Best PS5 controller colors: every PlayStation 5 DualSense gamepad ranked
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Best PS5 controller colors: every PlayStation 5 DualSense gamepad ranked
We've ranked the best PS5 controller colors that Sony has released so far
The best PS5 controller colors span a wide spectrum of hues and shades that should please every fan. But which PS5 DualSense controller colors stand out the most?
We’ve got our hands on every DualSense color and special edition available, and even though your favorite color may differ from ours, you’ll at least have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision before you grab a second pad. You can also quickly get up to speed with every PS5 controller color released so far.
While every PlayStation 5 gamepad may appear identical, there are some hidden differences between the standard White, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black controller colors that go beyond just the hues. A teardown shows that newer PS5 controllers have slightly more durable parts, which we’ll explain in detail below. 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
PS5 DualSense Final Fantasy 16 controller - Japan only
PS5 DualSense Spider-Man 2 controller - $79.99
PS5 DualSense Cobalt Blue controller - $74.99
PS5 DualSense Volcanic Red controller - $74.99
PS5 DualSense Sterling Silver controller - $74.99
PS5 controller price
The price of each Sony PS5 DualSense controller ranges from $69.99 to $79.99. You can sometimes pick up a controller for less, but only at certain times of the year. We’ve seen price drops for the various PS5 controller colors during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day, and Sony’s PlayStation-themed “Days of Play” have all discounted DualSense controllers to as low as $59.99 in the past. But if you need a controller today, we recommend buying one now instead of waiting for these rare sales events as it isn’t a monumental saving.
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 eleven PlayStation 5 DualSense colors.
According to exclusive sales data seen by The Shortcut, the Cosmic Red PS5 controller is the most popular in terms of sales. 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.
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. Spider-Man 2 PS5 controller
Release date: September 1, 2023
MSRP: $79.99
Announced alongside the Spider-Man 2 PS5 bundle, Sony revealed a Spider-Man 2 PS5 controller would also be sold separately ahead of the game’s release on October 20, 2023. The controller is inspired by the symbiote that’s taking over Peter Parker in the game.
4. Sterling Silver PS5 controller color
Release date: January 26, 2024
MSRP: $74.99
Sony’s Sterling Sliver PS5 controller color is bound to be popular with nostalgic older gamers who remember the silver PS2. PlayStation designer Satoshi Aoyagi says “Sterling Silver showcases a classic aesthetic with a subtle blue undertone.” It’s out early next year.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. God of War Ragnarok PS5 controller color
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 we’re 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.
8. 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.
9. Volcanic Red PS5 controller color
Release date: November 3, 2023
MSRP: $74.99
Even though Sony already has a Cosmic Red PS5 controller color, it isn’t quite the bright red some may have been looking for. The Volcanic Red PS5 controller color looks to change that thanks to its rich, blazing red tone.
10. Cobalt Blue PS5 controller color
Release date: November 3, 2023
MSRP: $74.99
If Starlight Blue is a shade too light, Cobalt Blue should be more to your taste. Part of Sony’s Deep Earth Collection, this alluring controller color contains a hint of deep purple but delivers the rich blue hue many will have been looking for.
11. 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?
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. LeBron James PS5 controller color
Release date: July 27, 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 tacky. It’s also fair to say that not everyone is a fan of “King James”, hence why it’s lower down on our list.
15. 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, 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: the benefits of owning two
Even if you only own one PS5 controller, we’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 at best, 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 15 PS5 controllers are identical apart from their striking colors. They have the same features, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and the same middling PS5 controller battery life. You can also pick up matching PS5 covers for some colors so that your console matches your new controller.
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 released a new high-performance, ultra-customizable controller in January 2023 called 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.
Find out how the DualSense Edge makes these games better:
It remains to be seen whether Sony will offer different colors of the DualSense Edge now that we have so many options available for the regular DualSense controller, but a black version of the Edge would prove popular.
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 with every PS5 is usually cheaper than the colorful versions (when there aren’t special deals), making it the best option if you simply need another pad.
The newer PS5 controller colors, like Starlight Blue, Nova Pink, and Galactic Purple, feature a slightly different internal design that could make them more durable. TronicsFix discovered that new DualSense controllers contain slightly thicker trigger springs in a teardown video: 0.3mm compared to 0.25mm. However, the White, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black colors use thinner springs, which may be more prone to failure.
We say “may” because we haven't personally encountered any issues with the three DualSense controllers, and they all use the older spring design. Nevertheless, it's pleasing to see Sony continue to improve its design, and it’s nice knowing you’re getting the best possible version if you opt for one of the new 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, 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. If you’re asking yourself ‘Is PSVR 2 worth it?’, our quick answer is no, not yet.
Of course, keep it locked to the best PS5 games on which you can use your brand new DualSense controller color and use our PlayStation Plus discount code to get access to online multiplayer and three PS Plus free games every month.
Last updated: September 15, 2023
Best PS5 controller colors: every PlayStation 5 DualSense gamepad ranked
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!