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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes. On September 9, 2024, retailers in the U.S. were reported to have raised standard DualSense controller prices by $5. Sony revealed the $699.99 PS5 Pro the following day. The timing is documented; the available reports do not establish that Sony deliberately concealed the controller increase or linked it to the console announcement.
Did Sony raise the price of the PS5 DualSense controller?
Contemporaneous reports on September 9, 2024, said U.S. retailers had increased prices for standard DualSense controllers without a separate official Sony announcement. VGC reported a $5 increase across colors, from $70 to $75, at multiple North American retailers, including Best Buy, Target and PlayStation Direct. VGC said it had not seen evidence of a price change outside the U.S. at that time. VGC’s September 9 report credited Wario64 with spotting the retailer changes.
GameSpot’s same-day account gave a more detailed breakdown by color: black and white controllers went from $70 to $75, while other colors went from $75 to $80. It reported that the DualSense Edge remained $200. These are the outlets’ observations of U.S. retail prices at the time, not a statement of current prices. GameSpot’s report.
Reported U.S. price changes on September 9, 2024
| Controller | Previous price reported | New price reported | Source and scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DualSense, black or white | $70 | $75 | GameSpot’s September 9, 2024 report of U.S. retail prices |
| Standard DualSense, other colors | $75 | $80 | GameSpot’s September 9, 2024 report of U.S. retail prices |
| Standard DualSense, colors not distinguished | $70 | $75 | VGC’s September 9, 2024 summary of increases at multiple North American retailers |
| DualSense Edge | $200 | $200 | GameSpot reported it was unaffected on September 9, 2024 |
How much did the DualSense price go up?
Both outlets described a $5 increase, but their reports differ in how they described the color tiers. GameSpot specified two starting prices and two new prices; VGC summarized the change as $70 to $75 across colors. The table preserves those attributions rather than treating either summary as a universal price list.
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- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
The reports describe U.S. retail observations on September 9, 2024. VGC mentioned several North American retailers but reported no sign of the increase outside the U.S. at publication time. That is a dated snapshot, not evidence of pricing in every country or of what a controller costs now.
Did the price increase happen before the PS5 Pro reveal?
Yes. The retailer price changes were reported on September 9, 2024; Sony announced PS5 Pro on September 10. Sony’s announcement listed a U.S. recommended price of $699.99, a planned November 7, 2024 launch, a 2TB SSD and one included DualSense controller. It also listed recommended prices of £699.99, €799.99 and ¥119,980, including tax. Sony Interactive Entertainment’s announcement said current PS5 accessories are compatible with PS5 Pro.
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- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
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The sequence explains why the controller change was framed alongside the expensive console reveal, but it does not prove intent. The cited reports say Sony did not make an official announcement about the controller increase, and Sony’s Pro announcement does not mention it. Neither source establishes that Sony timed the retail changes to hide them or that the two events were causally connected. “Buried” is therefore a characterization of the timing, not a verified account of Sony’s motive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the PS5 Pro announcement does—and does not—tell you about controller pricing
The Pro’s recommended price and the reported DualSense increases were separate pieces of information: one was Sony’s announced console pricing, the other was a contemporaneous report of retailer price changes. Sony’s compatibility statement means existing PS5 accessories, including DualSense controllers, were described as compatible with PS5 Pro; it does not indicate a new controller requirement or establish a current accessory price.
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- Ultra Customizable Controls
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Sony also promoted PS5 Pro’s hardware and software features, including 67 percent more Compute Units than the current PS5, 28 percent faster memory and up to 45 percent faster rendering for gameplay. Those are Sony’s stated specifications and performance claims, not independent benchmark results. Sony said the system would support more than 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games and that Game Boost could stabilize or improve performance in supported games; it did not promise a specific improvement for every title.
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- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
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- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*.
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online with the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button.
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
