Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves
  • New Games for 2026
  • Submit your game clips
  • GDC
Don't miss these
Image of the Techo Red DualSense and PS5 console cover by Sony PlayStation.
Accessories The new Hyperpop Collection adds a much-needed pop of color to the PS5 lineup
DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink
Gaming Controllers The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
Image of the new light purple and light green Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers on a pink GamesRadar+ background.
Gaming Controllers Nintendo reveals first set of new Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers, and underwhelming is putting it lightly
A patented Sony controller design next to the PS5's DualSense controller
Gaming Controllers The PS6 controller might not even have buttons on it as a new patent hints Sony is going all-in on haptic feedback
Image of the Hyperpop Collection DualSense controllers and console covers on a blue GamesRadar+ background.
Gaming Controllers Where to pre-order the Hyperpop PS5 DualSense controllers and console covers in the US and UK
PS4 Controllers
Gaming Controllers The best PS4 controllers you can buy in 2026
The DualSense sitting next to the Hyperkin Competitor
Gaming Controllers The Hyperkin Competitor might be a better DualSense than Sony's
Image of the abxylute N6 and N9C Switch 2 controllers sitting side by side.
Gaming Controllers Abxylute's new Switch 2 deck-style N6 and N9C controllers are here, and GameCube fans are in for a treat
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
Image of the light purple and light green Switch 2 Joy-Con on a pink GamesRadar+ background.
Gaming Controllers The first new Switch 2 Joy-Con controller colors are here, and here's where to get them
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2026
The GameSir G7 Pro Aimlabs 8K PC controller
Gaming Controllers GameSir is going all in on the G7 Pro controller with two new special editions and a carry case
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
Gaming Controllers The best Xbox Series X controller in 2026
Image of the Strawberry Sage Edition KontrolFreek grips on a pair of Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers.
Accessories My friend was on the hunt for a pair of thumbsticks, and these KontrolFreek Switch 2 grips were my immediate go-to
Five different gaming controllers for PC scattered around a desktop surface
Gaming Controllers The best PC controller for gaming 2026
  1. Hardware
  2. Gaming Controllers
  3. PS5

New DualSense controllers have more powerful springs and new parts that might fix stick drift

News
By Hope Bellingham published 7 March 2022

Nova Pink, Galactic Purple, and Starlight Blue have all received a subtle upgrade

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

PS5 DualSense controller pre-order
(Image credit: Sony)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

The new coloured PS5 DualSense controllers appear to have been upgraded with slightly different components inside of them compared to the previous colours. 

Thanks to a video by TronicsFix, we get to see inside of all three of the new coloured DualSense controllers, where it looks as though Sony may have made some subtle changes under the hood. 

As explained in the video, the new controllers (Nova Pink, Galactic Purple, Starlight Blue) contain a slightly different spring located behind the back L and R buttons. In the older Cosmic Red controller, the spring had a 0.25mm thickness, whereas the newer controllers have springs that measure 0.3mm thick. It's not clear whether this will make a significant difference to players, but just by looking at the springs alone, they do seem a lot more durable. 

You may like
  • Image of the Techo Red DualSense and PS5 console cover by Sony PlayStation. The new Hyperpop Collection adds a much-needed pop of color to the PS5 lineup
  • DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
  • Image of the new light purple and light green Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers on a pink GamesRadar+ background. Nintendo reveals first set of new Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers, and underwhelming is putting it lightly

Other differences found in the new colored controllers include a very minor change to the analog stick modules. It looks as though Sony has swapped a small black piece of plastic on the bottom for an identical-looking green piece of plastic. As explained in the video, it’s unlikely that this change makes a noticeable difference for players, but there’s also a small chance it could be linked to avoiding stick drift, although this hasn’t been proved yet.

Other than these two changes, there isn’t much else different about the new controllers. The battery, model number, and motherboard are all pretty much identical other than the fact the size of the board and location of some of its chips have been flipped onto the other side. 

Hopefully, these subtle changes aren’t exclusive to the pink, purple, and blue DualSense controllers and will also be rolled out to all new white, black, and cosmic red variations too. 

