You use the buttons on your DualSense constantly, but you probably aren’t familiar with all of the controller’s functions. Sony hasn’t pointed out every possibility of the controller as clearly as it should.
All functions of the PS button
On the official PlayStation support page there are for PS button of the DualSense only lists two functions: Press once for Control Center, press and hold for Home screen.
There are actually four different inputs. One of them may be unknown even to long-time PS5 users. It is not officially documented, but can be a practical shortcut in everyday gaming.
The DualSense’s PS button responds four different inputs:
- Press once: Open Control Center
- Hold: Return to the home screen
- Hold for several seconds: Turn off the controller, even while the PS5 is still running
- Double click: Open game help card with guides and tips for the current game
Just that one Double click is the least known of the four options. If you press the PS button twice in quick succession, the so-called game help card opens directly while the game is running. There you can find guides and tips for the current game without having to leave the game or navigate through several menus. This is especially helpful if you’re stuck in a difficult section and need a quick clue. However, keep in mind that not every game supports this feature.
At In multiplayer and co-op games, double-clicking has a different function: Instead of the game help, the game group opens, through which you can invite other players.
The PS button is not an isolated case. That too The DualSense’s mute button offers a function which Sony doesn’t mention on its support page: It can not only mute the microphone, but can also be used to turn off all sound emitted by the controller.
Those too Triangle button offers a practical shortcut. If you are in the home menu, it will take you directly to the search button in the top right. From there you can also open the settings more quickly. This saves you a few steps with the arrow keys.
The timing of the double click must be right
As practical as double-clicking is, That’s how fiddly it is to use. If you press the button twice too slowly, the PS5 activates another function of the PS button instead.
YouTuber John Glasscock, among others, drew attention to the function and demonstrated it in a short video. With a little practice, you can double-click reliably and save yourself a few clicks in everyday gaming.