PS5 controller colors: 10 DualSense gamepads ranked
PS5 controller colors: 10 DualSense gamepads ranked
Our PlayStation experts are ranking the best PS5 controller DualSense colors, and we've had hands-on time with all ten
Ranking the best PS5 controller colors is actually an easy task because there are only made by Sony sporting the DualSense design. Now that the PS5 restock updates are a minimal effort, we’ve tested every DualSense color and special edition in our quest to become PlayStation 5 experts that recommend the best PS5 accessories.
There are major differences between the standard White, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black controller colors, too, beyond just the hues. Here’s what we found in our in-depth guide to Sony PlayStation’s DualSense gamepad collection.
Official PS5 DualSense controllers list
PS5 DualSense White controller – $69.99
PS5 DualSense Cosmic Red controller – $69.99
PS5 DualSense Midnight Black controller – $69.99
PS5 DualSense Galatic Purple controller – $74.99
PS5 DualSense Starlight Blue controller – $74.99
PS5 DualSense Nova Pink controller – $74.99
PS5 DualSense Gray Camouflage controller - $74.99
PS5 DualSense God of War Ragnarok controller - $74.99
PS5 DualSense Hogwarts Leagcy controller - $74.99
PS5 DualSense LeBron James controller - $74.99
Why trust our PS5 controller color guide
The Shortcut and Matt Swider helped over 400,000 people find the PS5 in stock in the US, and everyone’s next questions were: “which controller color is best besides the default White PS5 DualSense color?” and “how much do PS5 controllers cost?” We’re here to answer those two critical questions and more given our years of experience reporting on Sony and its PlayStation 5 console.
PS5 controller price
The MSRP for each Sony PS5 DualSense controller price ranges from $69.99 to $74.99, as of April 2023. According to our expert research and testing, new PS5 controller colors are more durable (more on that later) and do cost a bit more money.
Sony rarely has these controllers on sale. A few times a year, we see price drops for the various PS5 controller colors: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day deals day and Sony’s PlayStation-themed “Days of Play” have all discounted DualSense controllers to as low as $59.99. But if you need a controller today, we recommend buying one today instead of waiting for these rare sales events.
It’s still impossible to save money on open-box PS5 controllers through Best Buy in the US. But, overall, the high PS5 controller price point is a win in Microsoft’s column on our PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison. Xbox controllers are cheaper, and there are far more Xbox Series X controller colors to boot.
PS5 controller colors ranked
Sony has recently added to the previous DualSense controller colors which debuted with White, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black hues in the first few months of the PS5 console. With these new additions, our PS5 controller colors ranked list has been updated to include all ten PlayStation 5 DualSense colors.
The Cosmic Red PS5 controller is the most popular by sales, according to exclusive sales data seen by The Shortcut. But we thought it would be fitting to have each PS5 DualSense color in a ranked list. Your decision will come down to personal preference, but, let’s be honest, some of these PS5 controller colors are better than others.
I'm a big fan of the Galactic Purple DualSense because it reminds me of the Nintendo GameCube, one of my favorite consoles growing up. I’m ranking the PS5 Starlight Blue color as No. 2 on the list, which is Matt’s favorite option. Sorry, Gray Camouflage, you’re last – the Nova Pink PS5 controller one-ups it due to its more eye-catching color.
Below the PS5 controller colors ranked list is an explainer of why you’ll want a second pad (i.e. battery life and the fact that the new color models have a more durable design) when diving into the growing list of the best PS5 games in 2023.
1. Galactic Purple PS5 controller color
Release date: February 11, 2022
MSRP: $74.99
The Galactic Purple PS5 controller is my personal favorite – I mean, just look at it! Like the Starlight Blue and Nova Pink controllers, the Galactic Purple features an improved internal design. Look no further if you’re craving a controller color that looks like an unofficial tribute to Nintendo’s Waluigi.
2. Starlight Blue PS5 controller color
Release date: January 14, 2022
MSRP: $74.99
I’d wager that the Starlight Blue controller will be the second most popular color scheme after the Midnight Black version. It’s an eye-catching light shade of blue that will fit practically any setup. As a bonus, the Starlight Blue controller includes thicker trigger springs that should be more durable than those in the White/Black, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black controllers.
