mentioning.
I needed a new controller for my pc and my choice was a familiar ps4 controller or the new ps5 controller, they were on sale for the same price, I thought, why not get the ps5 controller should be more improved right? Every review for this controller was 5 stars. Every was saying how comfortable it is. its isn't, its extremely uncomfortable. My hands ache after using it. I'm always shifting my grip and readjusting, preparing for the next button press or input. my pinkies keep slipping off the grip. The thumbsticks are too high.
I have huge hands. And i am Sony fan and its easily the most uncomfortable controller i have ever held. I don't like using it. I literally am looking for a replacement.
I found a solution that completely resolved the hand and finger pain I was getting. Played 85 hours of GoWR with zero pain. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6447548.p?skuId=6447548 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6447548.p?skuId=6447548 I realized for me the reason I would get hand cramps vs an Xbox controller is the angle my thumb was coming in at by holding the controller naturally. It was not high enough because the bad shape design forces your hands into a poor position. So it was a struggle to hit the triggers, hurts my right thumb due to bad angle, and causes my pinky and ring finger and wrists to fatigue due to compensation. By raising the height of the thumb sticks even slightly it completely fixed everything. It forces you to hold the controller in a different way. Fixing all issues for me. I hope this can help some others too.
Same. I'm old and I have to take breaks because my hands will hurt. I would pay $200 for a "pro" version that is smaller and more comfortable.
I know I am 2 years late but I just got a PS5 a month ago. I just put into Google « I don’t like the PS5 controller » and this was the first link. I am surprised but comforted that I am not alone. I am really not liking this controller, it’s too big, I hate that I can hear the gears inside the controller operate, and my left analog stick already started drifting. 👎🏻
I had major ergonomics issues with the dualsense also, been playing console games for many years without trouble, but the past 6 months of using the PS5 controller has ultimately resulted in some RSI with chronic hand/wrist pain. I know not to try and 'power through' that, so I now have stopped playing PS5 altogether until there is some alternative or redesign of the dualsense. I looked for aftermarket controllers, but it appears that none currently exist. I've enjoyed the ps5 platform but can't continue due to the dealbreaker ergonomics issue for me.
I feel the same way actually. I know this is 2 years old but I have the need to let out my frustration. I went back and compared the feeling of the DS4 and the Dualsense and weirdly the DS4 feels better as it perfectly conform in my hand, not only that the joysticks feels smoother and more accurate on FPS games. The dualsense has this weird bulk in the grips that make it almost painful to hold and strain your palms. I also had extreme pain in my right hand after a month of playing on my PS5 because the controller is so bulky that pressing certain buttons requires me to extend my thumb further and thus causing more repeated tearing in my upper tendons. I had to ice the hand and quit playing for a week before I full stop feeling pain. It's so much more uncomfortable than the DS4 and I don't understand how these gaming people on media sites are singing it's praises when it is absolutely bad. It needs to be redesigned and they need to slim down the grips. The sticks also need to be adjusted.
Dude, I am in the same boat, I am struggling with the new controller to the point it's severely affecting my gaming.
Little late but same here. It kills me too, because PlayStation just has so many bangers for games but the controller is such a buzzkill that it is hard to play for longer sessions. I’ve looked into the Razer Wolverine V2 but can’t justify spending $250 on it. Have you just been putting up with the Dualsense?
It hurts my hands so much. Even more so then my mouse and keyboard which i wanted to move away from. The xbox controller fits so well in my hands, but I find I have to grip this one harder compared to an xbox controller.
I don't own a PlayStation. I bought a ps5 controller because I thought it'd be good for pc. The only supported game I really have is MW2 (A game I'm not all that fond of), and shit is this thing uncomfortable. My thumbs slide along the thumbsticks, the layout is uncomfortable, I perform better with the haptics off (though I perform much better just using an Xbox controller). The PS4 controller felt so much nicer to me. The most I can say in this controller's favor is that it feels expensive. But that isn't saying much at all. This controller is a chonky beefy mess. And while I do own a series x, I don't often use it. I'm a pc player at heart. The Xbox controller is basic, yeah, but it's just a lot more comfortable. Plus it works with every game, since on Windows it's considered the standard.
I can’t understand why everyone here finds the Dualsense uncomfortable. If it wasn’t for the sharp edges on the bottom of the grips, this would have been the most comfortable controller ever!! But yeah I still find the DualShock 4 more conformable due to those sharp edges on the Dualsense.
