One of the highlights of the PlayStation 5 release has been the new DualSense controller. Its haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features add a new level of immersion to gameplay, and the DualSense's built-in microphone allows everyone to communicate with their teammates easily. The DualSense retains the wireless capability of its predecessor, which offers convenience at the price of potentially running out of battery.
The DualSense heralded a new era in PlayStation controllers. All the new bells and whistles pushed Sony to rebrand from its long line of DualShock controllers. The first DualShock was an optional gamepad for the original PlayStation, offering the added benefit of rumble feedback and two analog sticks. Minor design changes would be introduced with each iteration until the DualShock 4 introduced the touchpad, which the DualSense retains.
Upon the PS5's launch, the DualSense outperformed the DualShock 4 in terms of battery life, and that largely remains true, but mileage varies greatly based on what game is being played. If a PS4 game is being played on the PS5 with a DualSense (and the haptics are mimicking basic rumble output), the DualSense should last much longer than the DualShock 4 did, with a ballpark maximum of about 12 hours, according to PlayStation Universe.
PS5 Games Drain The DualSense Controller's Battery Faster
All the new technology inside the DualSense means there are literally a lot more moving parts, which happens to be more taxing on the battery. PlayStation's DualSense webpage says the haptic feedback utilizes dual actuators instead of traditional rumble motors in order to give precise tactile sensations - the same technology used in modern iPhones and the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons. The adaptive triggers use a system of screws and gears in order to provide resistance to players pulling them down. All this tactile feedback and movement uses a lot more battery life than a rumble motor, which typically just spins around an axis.
This means that games with loads of haptic and adaptive trigger support are going to drain the battery more quickly. Screen Rant noted in its PS5 review that when playing legitimate PS5 games - haptics and all - the battery life of the DualSense was roughly equivalent to that of the DualShock 4, despite the new controller's larger battery. Unfortunately, this makes calculating a small range of battery time difficult.
Games that constantly utilize the new tech like Astro's Playroom might drain the battery completely in about 7 hours. However, PS5 games that only use it sparingly like Demon's Souls have the potential to reach somewhere close to that impressive 12-hour benchmark. The DualSense is already the largest PlayStation controller to date, with the biggest battery yet, so only a mid-generation redesign or new battery type could extend the battery life.
Source: PlayStation, PlayStation Universe