The PlayStation 5 controller might have a much larger battery

Much has already been said about the PlayStation 5’s signature DualSense controller, but there’s been a lingering question: can it improve on the mediocre battery of the PS4’s DualShock 4? It might, according to a new leak.

Twitter user Galaxy666 claims (via MSPowerUser) to have obtained hands-on time with the DualSense that revealed a 1,560mAh battery capacity. If accurate, that’s a welcome 56% improvement over the 1,000mAh pack found in the DualShock 4. Sony had hinted at a larger battery, but hadn’t been specific about it.

hands on #PS5 controller #Dualsense5 , just got a short test on it. The battery capacity is 1560mA, much more than the PS4 one. pic.twitter.com/bS0wako69J

— Galaxy666 (@Galaxyrain666) August 12, 2020

It’s not certain this will translate to more hours of gameplay, however. The DualSense will also include considerably more sophisticated haptic feedback (including adaptive triggers) and a built-in microphone on top of existing features like motion sensing and a speaker.  If those additions draw more power, battery life might take a hit.

If this does improve battery life, though, it could address a weak point in the PlayStation lineup. The Xbox One’s gamepad is known for its robust battery life, and this could make the DualSense more competitive with the Xbox Series X’s upgraded controller.

Read more: PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X

If nothing else, the DualSense might feel better to use. The same tipster also said the PS5 controller’s buttons are “more pleasant to press� than on the PS4. This isn’t as thorough a test as Geoff Keighley’s hands-on, but it suggests you might not have to worry that Sony has soured the experience by ditching the familiar DualShock design.

You’ll have to get used to the design regardless of your tastes. Sony previously stressed that PS4 controllers won’t work with PS5-oriented games due to the new features. You’ll only get to use DualShock controllers with legacy games.