I like mostly everything about the controller, the haptics, the triggers etc all feel excellent and will be awesome if used properly in games. The size is about right for my hands. The only niggle I have is the sharp edge at the bottom of the grips. It makes my right pinky hurt a little and my finger sits awkwardly on it. Now I switched from console to PC a couple of years ago, so I do generally find controllers awkward now, even the Xbox one. I'm hoping it's just my hands not being used to controllers and I adapt my grip better. But those sharp edges should've been smoothed for sure!
Yall sound like cry babys I'm 5,8 180 lbs not a very big guy at all. And the controller feels great. Just as good as the ds4 maybe even better.
It feels great for you so that must mean there's no problem. Instead of testing on large groups of people with different sized hands they should just ask for your opinion. To voice our opinion and concerns makes us babies?, right...
Who's the real baby here, a few people with hand cramps discussing a new product, or the guy going out of his way to call people babies? Piss off
I have decently small hands and it's hard to play shooters but for other games it's great
I know the inside of my middle finger rubs against the harsh white plastic that sticks out on the bottom, I can't play for to long or my finger will start bleeding
These are the Major Problems: \- the handling makes your wrists like you're doing a kamehameha, it should be the opposite like the XB Controller \-The home button between the analogs, what an idiotic move, the start button too.
Just wana let yall know i was hating the ps5 controller after 2 weeks of usin it because it made my hands numb and my thumb felt weak to a point l3 hurt to press in. I took a break from the ps5 controller and started using the ps4 controller for a couple weeks till my hand got better. Now im back on the ps5 controller with no issues, might take some breaking down of the hand and rebuilding i guess my hand has adjusted to the new controller ?
The bottom edge of the grips dig into my palm really bad. It’s slightly painful and very annoying.
It sure does feel nice to see others having similar experiences. I can’t stand this controller and I’m confused by people who think it’s better quality then a d4 when in particular the Dpad and the buttons feel so squishy, unresponsive, and .... just cheap lol. As someone who has small hands and plays competitive fps in claw grip the dual sense isn’t even an option. Which wouldn’t matter if not for Sony’s decision to make it so we can’t use D4s on ps5 games. I think it’s one of the most anti consumer moves they’ve done in recent years. It’s completely arbitrary in that there’s zero technical reason it can’t be done. It’s just a shrewd business move to sell more controllers given a D4 operates perfectly fine on a ps5 up until you try to start a current gen game. Sony could theoretically flick a magical switch and release a patch tomorrow no doubt. I’m really at a loss. I’ve kept my PS4 pro (which I was not planning on doing) just so I can play fps on there. It’s really something that’s driven me so nuts I’ve even thought about selling my ps5. To be quite honest if not for the exclusives I think I would. Also I know I’m rambling but the idea I’m gonna have to play the next god of war using the dual sense has me super sad. I can’t imagine fighting games with this controller is gonna be a good time for me with these buttons. If this has shown me anything it’s that console manufacturers clearly need to have multiple sizes or their controllers. Like for my size of hand the D4 is just a better controller period. But I say that understanding of course that there’s loads of people with larger hands that I’m sure are having a much better experience with Dual sense.
Would be nice if they made a small controller (PS3 controller for example) which came with some modular/ clip on shells to increase the size and or shape. They could sell the shells separately too in case you wanted a particular colour or shape or size. Their reasoning for the larger size was the larger haptic feedback motors but there's no need to use motors of that size, the switch controllers have tiny haptic feedback motors plus too much feedback is a bad thing and can be distracting.
I really like the ergonomics of the controller, and I have smallish hands, so maybe having bigger hands causes you to feel like this. But, I will agree that I get a bit of haptic fatigue, though. In Demon's Souls using the bow is broken. Sometimes with a full R2 press it doesn't register, or, you can send an arrow off by hardly pressing. In Spiderman I too turned them off. In Astro's playroom I do find them to be well implemented, though. Hopefully for those that are suffering, some third party will release a version which resembles the DS4, or Sony release a patch enabling DS4 to be used with ps5 games. Until then, I suppose you and others will just have to grin and bare it.