3. Midnight Black PS5 controller color
Release date: June 18, 2021
MSRP: $69.99
The Midnight Black PS5 controller is arguably the most desirable color variant Sony has released. Shortly after the PS5's reveal, fans clamored for a black PlayStation 5, which wasn’t surprising. We've been used to Sony releasing black hardware since the PS2 days, so the white color scheme was polarizing for some. If you’d like to return to the classic PlayStation look, the Midnight Black controller is a must-buy.
4. Hogwarts Legacy PS5 color
Release date: February 23, 2023
MSRP: $74.99
Fans of the Wizarding World quickly snapped up the Hogwarts Legacy PS5 controller shortly after it was announced on February 9, and scalpers are already reselling it for an extortionate price. The desirable design adds gold flourishes to the base Midnight Black color and includes the famous castle on the DualSense touchpad.
Unfortunately for collectors, the Hogwarts Legacy controller was sold in extremely limited supplies directly from PlayStation Direct, which means if you missed out when pre-orders went live on February 10, you’re probably out of luck.
5. God of War Ragnarok PS5 controller
Release date: November 9, 2022
MSRP: $74.99
The God of War Ragnarok controller is technically more of a limited edition design than a color, but I’m including it in this list anyway. The two-tone blue and white color scheme is a fitting tribute to the game’s Filbulwinter setting, and the wolf and bear drawings also touch on one Ragnarok’s important plot points.
If you’re a fan of Kratos and want to pay tribute to the Ghost of Sparta, the God of War Ragnarok controller is the perfect way to do so. Still on the fence about the game? Read our God of War Ragnarok review.
6. White PS5 controller color
Release date: November 19, 2020
MSRP: $69.99
The classic DualSense look. This is the default White/Black PS5 controller and is usually cheaper than the other controller colors. It comes as standard with the PS5 console, and a second one is often forced with GameStop PS5 bundles (that’s why we recommend the Target PS5, Sony Direct PS5, Amazon PS5 restocks at MSRP without required bundles).
The design matches Sony's PlayStation 5 two-tone, futuristic look, and while it certainly isn't for everyone, the White/Black color scheme does at least help the PS5 stand out from the competition.
7. LeBron James PS5 controller
Release date: 2023
MSRP: $74.99
Out of all the custom controller colors and special edition designs no one could have predicted, few saw a PlayStation and LeBron James collaboration coming. The PS5 controller was co-designed by James himself, and he hopes it’s “something that continues to inspire everyone who touches it, and that they have a little fun finding meaning in every detail.”
While it’s certainly a cool-looking controller and will appeal to fans of LeBron James, others may find it a bit garish. It’s also fair to say that not everyone is a fan of “King James”, hence why it’s lower down on our list. The actual release date for the LeBron James PS5 controller is unknown, with Sony simply saying it’s coming in 2023. Maybe when NBA 2K24 launches in July, we’ll see this controller hype up the PS5 version of the basketball video game.
8. Cosmic Red PS5 controller color
Release date: June 18, 2021
MSRP: $69.99
The Cosmic Red PS5 controller almost looks like a dark pink to my eye, but I suppose it does qualify as red – at a push. The Cosmic Red controller was released alongside the popular Midnight Black variant in May 2021 and is one of the best-selling color variants. Maybe I’m missing something?
9. Nova Pink PS5 controller color
Release date: January 14, 2022
MSRP: $74.99
I think it’s fair to say that the DualSense certainly looks pretty in pink, even if it’s last on our list. I took off points for the hue being so close to Cosmic Red. Still, the Nova Pink color stands out among the PS5 controller colors – it really pops. Remember, this DualSense comes with ever-so-slightly thicker trigger springs if you’ve ever had any durability concerns regarding Sony’s gamepad.
10. Gray Camouflage PS5 controller color
Release date: January 14, 2022
MSRP: $74.99
I’ve never been a fan of camouflage designs, but if you like the idea of owning a DualSense controller that looks like it’s made it through military boot camp, then the Gray Camouflage PS5 DualSense controller is for you. Unlike some of the other controller colors on this list, you can also pick up a matching Gray Camouflage PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, which is one of the best PS5 headsets you can buy if you’re on a budget. Sadly, while this PS5 controller color is still worth buying if you like the design, there’s no software tie-in with SOCOM for PS5, a video game we’re expecting to hear about one day if development rumors end up being true.