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Take a look at our DualSense PS5 controller review.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Hope Bellingham
Hope Bellingham
Social Links Navigation
News Writer

After studying Film Studies and Creative Writing at university, I was lucky enough to land a job as an intern at Player Two PR where I helped to release a number of indie titles. I then got even luckier when I became a Trainee News Writer at GamesRadar+ before being promoted to a fully-fledged News Writer after a year and a half of training.  My expertise lies in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, cozy indies, and The Last of Us, but especially in the Kingdom Hearts series. I'm also known to write about the odd Korean drama for the Entertainment team every now and then.  

Read more
Image of the Techo Red DualSense and PS5 console cover by Sony PlayStation.
Accessories The new Hyperpop Collection adds a much-needed pop of color to the PS5 lineup
 
 
DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink
Gaming Controllers The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
 
 
Image of the new light purple and light green Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers on a pink GamesRadar+ background.
Gaming Controllers Nintendo reveals first set of new Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers, and underwhelming is putting it lightly
 
 
A patented Sony controller design next to the PS5's DualSense controller
Gaming Controllers The PS6 controller might not even have buttons on it as a new patent hints Sony is going all-in on haptic feedback
 
 
Image of the Hyperpop Collection DualSense controllers and console covers on a blue GamesRadar+ background.
Gaming Controllers Where to pre-order the Hyperpop PS5 DualSense controllers and console covers in the US and UK
 
 
PS4 Controllers
Gaming Controllers The best PS4 controllers you can buy in 2026
 
 
Latest in Gaming Controllers
A side by side image of the Razer Raiju V3 Pro and Wolverine V3 Pro
Gaming Controllers Razer drops its Wolverine V3 Pro and Raiju V3 Pro controllers to record low prices at the same time
 
 
A reveal image of the Logitech G RS H-Shifter
Gaming Controllers Logitech G is finally launching a new gear shifter for its sim racing ecosystem
 
 
A Nyxi Flexi on a desk with pink lighting turned on
Gaming Controllers This controller lets you swap between Xbox and PlayStation thumbstick layouts
 
 
Victrix Pro BFG review image showing the various components and attachments of the gamepad set out on a table
Gaming Controllers Amazon is going zero profit mode on the best PS5 controller right now with an £80 discount
 
 
PowerA Advantage Nintendo Switch 2 controller in Mushroom Kingdom colorway on a pink background with best deal badge
Gaming Controllers Is that a pastel Mario version of the cheapest Switch 2 controller I've tested? At its lowest price yet?
 
 
A Thrustmaster T248R and its pedals on a grey carpet
Gaming Controllers The Thrustmaster T248R is making me question where a sim racing wheel with no direct drive and no modular wheelbase fits in the market in 2026
 
 
Latest in News
SpyraGo lying on a wooden surface
Toys & Collectibles If you buy one water gun for the sunny weather, I beg you to try this
 
 
Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters
Animated Movies KPop Demon Hunters may be coming to a city near you as Netflix is reportedly planning a Huntrix stage show world tour
 
 
A hand holding a spray of Altered: Trial by Frost cards
Tabletop Gaming Altered TCG shuts down due to missing the €2 million needed "to guarantee the future of the game"
 
 
A screenshot from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, showing a man named Verso covered in dirt and blood, looking into the camera.
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Ben Starr worries the video game industry will learn the wrong lessons from its success
 
 
Mortal Kombat 1 Baraka
Games Mortal Kombat, Hogwarts Legacy, and more could get the chop in $6 billion cuts following Paramount merger
 
 
Macduff running from a monster during the upcoming PS5 game, Crimson Desert.
RPGs Crimson Desert fans worry for the RPG's console editions after review no-show joins disappointing 30fps PS5 showcase
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Macduff running from a monster during the upcoming PS5 game, Crimson Desert.
    1
    Crimson Desert fans worry for the RPG's console editions after review no-show joins disappointing 30fps PS5 showcase
  2. 2
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs bet on the Metacritic score, but bet too low so "everybody lost"
  3. 3
    Warhammer 40K Ork bikers, Blood Angels, and more get teased ahead of next week's Adepticon livestream
  4. 4
    Overwatch was originally called "Monetized Shooter" because you had to buy each of its heroes
  5. 5
    Elden Ring owner gets massive investment from a company that gave Nintendo some infamous advice

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...