Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBefore launching a new shooter, check PS5 Game Presets, video output, controller preferences and accessibility options—then tune the game’s own controls. These are a practical preflight checklist, not universal competitive settings: presets apply to PS5 games, some games do not support every option, and settings such as sensitivity and dead zones are specific to each game.
1. Review PS5 Game Presets
Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. Check the defaults for performance or resolution mode and first-person view. The same menu also includes third-person view, subtitles and audio, and online multiplayer session preferences. These preferences apply to PS5 games, but Sony notes that some may not apply to every game.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sony describes the choice this way: “Make motion in your game smoother with performance mode, or have higher graphic quality in resolution mode.” The actual choice is available only in games that offer these modes; a console preset cannot add a mode a game does not support. Sony’s guide to customizing PS5 game presets explains the available defaults.
Performance mode or resolution mode?
Choose performance mode if smoother motion is your priority, or resolution mode if you prefer higher graphic quality. The result depends on what the particular shooter supports. If the game has its own graphics menu, check there too: the console preset is a default, not a promise that every title will offer identical options or results.
#1 Best Overall
- Heighten Your Senses. Discover Deeper, highly immersive gaming experiences.
- Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback
- Chat online through the built-in microphone or connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Play on more devices Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth wireless technology so you can easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range titles
2. Check video output against your display
Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Confirm the current output signal and check whether both your connected TV or monitor and the shooter support the resolution, HDR, VRR and refresh rate you want. An option appearing on the PS5 does not mean every display or game can use it.
120 Hz
Enabling 120 Hz output allows that output for TVs and games that support a 120 Hz frame rate; it does not make an unsupported game run at 120 frames per second. If enabling it causes output problems, Sony advises turning it off. See Sony’s PS5 resolution and video-output guidance.
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
VRR and ALLM
VRR adjusts refresh rate in real time when the TV and game support it. Sony notes that results vary by TV, so check compatibility rather than assuming VRR will help every setup. ALLM also depends on display support. With VRR output enabled, low-latency mode can remain active even if ALLM is set to Off.
3. Set controller effects to your preference
Open Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) to adjust vibration intensity and trigger-effect intensity. Trigger effects work only in games that support them. Choose the levels that feel comfortable and test them in the shooter; Sony’s settings guidance does not establish that a particular intensity improves aim or competitive performance. See Sony’s DualSense controller guidance.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
4. Check button assignments and accessibility
Review button assignments under Settings > Accessibility > Controllers, then inspect the game’s own accessibility menu. Remapping can make controls easier to use, but the right layout depends on your needs and the options available in the title. PS5 also offers text and display adjustments; game chat transcription is available only in supported games. Sony documents these options in its PS5 accessibility settings guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Finish in the shooter’s own settings
Before starting a match, open the game’s settings and check the controls and presentation options it actually provides. Look for:
Rank #4
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
- Sensitivity and aim-assist settings
- Stick dead zones
- Field of view
- Audio options, including any available mix or cue settings
- Graphics or frame-rate options
These controls are game-specific; there is no supported universal numeric recommendation for sensitivity, dead zones, aim assist or field of view. Change one setting at a time and use the game’s practice area or a low-stakes match, if available, to judge whether it suits you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