Final Fantasy 16 PS5 controller color (Japan only)
Release date: June 6, 2023
MSRP: ¥8,980
Sony has teamed up with Square Enix to develop a gorgeous Final Fantasy 16 PS5 controller color that features the motif from the game. Unfortunately, it’s only available in Japan with no word on a Western release date. The controller features a delicate design and crystals on the touchpad which are painted in bright blue and metallic gold on the Midnight Black DualSense wireless controller.
Green PS5 controller colors? What’s missing
There are hues missing from the PS5 DualSense controller color ranked list because Sony hasn’t made them – yet. People have asked for a green PS5 controller color and a few have spoken up about a yellow version. Using historical data, dating back to N64, that green and yellow controller colors are the least popular. In surveys, even orange always finishes before these two off-beat gamepad colors (Sony hasn’t made an orange PS5 controller color yet, either).
You’ll still find a green DualSense controller through third-party sellers. However, even the best-looking green we found is only a half (meaning front) PS5 controller skin. But at least it comes with a DualSense controller for its high price.
The yellow PS5 controller color is listed as “Caution Yellow,” giving off a darker tone, while the Orange is made by the same company that makes the green controller skin.
PS5 controller colors: benefits of owning two
Even if you only own one PS5 controller, I’d recommend picking up another beyond the desire for a fresh color. The battery life on the DualSense isn’t exactly generous, offering around 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type of game you’re playing. If you don’t want to get caught short mid-game, then it’s wise to have another fully charged gamepad. The PS5 DualSense Charging Station can only do so much.
It's worth noting that all six PS5 controllers are identical apart from their striking colors. They have the same features, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and the same battery life. You can also pick up matching PS5 covers so that your console matches your new controller color.
Keep in mind that a USB cable is not included with each purchase – you’ll have to charge the controller using the cable that came with your PS5 console.
What about the PS5 DualSense Edge Controller?
Sony has released a new high-performance, ultra-customizable controller, the PS5 DualSense Edge. It’s Sony’s answer to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller and is aimed at competitive online gamers who want an extra edge (get it?) in multiplayer matches. We didn’t include the DualSense Edge on our best PS5 controller colors list simply because it belongs in a category of its own.
The PS5 DualSense Edge Controller price is $199.99, which is significantly more than the regular DualSense controller. For our full verdict on Sony’s pro-grade pad, read our PS5 DualSense Edge Controller review.
It remains to be seen whether Sony will offer different colors of the DualSense Edge now that we have many options available for the regular DualSense controller. Our PS5 experts say that given the lackluster sales and the high price of the new controller, Sony is unlikely to branch out with new colors for this version.
PS5 controller price, durability differences
There are a few differences between the PS5 controllers – besides the colors – that you should know about. The standard White controller that comes as standard with every PS5 is usually cheaper than the colorful versions (when there aren’t these special deals), making it the best option if you simply need another pad.
The new Starlight Blue, Nova Pink, and Galactic Purple controllers also feature a slightly different internal design that could make them more durable. TronicsFix discovered that the newer controllers contain slightly thicker trigger springs in a teardown video: 0.3mm compared to 0.25mm. The White/Black, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black use the thinner springs, which may be more prone to failure.
I say “may” because I haven't personally encountered any issues with the three DualSense controllers I own, and they all use the older spring design. Nevertheless, it's pleasing to see Sony continue to improve its controller design, and it’s nice knowing you’re getting the best possible version if you opt for one of the PS5 controller colors.
What to buy after getting a PS5 controller
Once you’ve bought a second PS5 controller, read up on the best SSD for PS5. The default 825GB of internal storage (really, it’s 667GB of user-accessible storage), is the next big PS5 accessory purchase you should make. There’s also the new PSVR 2 headset that’s currently on sale, but it’s a much more expensive purchase at $550 and Sony has yet to prove it’s serious about supporting its virtual reality accessory.
Of course, keep it locked to the best PS5 games on which you can use your brand new DualSense controller color and the PlayStation Plus discount code, as the new PlayStation Plus Premium games list should have to be accessed at full price.
Updated: April 28, 2023
It is dangerously fun to collect controllers. Sometimes it's like -- are we eating this week, submitting a new order to Xbox Design Lab, or completing our DualSense collection ... Galactic Purple, it is!