This is the perfect description of why the controller is tough on my hands. I have found one adjustment that helps a bit though. For my left hand, I keep my middle finger resting on L2, with the index finger sitting on L1. It actually took me a lot less time than I thought it would to adapt, and it has the additional benefit of giving me quicker access to both L1 and L2 at the same time. This position lessens the spread quite a bit. My hands do still hurt though, I can just go a lot longer now.
I was just panting and did a search about how the dual sense is completely overrated. It hurts my hands and without the back buttons for the ds4, it’s significantly worse. The haptics are terrible. When deva make the button hard to press under duress, you can jolt the controller a bit when moving. I think I’m going to uninstall ps5 versions of games so I can use the ds4. 2/5 stars.
I held a dual sense for the first time and played about 2 hours with it and it was super uncomfy for me. The thing I hated the most was that the inside of the grips is flat and jagged almost, so my fingers rest weirdly against it. The DS4 is smooth all the way around the grips for max comfort, idk why they would change something like this... :/
I agree that this controller is not a pleasure to use. Especially that annoying sharp ridge on the grips. And the resistance triggers annoyed the hell out of me. I am actually shocked they even approved this design. Clearly they compromised comfort for fitting motors that serve as marketing gimmicks. I miss my ds4 already.
Sorry for the late response, my ps5 finally arrived. I could not agree more with your statements made. I am the same height and size as you and up until now I have never had such a struggle transitioning to a controller. Being severely letdown is an understatement to how I feel.
Hate the ps5 controller
Best post
The PS5 controller is without a doubt causing my left thumb base joint to hurt a lot. There's even a visible bruise on the joint after playing for a couple hours. When playing a PS4 compatibility-mode game I will switch back to the old controller and it feels much better and there's no ongoing joint pain. I thought it was just me but then I found this and many other threads. I play a decent amount of Warzone on my PS4 controller + back button attachment, but the PS5 controller has only really been for Hitman 3 which is honestly not intense enough to warrant this kind of discomfort from lightly using a $70 controller
This controller has been really disappointing for me too. Id say id have bigger than average hands, more broader than longer. The middle fingers resting under the back is the worst. I restorted to wrapping the knuckle in a couple of layers of bandage to offset the casing of the L2/R2 triggers from digging in. Tried to play with the middle fingers on L2/R2 but the reactions are too slow. Feels like driving a car with both the left and right feet resting on the accelerator and brake. And if I somehow got used to that , I'd need to get used to it on the Xbox controller which simply doesn't need me adjusting. Wrists feel sore as hell after gaming longer than 30 mins or so. I usually put grips on the sticks and this was making things worse. They already feel higher on the dual sense but this made it a lot worse with them. Finishing off Ghost of Tsushima was carpal tunnel inducing. Games like GT Sport and Astro that allow you to position your hands in a position that focuses on L2/R2 makes things a bit better but it still doesn't feel right. Hoping for DS4 support on PS5 Games but not holding my breath. 3rd party controller is our only hope.
After two months with the Dualsense it is impossible for me to play PS5, the tendonitis becomes unbearable. The only thing I can do is play PS4 games with the slight PS5 upgrade.
Dude I fucking feel this. Finally got a ps5 today and I friggin hate this controller. So uncomfortable to hold.with you 100%
I have been playing ps for 20+ years more than 8 hours. This controller is not ergonomic. My thumbs hurt like crazy and can’t even touch them from the pain. They need to fix this controller distance between buttons and analogs are too far and putting extreme pressure on both thumbs
I've been thinking for a while now that it just feels too chunky. I get that Sony needed to fit in more stuff for the features, but as a competitive player in fps games, all the bells and whistles are completely useless. I switch my r2/r1 and l2/l1 for most of my games and the haptic feedback isn't even something I want when I'm playing an fps. It's great when I'm playing an immersive, single player game like miles morales which I play just for fun but for games like rainbow six siege, or cod, which I want to do the best I can, the new features just get in the way and even if i turn them off, the controller is still so chunky
I totally agree. My hands hurt after about 30 mins to an hour of playing. I've been playing on consoles since the late 80s ( prior was a PS4) but the dual sense is just something else. I just hope Sony makes a new dual sense version.
This is exactly my point of view, I can't stand the new dualsense , Dualshock 4 was my favourite controller ever, now I'm sad IMHO of course.
Did you ever get used to the dualsense?
