The author’s recent acquisition of the Chroma Teal DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5 sparked a nostalgic journey through their gaming history, highlighting the significance of color and design in their personal connection with controllers. This teal gamepad, reminiscent of the translucent Emerald Green Dual Shock for the PlayStation 1, holds a special place among the author’s most cherished controllers, evoking memories of Easter 1999 and the game Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. The Chroma Teal’s arrival also prompted a reflection on other influential controllers, including the unconventional InterAct Barracuda and the iconic translucent yellow Dreamcast controller, showcasing a diverse appreciation for gaming peripherals.
The Chroma Teal DualSense was not the author’s only recent purchase. Taking advantage of Black Friday deals, they also secured the Chroma Pearl and Chroma Indigo DualSense controllers, completing their collection of this particular line. While these arrived earlier, the anticipation for the Chroma Teal, finally delivered in late January, made the wait worthwhile. The author proclaims the Chroma Teal the most visually appealing DualSense among the collection, with a particular fondness for the Chroma Pearl as a close second.
The iridescent teal finish, evoking the green translucence of the beloved Emerald Green Dual Shock, fuels the author’s nostalgia. While acknowledging the color is technically teal, the personal connection to the green of their past overrides this technicality. This nostalgic connection is so strong that the author humorously suggests using the controller as a prompt for therapy. This playful remark underscores the deep emotional resonance certain objects can hold, linking them to specific periods and experiences in one’s life.
Despite the overall enthusiasm, the author notes two specific shortcomings with the Chroma Teal DualSense. A noticeable dent on one of the analog sticks raises concerns about quality control in Sony’s manufacturing process. This blemish, while seemingly minor, detracts from the premium experience expected from a high-end controller. The second point of contention concerns the two-toned color scheme. The iridescent teal is confined to the decorative panels, while the remaining elements, such as the buttons and sticks, feature a more subdued, matte teal. This inconsistency creates a visual disconnect, potentially diminishing the overall aesthetic appeal and even giving the impression of a cheaper product, especially considering the $80 price tag. The author points out that this two-toned design is consistent across the entire Chroma line.
Despite these drawbacks, the author’s affection for the Chroma Teal DualSense remains unwavering, declaring it their new primary controller. This decision underscores the power of nostalgia and personal preference in outweighing minor imperfections. The author then expresses a desire for Sony to release matching Chroma Teal console covers for the PS5 Pro, noting the current availability only for the PS5 Slim and the lack of official plates for the Pro model. This lament reflects the desire for a cohesive aesthetic experience across the entire gaming setup.
The author’s narrative concludes with an invitation for discussion on social media platform X, encouraging fellow gamers to share their opinions on the Chroma DualSense line and debate which color reigns supreme. This playful call to action emphasizes the subjective nature of personal preference and the enjoyment derived from sharing and discussing these preferences with other enthusiasts. The author’s journey from a childhood memory triggered by a new controller to a detailed analysis of its design and a yearning for matching accessories highlights the powerful connection between personal experiences, aesthetics, and the objects that shape our gaming lives.
