DualSense Controller revisions - Which one to get?

[Blythe93]

According to this psdevwiki article, there are five versions of the DualSense controller.
Also, according to some comments on Reddit, if the FCC ID ends with:
1) 1 - it's the launch model DualSense controller with 20mm springs in its triggers.
2) 1A - it's the first revision with the 30mm springs in its triggers.
3) 1B - it's the second and currently the newest revision with the 40mm springs in its triggers.

I've found a listing for a DualSense controller which FCC ID ends with 1 and it's the Jul 15 2020 version (2nd oldest out of 5 versions) so... almost a launch model? On images it looks pretty good, the seller guarantees that it's full functional without stick drift or anything like that. The price is pretty cheap for me, around $50, shipping included.

My question is: Are these launch model DualSense controllers much worse than the current latest ones? Or should I opt for a newer one?

Thank you for your time!

 

[lightwo]

All I know is that the trigger assemblies are separate parts on first revision controllers if that's something you fancy. It doesn't seem like reliability was effected in any way, and all revision batteries are the same capacity, even if part numbers differ.

Also, if you can have a look at the serial number of the controller (printed on the back), the first digit definitively shows you the revision.

Example:
PY: <date> IC: <ic> F51234567890123

I'd advise against buying used, given that it's a relatively small price difference, and given that a lot of people experienced early drifting, the warranty may come useful. Still, I recall seeing hall effect sticks for about $5 on AliExpress, so manual servicing shouldn't be a big problem.

 

[yankii]

All I know is that the trigger assemblies are separate parts on first revision controllers if that's something you fancy. It doesn't seem like reliability was effected in any way, and all revision batteries are the same capacity, even if part numbers differ.

Also, if you can have a look at the serial number of the controller (printed on the back), the first digit definitively shows you the revision.

Example:
PY: <date> IC: <ic> F51234567890123

I'd advise against buying used, given that it's a relatively small price difference, and given that a lot of people experienced early drifting, the warranty may come useful. Still, I recall seeing hall effect sticks for about $5 on AliExpress, so manual servicing shouldn't be a big problem.

I'm pretty sure they're soldered on like a bitch, so it's only easy if someone already has the special solder tip for DS sticks, or a desoldering gun.

The PS5 edge is overpriced and worse in some ways but at least you get swappable sticks.

 

[lightwo]

I'm pretty sure they're soldered on like a bitch, so it's only easy if someone already has the special solder tip for DS sticks, or a desoldering gun.

The PS5 edge is overpriced and worse in some ways but at least you get swappable sticks.

Good point, I forgot to mention that... Still, outside of workmanship, it should be a cheap repair to do (much cheaper than Edge ).

 

[thesjaakspoiler]

Drift occurs after an x number of hours.
So rather than the model, the number of hours that the controller was used is what matters most.
And unfortunately there is no way of checking that.
The battery seems to last pretty long.
After 4 years I still am using the original battery.
But replacing the battery is pretty easy and not much risk of damaging anything.

If you are good with a soldering iron, you can just replace the original sensors with hall-effect sensors.
For $5 a sensor, all drift problems are gone.
Don't try to desolder the original sensors, just cut them off the board with a sharp nipper and remove the remaining legs one by one.