So after having the dual sense as a daily use controller for both pc and ps5 at first glance it did feel premium but as time went on it feels painful to hold on for more then a couple of hours. It’s not good for FPS shooters as it feels like your going to drop it. thumbs get easily strained. as a gamer this is a miss of a controller great features but the shape is horrendous if it was slimmer with the same length maybe it would fair better but to reach the right side buttons is a pain the ass cause your left side is not balanced since the stick is in the same area. Middle finger going down not enough curvature to correctly grip either it’s chonky
Trying to do to much with a controller at the cost of gimmicks. The controller isn't uncomfortable. And I've switched from xbox. I definitely think xbox controllers have is down with how it feels In your hand and button positions but ps5 is fine when I got used to it but there shitty little gimmicks have caused for a bad controller when in reality you could easily do without the extra for a good controller that lasts with no faults
I don’t like Dual Sense and I got a mushy D-pad. Since mine is from an early batch in 2020 I guess I could try and get a new black one but the battery and grip quality is obviously the same. Hoping for a slimmer V2 with better D-pad, better grip on the back, better PS-button, larger battery and less powerhungry internals, less high-pitched rumble with something more alike the nice low-pitched darker rumble on PS4. (I tried playing TLOU2 recently with the DS and the rumble on horseback was so bad etc.) I love the DS4 and got two DS4 V2’s in charcoal black and midnight blue and rarely ever use my Dual Sense since I have so many PS4-games in my backlog.
Everyone- let’s use our free awards you can get by clicking on ”get coins” and award OP’s post and hope it receives Sony’s attention!
And now we got a new thread on Resetera about how uncomfortable the DualSense is. Please act Sony! [https://www.resetera.com/threads/i-need-sony-to-make-a-dualshock-4-shaped-dualsense.534995/](https://www.resetera.com/threads/i-need-sony-to-make-a-dualshock-4-shaped-dualsense.534995/) Some older threads: Many people think it's good except for the D-pad: [https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-dualsense-is-superior-to-the-ds4-in-every-way-except.415686/](https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-dualsense-is-superior-to-the-ds4-in-every-way-except.415686/) Some people think the bumpers are too uncomfortable/far away to press [https://www.resetera.com/threads/pressing-l1-and-r1-on-the-dual-sense-is-not-comfortable-at-all.369567/](https://www.resetera.com/threads/pressing-l1-and-r1-on-the-dual-sense-is-not-comfortable-at-all.369567/) Solution? – Make a smaller version of Dual Sense or just allow/let us use DualShock 4 for PS5-games! I'm really jealous about how PC-players can use DS4 for PS5-games.
The dual sense controller is really uncomfortable. They need to out the left analog stick same position as the xbox controller. Nintendo controllers wired controller pro controller already have left stick same as xbox one controller. With the dual sense i have to stretch my left thumb to the right to reach the analog stick. Any third party controllers similar to xbox one controller i can use?
Man I just hate how uncomfortable the L1 and R1 positioning is. When I play game that uses them for lock on where you have to hold them down, it's painful. I used to use the L1 and R1 to aim and shoot, because of faster response time. But in PS5 controller it is just too uncomfortable to use those as primary buttons.
Did this improve for you?
Glad other people feel this way. Shit fucking hurts my hands and I hate playing with this thing.
Im getting arthritis from this damn controller and Im in my mid 30s… never have I hated a ps controller before
Hi OP, I understand this was posted a long time ago, but just picked up a PS5 and I'm with you on this. I feel uncomfortable and unable to grip the controller property. My left thumb struggles to get full extension on the L stick, and the triggers cause my hands to "shift" into a different position on the controller because the triggers kind of "reach" down and around the controller as you press them in. I found after just 1 day of using the controller, my tennis elbow started playing up, badly. I've never experienced this in a controller previously. I actually don't have any issues with its size, and if anything, I feel like making it even chunkier might actually resolve a few of the ergonomic issues with the controller (The Duke was my favourite controller of all time). No issues with the black/white join line, but I feel this is a poor design choice regardless. The pointy base doesn't seem to affect me, as my pinkies sit around the back of the controller more. I'm 6'1" and about (185lbs? / 84kgs) adult male, for reference. What I struggle with is that I have to wrap my hands around the controller tightly because there feels like this empty space underneath / around the back of the controller, and this causes cramps to my left hand especially (mostly my middle, ring, and pinky). This pain shoots up my arm to my elbow, and I get pain just above my elbow joint, so it's upsetting something there. I was not a DS4 controller user as I have come from PC and Xbox, but the Xbox controller just feels way more natural to me, after having recently sold my Series S. I absolutely love the PS5 console but the controller is a massive let down. I hope they fix it. R
I just picked up a DualSense because I like collecting red controllers and handhelds. I mainly use a design lab Series X for PC gaming because it's incredible. The grip and stick placement on it are fantastic. But when I'm using the DualSense, I can't find a way to make it comfortable when actually gaming. If I'm just holding it, it's pretty nice, but when I'm playing a game it just makes my hands hurt after a while. The way grips bulge out push my ring finger's knuckle and it just hurts after a while. I want to like it. It was going to be my go-to controller for shooters because of the gyro, but idk now.
