Sony Didn’t Do It, So Someone Else Made An App To Unlock DualSense On PC
Almost six years after its initial release for the PS5 console, the DualSense controller remains one of the most advanced gaming peripherals on the market, largely due to its innovative haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, when it comes to using the DualSense on PC, those features are still somewhat limited. While the haptic feedback does work on PC, it typically requires a USB-C connection. But that may soon change, as a new third-party app promises to unlock the full potential of the DualSense controller wirelessly on PC—for a price.
A recent update to the DSX app has introduced wireless haptics and Bluetooth audio support for the DualSense on PC, along with a range of other features such as custom profiles and customization options. According to reports from Digital Foundry, the beta version of this new patch essentially creates a "virtual" DualSense that receives signals from supported games, allowing it to behave just like it would on a PS5. The feature is currently available to users who own the DSX Steam app and its DSX+ DLC, which can be purchased in a bundle for under $12. Normally, to unlock the full DualSense features on PC, you would need to connect the controller directly via USB-C.
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For now, this app appears to be the best option for PC gamers who want to fully utilize the unique features of the DualSense, including support from Sony's PlayStation Studios ports. It’s puzzling that Sony has not entered the PC market with its own DualSense dongle to unlock the full functionality of the controller on that platform. While homebrew solutions have attempted to fill this gap, it seems that a third-party app like DSX is currently the most viable option.
The DualSense controller has remained largely unchanged since its launch, with only minor software updates tweaking its performance over the years. A few years ago, Sony introduced the DualSense Edge, a more robust version of the controller designed for a high-end gaming experience. Now, the question remains: what does the future hold for controller technology?
Sony is not ready to share details just yet, but the company is reportedly exploring several new ideas, including a controller with buttons that can dynamically harden or soften depending on in-game actions. While this may still be in the early stages, it shows that the future of gaming peripherals is far from static. For now, though, PC users looking to unlock the full potential of their DualSense may need to rely on third-party tools like DSX.
