How the New Marathon DualSense Stacks Up Against Other Limited‑Edition PS5 Controllers
Sony has released a lot of DualSense controllers over the years — some gorgeous, some questionable, and some that feel like they were designed during a meeting that should’ve been an email. With the new Marathon limited‑edition DualSense entering the lineup, it’s worth asking: where does it actually rank among the rest?
According to early impressions, including a strong endorsement from Kotaku, the Marathon controller might be one of Sony’s cleanest special editions yet. But let’s break it down properly.
The Big Picture: What Makes a Limited‑Edition DualSense “Good”?
When people judge special‑edition controllers, they usually look at:
- Design cohesion (Does it look like it belongs to the game?)
- Color palette (Is it tasteful or a crime?)
- Iconography (Subtle or screaming in your face?)
- Collectibility (Will people actually want this in five years?)
- Price (Most run $74.99–$84.99, with rare exceptions)
With that in mind, here’s how the Marathon controller compares to the heavy hitters.
Comparison Table: Marathon vs Other Major Limited‑Edition DualSense Controllers
| Controller | Price | Design Style | Strengths | Weaknesses | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon DualSense | $84.99 | Minimalist sci‑fi, clean typography | Subtle, premium look; praised as one of the best special editions | Some may find it too minimal | |
| God of War Ragnarök DualSense | ~$74.99 | Blue/white with Norse iconography | Instantly recognizable; strong thematic identity | Slightly busy for minimalists | |
| Astro Bot DualSense | ~$74.99 | Bright, playful, character‑driven | Fun and nostalgic; great for collectors | Not for people who hate cute things | |
| Concord DualSense | ~$74.99 | Bold color blocking | Unique palette; stands out | Divisive design; not universally loved | |
| Spider‑Man 2 DualSense | ~$79.99 | Red/black symbiote takeover | One of the most striking designs ever released | Very loud visually | |
| FFXVI DualSense | ~$74.99 | Gold accents, ornate detailing | Elegant and premium | Harder to find; niche appeal |
Where the Marathon Controller Wins
1. Clean, modern design
Kotaku straight‑up called it their favorite limited‑edition DualSense so far. That’s not nothing. The Marathon controller avoids the usual “game logo slapped on plastic” problem. Instead, it leans into Bungie’s sleek sci‑fi aesthetic — sharp lines, subtle iconography, and a color scheme that doesn’t scream for attention.
2. It actually looks like hardware from the game
Some special editions feel like merch. The Marathon controller feels like gear you’d find inside the world of Marathon — something a Runner would actually use.
3. It’s collector‑friendly without being obnoxious
A lot of limited editions are loud. The Marathon controller is understated, which ironically makes it stand out more.
Where Other Controllers Still Beat It
1. God of War Ragnarök has stronger “iconic” energy
The Ragnarök controller is instantly recognizable — even from across the room. The Marathon controller is more subtle, which is a plus for some, but not for people who want their controller to scream “I PLAYED THE BIG GAME.”
2. Spider‑Man 2 remains the king of bold design
The symbiote‑creeping‑across‑the-shell look is still one of Sony’s most creative designs ever. Marathon doesn’t try to compete with that level of drama — and that’s okay.
3. Astro Bot is still the most “fun”
If you want personality, Astro Bot wins. If you want sleek sci‑fi minimalism, Marathon wins.
So… Is the Marathon Controller the Best?
If you prefer clean, modern, subtle, premium‑looking hardware, the Marathon DualSense is absolutely one of the best limited‑edition controllers Sony has ever released. Kotaku’s early praise backs that up.
If you prefer loud, iconic, instantly recognizable designs, then God of War, Spider‑Man, or Astro Bot might still be your top pick.
But in terms of:
- design maturity
- collector appeal
- long‑term aesthetic value
…the Marathon controller is easily in the top tier.
Final Verdict
The Marathon DualSense stands out because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s stylish without being flashy, thematic without being tacky, and clean without being boring. Among Sony’s growing library of special‑edition controllers, it’s one of the few that feels like it could sit on a shelf in five years and still look modern.
If you’re a Bungie fan, a Marathon fan, or just someone who appreciates good industrial design, this is one of the rare limited‑edition controllers that’s actually worth the price.