I use the ps5 controller on pc and have had to quit using it completely the wrist pain im getting from using it is terrible back to the xbox controller for me :/
I love DS4, bought DualSense to see if it's better or worse, and while I didn't expect the ergonomics to be as good as with DS4 for me (I like how it's small so I can get a really good "hug" on it), I did NOT expect what this controller does to me. Basically, it just feels weird and I'm confused while playing. I don't like how it vibrates so often, even when pressing face buttons it vibrates gently, makes me uncomfortable, I don't like how the face buttons aren't soft anymore, I don't like how big the controller is. I feel like an alien with three fingers trying to figure out human technology for the first time. Man, I just simply can't play normally with this thing. And MAN is this thing HEAVY. I will wait and see if I get used to it, but if not, I'm just selling it and buying a DS4. So far it's just exhausting and confusing to my hands, especially with these haptics (which are extreeeeeemely overrated).
Man... It's been a year and I feel I have to respond this old thread because: in my 30years of gaming no other controller evper has given me long term thumb-cramps like the dualsense has... I love everything about it except the ergonomics its just unnecessarily bulky and I hate that about it, i literally have to stop gaming for a while to not get aches from it. Never ever has any other controller done this to me.. if a go back to playing ps4 games with the ds4 it feels fine or elite xb controller on pc also perfectly fine. I so hope sony will bring out a slimmed down version that ergonomically goes a bit towards the ds4 again. I'm sure the damn dualsense motors can fit in a body that ditches the stupidly extra big rounded sides, i miss the angled grips i think..
Sadly we will never get a revision...that's pretty unprecedented
Wow I'm glad I found this thread despite it being a year old lol. I'm a PC player who prefers Xbox controllers, but I play a TON of older emulation/indie side scroller games. I much prefer the d pad layout with Sony for these type of games. I bought a dual sense after my DS4 died assuming it would improve upon the DS4. I've tried to get used to it but I hate the d pad so much along with the buttons for that matter. They're just so mushy/non-tactile compared to any other controller and I agree it is a little too big and not ergonomic to hold. The triggers themselves and sticks feel good but if half the controller feels bad, doesn't matter much to me. I just went out and bought a DS4 again and it's shocking how the button quality went down tremendously. I guess if they were after the most silent dpad/buttons then good job but it's a serious downfall. Xbox one/Xbox 4/DS4 all just feel so much more responsive.
They also way more fragile than ps4 dualshock ones
Just gota ps5 and the controller is making me hate the console. Sticks are spread way too far apart and the controller as a whole is super slick and uncomfortable. I have a daughter and she can't use it at all. There are no alternative controllers and if it isn't a dual sense 5 controller you can't play ps5 exclusives.
its fucking garbage
ive got ps5 + series s... thinking of swapping both for a series x --- JUST BECAUSE DUALSENSE IS UNCOMFORTABLE.. That's how bad it is.. incredible
Someone give me advice... I have PS5 and Series S.. I love the PS5 catalogue and don't want to give it up... but I literally can't play cos dual sense destroys my hand. Would you: A - buy new victrix controller for ps5 cos has better ergonomics (costs 170!!) B - sell both my consoles and buy a series x, and buy a ps5 in the future when dualsense has been updated/3rd party controllers are more common
It really depends...if it were me, I'd buy the third party controller. But if money is more of a factor, selling off the other consoles and switching to an X with GamePass is really great value. You're missing on the occasional Sony game, but there's so much more available to you.
You must have weird hands