Listen up, Helldivers, the latest in-ops tactical weapon from the engineers on Super Earth is about to be released, and if you want to defend democracy more efficiently than ever, you'll need to know where to pre-order the Helldivers 2 DualSense controller. Of course, thanks to the Terminids, Automatons, and the returning Illuminate assault, supply routes are limited. Luckily, I've been deployed to the intelligence desk today to point you in the right direction of stock.
The limited edition DualSense controller has hit both US and UK shelves now, with pre-orders live ahead of that February 6 release day. Right now, PS Direct is your best bet, but I did see other retailers offering earlier alternate colorways so I'm keeping a close eye on all your favorites as well. Given the popularity of Super Earth's intergalactic peace-keeping campaigns this year, this could prove to be one of the hardest PS5 controllers to secure stock of. Astro Bot's Limited Edition DualSense was already pretty flighty earlier in the year, after all.
Now for the bad news. The Helldivers 2 controller will set you back more than a regular DualSense controller. Racking up a price of $84.99 / £74.99, it's worth remembering that this isn't going to give you any extra functionality, as one of the best PS5 controllers might. Even so, a collector's item like this is always going to be a welcome addition to any setup, and with the level of detailing on the controller's face, it's easy to justify a higher price than usual.
December 20, 10:02am ET - The Helldivers 2 DualSense is now officially available to pre-order in both the US and UK with PS Direct leading the charge this morning. Stock has held out well over the course of the day in the UK so far, but judging by how quickly the Astro Bot gamepad fell off after release, I'd still recommend getting that early order in.
Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense pre-orders in the US
Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense pre-orders in the UK
Should you buy the Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense controller?
The Helldivers Edition of the DualSense controller isn't going to make you any better at extinguishing the forces that threaten Super Earth's democracy, at least in a technical sense. On the other hand, literally holding onto freedom in the form of an inspiring controller like this might just unlock an extra level of patriotism in your heart.
There is some beautiful design work on this version of the PS5's controller, with the Helldivers color scheme coming through on the grips. There's texture too thanks to the worn look that your favorite armour will have after a few too many Terminid encounters. Next to the D-pad, you can see some Stratagem arrows, and the labels next to the face buttons harken back to the official Starfield controller for Xbox.
It's also not been that common for us to see black variants of the DualSense. When the PS5 launched, people really felt like the classic black options were missing from Sony's hardware lineup, and a limited edition that isn't going to age quickly (like the Astro Bot version might), will be a welcome addition for anyone who likes darker accessories. It's a shame that these Limited Edition options don't come with designs for the DualSense Edge, however.
For more controller coverage, take a look at the best PC controllers, best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best PS5 steering wheel.
