Pro PS5 controllers are great, but I'm a solo adventurer and I need my adaptive triggers

I’ve had my hands on the Scuf Omega for a few weeks now, having a blast in Borderlands 4 and Fallout 76. A recent weekend with the original DualSense and Resident Evil 2 Remake, however, reminded me of what I was missing with Sony’s own PS5 features.

Adaptive triggers are the big one here. Even the best PS5 controllers from third parties aren’t allowed to use Sony’s tech in this way. If you want that extra resistance or satisfying snap release, you’ll either need to sacrifice extra customization features or shell out for the full-fat DualSense Edge. Here’s a thought, single player games can make use of customized controls as well.

Thankfully, the latter is undercutting most competitive pro controllers right now – perfect for my fellow single player spec-heads.

Third party pro controllers usually prioritize their competitive audiences. These customizable thumbsticks, button mappings, and trigger zones certainly do serve eSports players well, but these leaderboard climbers aren’t the only PS5 fans looking for a little extra from their gamepads.

I’m not a massive competitive player, and if I am playing online it’s normally with a mouse and keyboard. I do, however, spend long sessions parked in front of single player adventures. There’s less at stake, sure, but being able to combine commands, remap my controls, and adjust deadzones is still just as important to me. I don’t want to have to drop other immersion-focused features to get there.

The Scuf Omega, Razer Raiju V3 Pro, and Victrix Pro BFG are all top gamepads, but their third party status locks players out of adaptive triggers and lifelike rumble. Those are some of the PS5’s most defining features in my books.

Not only that, but these are premium options. The Scuf Omega (the newest on the scene) is holding firm at its $219.99 MSRP (Amazon), while the Victrix Pro BFG (the oldest) is still stuck at $159.99 (Amazon).

Brand new in-box, you’ll find the DualSense Edge for $169.99 right now, thanks to Sony’s Days of Play sale. However, Best Buy’s open box offer massively undercuts the competition this week. If you’re a solo adventurer looking for a little extra control on PS5 this is absolutely where I’d be looking ahead of Prime Day PS5 deals.

We’re also rounding up the best PC controllers as well as the best Xbox Series X controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for more platform options.