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The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller stands out among current-gen competitors, like the Xbox Series Some avid gamers have even called the DualSense the best gamepad on the market. However, like any other product, the DualSense is not perfect and some users may eventually find that they have worn it out enough to require either a new internal battery or a complete replacement. For those still considering their options before pulling the expensive trigger, here’s what to consider between replacing your DualSense’s battery or investing in a new controller.
Online outlets including Amazon and eBay offer a variety of DualSense battery replacements at prices ranging from $6 to $44 apiece, depending on the brand, capacity and durability of the battery. On the other hand, the new PS5 controllers, starting in 2026, cost between $74 and $84, if purchased from the official PlayStation website. Retailers like Walmart and Target also offer open-box and refurbished models for $64.99, and you might even find them cheaper during sales like Black Friday. Still, the glaring price difference alone shows that replacing your PS5 controller’s battery is almost always a worthwhile alternative to purchasing a new unit. However, one should also consider the labor required to install them, the potential risk associated with battery quality, and the possible frequency of replacement before deciding which option to choose.
DualSense batteries are simple to replace
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If you’re looking to fix your PlayStation 5 controller’s bad battery, replacing it manually isn’t as complex a process as some might think. Some YouTubers and other internet users have demonstrated simple procedures for installing new DualSense batteries. In a June 2022 video, the What Happens When channel showed how any PS5 owner can easily replace their controller’s battery. All you need is a small Phillips screwdriver and a prying tool to gently remove its front and back covers, along with the R1 and L1 buttons, exposing the battery. It can then be easily disconnected and replaced with a new one. Testimonials from What Happens When and other owners who have performed battery replacements indicate that it takes 5-10 minutes to complete the process.
Once done, you may want to reconsider how you treat your DualSense when you’re not playing any games. Practices like leaving your PlayStation 5 controller on charge overnight could deteriorate its battery health in the long run. Some Reddit users have found that changing the battery is an easy way to increase a controller’s time between charges and overall lifespan. “I upgraded (my controller) when the OEM ones started only lasting about an hour,” one user wrote. “Now they can easily go 10 to 12 hours between charges.” While opting for a brand new DualSense might be justified in other situations, like if the controllers aren’t working properly, replacing the battery is well worth the investment for those whose controllers still have life left.
