PS5 controller colors: all new DualSense colors
The PS5 controller in 'Cosmic Red' is the most popular, but we have ranked the best colors from Midnight Black to Galactic Purple
The new PS5 controller colors bring the total number of DualSense colors to six, and if you just got that PS5 restock recently, your next question may be “Which colors are there besides the White DualSense” and “how much do PS5 controllers cost.” I’m here to answer those two questions and more.
Before you rush out to buy the PS5 Cosmetic Red controller, I thought it would be fitting to rank each PS5 DualSense color in a 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 simply 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, and it’s Matt’s favorite option. Sorry, Nova Pink, you’re last – the White controller one-ups it due to price.
Below is the ranked PS5 controller colors list followed by an explainer on why you’ll want a second (i.e. battery life and the fact that the newest color models have a more durable design). It’s a good purchase, and don’t forget to check out the best PS5 accessories if you really want to take your gaming experience to the next level.
How much do PS5 controllers cost?
Anywhere from $70 to $75, although some of the stores below offer discounts (Amazon is charging $74 and $69). There were PS5 controller deals on all colors during Sony’s “Days of Play” in early July, offering prices as low as $59.
But you shouldn’t expect the price to shift again until Black Friday and Cyber Monday – Sony is selling enough of these that it can keep the price high, though The Shortcut will be on the looking for any and all Amazon Prime Day deals.
1. Galactic Purple
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. If you’re craving a controller color that looks like an unofficial tribute to Nintendo’s Waluigi, look no further.
2. Starlight Blue
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 found in the White/Black, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Black controllers.
3. Midnight Black
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 ever 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. White
The classic. The default White/Black PS5 controller is cheaper than the other controller colors and comes as standard with every PlayStation 5. The design matches Sony's original 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.
5. Cosmic Red
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 back in May 2021.
6. Nova Pink
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 when it comes to Sony’s gamepad.
PS5 controller colors: why get a second?
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.
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
After you buy a second PS5 controller, read up on the best SSD for PS5, as the default 825GB of internal storage (really, it’s 667GB of user-accessible storage), is the next big PS5 accessory purchase you should make. Eventually, we’ll likely be tracking the PSVR 2 pre order date, but that purchase is months away.
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: June 26, 2022
 | A guest post by
|
Create your profile
Only paid subscribers can comment on this post
Check your email
For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.
Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.