The DualSense is an exceptional controller. Sony packed a lot of tech into this hefty device, making it a drastic leap forward from the DualShock 4. One of the key features of the controller is the haptic feedback.
Similar to the HD rumble of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Con, there are special motors that allow developers to more accurately simulate actions, environmental effects, and more just with the rumble in the controller. Many developers have already heavily baked this feature into their games, leading to greater immersion to complement the enhanced 3D audio and shiny 4K graphics on their next-gen games.
10 Astro's Playroom
Perhaps the greatest pack-in title for a home console, Astro's Playroom is simultaneously a tech demo and a complete game of its own. Team Asobi made excellent use of the DualSense controller at every opportunity, whether it be the gyro controls, touchpad, or especially the haptic feedback.
You feel the subtle grind of Astro skating along ice, the patter of rain on his deployable umbrella, and even the fast fire of a toy machine gun. Astro's Playroom shows why the DualSense is so impressive and sets the stage for a slew of impressive games for this generation.
9 Returnal
Returnal is a game not for the light-hearted. Developer Housemarque crafted a psychological horror where your skills will be pushed to their limit. On top of razor-sharp gameplay, Returnal has an amazing soundscape and stellar use of the DualSense's haptic feedback.
You feel the buildup of scanning new items, and the rumbling of each different weapon firing. When rain falls on the planet, you can sense each individual drop in the controller. Then, when combat gets dicey, you'll feel every explosion, sword slice, and more all through just the controller. Returnal is one of the few PS5-only games and lives up to its title.
8 Deathloop
While Sony fans grew exasperated with how heavily Deathloop was advertised in each State of Play, there's no denying that Arkane created an enjoyable game with some amazing DualSense features. With each gun, you'll feel resistance on the trigger before you inevitably fire. Sometimes your gun will jam, locking up your triggers until you fix it.
You'll feel and hear the shells fall as you shoot. The feel of the blade slicing through Eternalists explodes through your hands. Deathloop may not be a first-party title, but the way the haptic feedback is used lets it stand toe-to-toe with Sony's best.
7 Dirt 5
Racing games were always going to be a great fit for the DualSense's haptic feedback, and Dirt 5 was arguably the first to take full advantage. When the PS5 version was released, players were blown away by the level of detail that the developers added to the rumble.
You can feel the tires skimming along the dirt, the resistance of the gas pedal as you accelerate to the finish line, and the loud cacophony of running into another car or barrier. If you're a racing fan, then the PS5 is the best way to play Dirt 5 for the extra level of immersion.
6 Death Stranding Director's Cut
Death Stranding is a game about taking in your surroundings and paying attention to the little details around you. Because there isn't much in the way of combat or tense moments, you get to notice every little thing that the developers put into the game.
In the case of Death Stranding Director's Cut, that includes the haptic feedback. Sam has to wade his way through water and snow, both of which you'll feel in the controller. The rumble helps sell the feeling of a lone wanderer battling the elements, leading to an impressive technical experience.
5 Control: Ultimate Edition
There isn't much to say about Control that already hasn't been said. Remedy prides itself in creating technically impressive psychological thrillers. In Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5, all of the powers at your fingertips are now actually felt through your fingertips.
You'll get to know what it feels like to throw objects across the room, fire your special weapon, and take on hordes of enemies. Control features a stellar physics system, allowing massive explosions and objects flying around at once. Not only will you get to see it in a smooth frame rate on PS5, but you'll also get to feel it through the controller.
4 Gran Turismo 7
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While there has been a lot of controversy with Gran Turismo 7 due to microtransactions, there's no denying that Polyphony Digital created a game with a staggering amount of fine detail. Being a first-party Sony title, the developers took full advantage of the haptic feedback in the DualSense controller.
You get to feel the rubber meeting the ground, every option being selected in the menus, and more. The level of detail and love for the legacy of racing bleeds through in the controller as well, providing a notable addition to the experience.
3 Demon's Souls
The debut PS5 exclusive might've been a remake of a PS3 game, but developer Bluepoint spared no expense in ensuring that it was the best-looking PS3 revival on the market. The game looks and sounds incredible, providing a level of technical detail never before seen in a FromSoftware game.
Demon's Souls also makes great use of the DualSense controller. Parrying, slashing, and getting critical hits never felt so good. You'll also feel the environmental detail, like lightning striking a tree or the crumbling of skeletons at your feet. Demon's Souls on the PS5 is a stellar game that makes excellent use of the controller.
2 Hell Let Loose
If you've ever wondered what it was like to be a soldier during a war decades ago, then Hell Let Loose is your jam. It's complicated, technical, and requires a level of concentration not common in multiplayer games.
To better simulate the experience, the developers put extra work into the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, allowing you to feel every shot, every sliding back of the bolt, and every use of healing. There is a different rumble to each item in the game, and it goes a long way to selling the experience of being in a large-scale, realistic war.
1 Ratchet And Clank: Rift Apart
While Spider-Man Remastered and Spider-Man: Miles Morales don't make groundbreaking use of the DualSense controller, Insomniac went all out for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. In a game all about massive explosions, chaotic weapons, and hordes of enemies, it only made sense that the controller would reflect that.
The chaos of being the titular Lombax and mowing down enemies is felt extremely well in the controller. You'll even get different firing modes on weapons depending on how far down you press the trigger. There's a great range of feelings in this game that help to sell its PS5-only status.