Sony considers the PS5’s DualSense as the perfect controller, but no controller is truly perfect. Certain requirements that the DualSense doesn’t meet may lead some players to search for the best third-party PS5 controllers to act as substitutes.
Unlike with the PS4, the PS5 has a wide selection of awesome third-party controllers. Whether it’s a beloved company like Nacon or a lesser-known one like Hori, here are three of the absolute best third-party controllers to play with your PS5.
Scuf Reflex Pro
The Scuf Reflex Pro utilizes a customized DualSense controller made for esports players. It has a rubber grip on the handles and a modular backplate with four programmable paddles switchable through a three-profile button for remapping. All thumbstick modules are hot-swappable thanks to Scuf’s removable stick-plate design.
The Reflex Pro comes with multiple stick caps, a six-foot USB-C cable, and a carrying case. Fans love it because of its excellent back buttons and incredibly comfortable grip, noting that Scuf’s customization options make it a top-tier pick for serious gamers.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Nacon’s Revolution 5 Pro is an officially licensed PS5 pad built like a tank: it feels heavy and very premium in hand. It comes with a hard travel case and numerous accessories such as two alternate D-pad plates, multiple stick caps/rings, a braided USB-C cable, a dongle, a cloth, and six weights.
Its standout feature is that it uses Hall-effect sensors, providing players with a precise input and heavily reducing the risk of stick drift, making it perfect for shooting games. The pad has four programmable back-buttons with an on/off switch and an adjustable hair-trigger lock. The controller has Bluetooth audio passthrough and a companion PC app, letting players customize it to their preferences.
Hori Fighting Commander OCTA
This wired controller is built specifically for 2D fighting games. It has an arcade-style layout with six face buttons and an 8-way D-pad, which players have complimented for making difficult directional inputs easier. The short-throw left analog stick has an octagonal gate for easier pivots. The shoulder triggers are also next to the face buttons for faster combo inputs.
The USB connection ensures there’s no input lag. Numerous people have praised it for its fast inputs and incredible D-pad. However, it’s worth noting that the pad is very lightweight. Because of this, the hollow plastic shell can feel cheap.
