With the PS5, not only is Sony introducing a beefier console that can deliver better graphics, but the controller is getting a slight overhaul too with the DualSense controller. With the PS5 peripherals and whatnot already out in the wild, we now get a full-on PS5 DualSense teardown which features the controller’s innards!
YouTuber TronicsFix successfully dissects a PS5 controller in the video embedded below, and we even get PS4 DualShock 4 (DS4) internal comparisons, which includes the battery, analog nubs and more, which we’ll get to in a sec.
First important thing we can take from it: the DualSense battery is significanlty beefier than the DualShock 4! This means that we can expect a better battery life, though we can’t say for certain given the rumble motor (for haptic feedback) for the DualSense is significantly bigger compared to the DualShock 4.
PS5 DualSense battery – 1560mA
PS4 DualShock 4 battery – 1000mA
Next up, you can see the DualSense haptic motors compared to the DS4, and how bigger it is (a given since it offers a wider range of rumble features).
DualSense vibration motors:
DualShock 4 vibration motors:
As you can see, the DualSense vibration motors are significantly larger, so that leaves a question mark on how much juice it uses, which leaves a question mark on how much better the larger battery is in prolonging the controller’s battery life.
Next, you can check out the motherboard comparison for the DualSense and DS4 as well.
PS5 DualSense motherboard and PS4 DualShock 4 motherboard side-by-side (PS5 is top image):
Finally, we also have an analog nub/stick comparison as well! Note that this compares the two sticks’ internals. Sad to say, it seems like the DualSense analog is a 1:1 recreation of the DualShock 4, which means stick drifting could once again rear its ugly head.
PS5 DualSense and PS4 DualShock 4 analog nubs (PS5 is top image):
PS5 DualSense and PS4 DualShock 4 analog sticks internal comparison (PS5 is left image):
I suggest watching the entire video below, as there are more parts taken apart and shown off.
As far as I can tell based on the teardown, the PS5 has a better battery, bigger vibration motors, the same analog sticks (no improvement made at all), and the controller’s USC-C connector is easily replaceable if it ever gives out or gets broken.
For more comparisons, check out how the PS5 hardware compares to other consoles right here.