The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller has continually set the standard for gaming peripherals with its groundbreaking features and immersive capabilities. At Killscreen, we’ve had the chance to check out the latest BDM-050 revision. While it might not be a major leap from its predecessors—BDM-010, BDM-020, BDM-030, and BDM-040—it still brings some notable updates and refinements to the table, continuing Sony’s tradition of thoughtful improvements in their flagship controller.
What is the BDM-050?
The BDM-050 is the newest revision of Sony’s DualSense controller, featuring incremental improvements and adjustments over its predecessors. Sony has not released detailed notes on these revisions, but each version introduces changes to the controller’s internal design. These updates are aimed at enhancing performance and accommodating manufacturing advancements. The BDM-050 follows the BDM-040, which itself included subtle updates from earlier models.
Key Changes in the BDM-050
- Motherboard Markings: We’ve observed that the motherboard in the BDM-050 features additional letters following the BDM-050 marking, such as BDM-050M or BDM-050R. The exact significance of these letters is still unclear, but they might indicate different production batches or minor variations.
- Trigger Mechanism: The hinge pin for the trigger mechanism has been changed from metal to plastic. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Sony has used a plastic hinge pin; previous controllers, like the DualShock, also employed a plastic hinge mechanism. While we don’t have any reason to believe this change will cause issues, it is an interesting shift that we’ll monitor over time to see how it impacts the controller’s performance and durability.
- Housing Design: The housing that supports the trigger and adaptive trigger motor mechanism is now white and has a redesigned structure. More screws are needed to separate this component from the chassis.
- Touchpad: The touchpad now features a honeycomb pattern on the sensors, a departure from the BDM-040’s “square wave” design.
- PCB Changes: Components on the PCB have been rearranged, but the impact of these changes on user experience is currently unclear.
- Analog Sticks: The BDM-050 continues to use the traditional potentiometer-based rocker mechanism made by ALPS, consistent with previous revisions.
- Battery: The internal Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack remains unchanged at 3.65V 1560mAh and continues to be encased in its hard plastic protective shell. Increasing the battery’s capacity would likely require a larger controller to accommodate a higher mAh battery, but the current design maintains the same size and specifications as previous revisions.
- Model Number: The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, model number CFI-ZCT1W, continues to evolve with each revision. The latest BDM-050 update maintains this model designation, ensuring consistency in product identification while introducing refinements to the design and internal components.
- Accessory Compatibility: ExtremeRate mouse click face button kits and LED kits work with the BDM-050. However, clicky trigger kits will likely need minor adjustments to fit the new trigger mechanism.
FCC ID and Documentation
The BDM-050 controller maintains the same FCC ID as the BDM-040, which is still AK8CFIZCT1B. This consistency in FCC ID suggests that while there are internal changes, the overall compliance with regulatory standards remains unchanged. For more detailed specifications and changes, you can review the FCC exhibits here.
Availability and Regional Launch
The BDM-050 began arriving at major retailers in mid-August 2024. It is now available at major stores such as Best Buy and Amazon, with no specific regional launch order. The controller should be widely available as old stock is phased out and new inventory reaches stores.
Visual and Practical Considerations
Users will not notice significant changes in gameplay or controller feel compared to previous revisions. The BDM-050 maintains the familiar performance characteristics of its predecessors. The new touchpad pattern and internal adjustments are largely cosmetic or structural, with no major shifts in user experience expected.
Conclusion
The BDM-050 continues Sony’s tradition of refining their hardware to improve user experience and accommodate evolving manufacturing processes. While some internal components have been updated, the overall functionality and gameplay feel remain consistent with earlier DualSense revisions. As always, we’ll be keeping an eye on how these changes hold up in the long term and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
