# Sony PS5 controller

7 Hacker News commenters recommended Sony PS5 controller and 2 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 5 of 13 months.

**Verdict:** People recommend it for easy setup and reliable performance. Common caveat: battery life.

## Why people recommend it

- Works reliably with little setup (2 comments): "it worked without needing to install anything" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48041544)) "has been working flawlessly after that" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48128742))

## What people warn about

- Poor battery life, often dead (1 comments): "the PS5 controller has terrible battery life and is often dead when I need it" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45904671))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Steam Controller](https://hackerapproved.com/p/steam-controller.md): 74 recommend
- [Xbox Wireless Controller](https://hackerapproved.com/p/xbox-controller.md): 18 recommend
- [8BitDo controller](https://hackerapproved.com/p/8bitdo-controller.md): 13 recommend
- [PS5 DualSense controller](https://hackerapproved.com/p/dualsense-controller.md): 10 recommend
- [Nintendo Switch Pro Controller](https://hackerapproved.com/p/nintendo-switch-pro-controller.md): 7 recommend

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sony+DualSense+wireless+controller+PS5&tag=hackerapprove-20) (affiliate link)
- [Official site](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/accessories/dualsense-wireless-controller/)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Sony PS5 controller", https://hackerapproved.com/p/ps5-controller/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).