Can you use a PS4 controller on PS5? The short answer is – Yes, you can.
However, there’s a catch. You can only use it to play PS4 games.
If you’ve ever stared at your trusty DualShock 4 (a.k.a. your PS4 controller) and wondered, Can I use this on my PS5?, you’re not alone. The good news is that Sony hasn’t completely abandoned your beloved controller. The bad news? It won’t work for PS5 games.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down: where the PS4 controller works, where it doesn’t, how to connect it, and whether it’s worth using on a PS5.
This Article Contains
The Big Question
What’s the Difference
How to Connect Your PS4 Controller to PS5
Backstory
FAQs
The Big Question: Can You Use PS4 Controller on PS5?
Before diving into the details, let’s address the core question. As mentioned—yes and no. Here’s the breakdown:
A. PS4 Titles on PS5:
The PS4 controller works like a charm for playing PS4 titles on your PS5 console. Thanks to backward compatibility, your favorite PS4 game is still accessible.
- List of key points:
- Works with older controller setups.
- Can be used for PS4 game modes and legacy titles.
- Compatible when running the ps4 version of a game on a playstation5 console.
Unfortunately, for PS5 titles and games that rely on the innovative features of the PS5 dualsense controller, your old PS4 controller won’t cut it.
Why?
- Missing advanced features: No haptic feedback or adaptive triggers.
- Controller settings limitations: The controller settings on the PS5 console are designed for the dualsense controller.
- Compatibility issues: Many compatible game features on PS5 are exclusive to the ps5 controller.
B. Where It Works and Where It Doesn’t
Works For:
- PS4 Console Gaming: Thanks to backward compatibility, your DualShock 4 works perfectly fine for PS4 titles running on a PS5.
- Remote Play: You can use your PS4 controller to stream games on a Windows PC or mobile device using the PS Remote Play app.
Doesn’t Work For:
- PS5 Digital Exclusives: If you’re playing a PS5-exclusive title, you’ll need a DualSense controller. The PS4 controller simply doesn’t have the advanced features (like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback) that many new games rely on.
With this understanding in place, let’s move on to the practical side of things.
How to Connect Your PS4 Controller to PS5 (When Possible!)
Now that we know where your PS4 controller works, let’s look at how you can connect it to your PS5. Here are a few methods:
A. Pairing via USB Cable
- Connect the PS4 controller to your PS5 using a USB cable.
- Press the PS button on the controller.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
B. Connecting Wirelessly
- Go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories on your PS5.
- Press and hold the PS button and the Share button on your PS4 controller until the light bar starts flashing.
- Select your controller from the list of available devices.
C. Using Remote Play
If you want to use your PS4 controller on a Windows PC or mobile device to play PS5 games via Remote Play:
- Download the PS Remote Play app.
- Sign in with your PlayStation account.
- Enable Remote Play on your PS5 (Settings > System > Remote Play).
- Connect your PS4 controller via Bluetooth or USB.
A quick checklist before connecting your PS4 to the PS5:
- Charge your PS4 controller.
- Update your PS5 console firmware.
- Have a USB cable handy.
- Verify that your device (whether it’s a windows pc or mobile device) is supported.
- Launch the PS remote play app if using remote play.
With your controller successfully connected, it’s time to compare it with its modern counterpart.
PS4 Controller vs. PS5 DualSense: What’s the Difference?
Having learned how to connect your PS4 controller, let’s compare it to the PS5 DualSense to see which might be better suited for your needs:
PS4 Controller (DualShock 4)
- Classic and comfortable design
- Works with PS4 games on PS5
- More affordable
- Lacks haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Doesn’t work with PS5 games
PS5 Controller (DualSense)
- Advanced haptic feedback for realistic gameplay
- Adaptive triggers add immersion
- Required for PS5-exclusive titles
- More expensive
- Can feel bulkier if you prefer the PS4’s design
With the differences laid out, let’s now weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using the PS4 controller on a PS5.
The Backstory: A Tale of Two Controllers
Before we jump headlong into the intricacies of controller compatibility, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Remember the days when the PS4 controller—often affectionately known as the DualShock 4 controller—ruled our gaming universes? Here’s why this older controller became an icon:
- Ergonomic design: Its comfortable grip and layout made marathon gaming sessions a breeze.
- Wireless freedom: As a true wireless controller, it liberated gamers from the tyranny of tangled cords.
- Player indicator lights: A nifty feature that lets you know which player was in charge.
- Universal appeal: Whether you were playing a ps4 game or exploring a PC game on a Windows PC, this supported device was a fan favorite.
- Connectivity: Easy pairing with the PS4 console and even some mobile devices for gaming on the go.
Enter the DualSense – The New Kid on the Block
Now, meet the new star of the show: the PS5 Dualsense controller. This Dualsense wireless controller is not just a controller—it’s an experience. Let’s see how it stacks up:
- Advanced haptics: With immersive feedback that makes every explosion and collision feel real.
- Adaptive triggers: Offering resistance levels that adjust to your in-game actions.
- Sleek design: A futuristic look that screams innovation, making it the go-to ps5 controller for all your ps5 games and ps5 titles.
- Enhanced features: Equipped with a refined PS button and player indicator for an elevated gaming experience.
Quick Comparison Snapshot:
- PS4 Controller (DualShock 4):
- Classic design with a familiar layout.
- Reliable and widely supported on various devices.
- Perfect for ps4 titles and some ps4 game experiences on PS5.
- PS5 DualSense Controller:
- State-of-the-art haptics and adaptive triggers.
- Exclusive integration with ps5 version games.
- A must-have accessory for the Playstation5 console, especially for ps5 digital edition users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s answer some of the burning questions you might have about this quirky compatibility conundrum:
1. Can you use PS4 controller on PS5?
Yes, but only for playing PS4 titles on the ps4 console or via backward compatibility on the PS5 console. For PS5 games, you’ll need the PS5 controller (i.e., the Dualsense wireless controller).
2. How do I connect my PS4 Dualshock 4 controller to the PS5 console?
Use a USB cable or pair wirelessly through the controller settings on your console. Follow the on-screen prompts after holding the PS button (and Share button if needed) until the player indicator flashes.
3. Can I use my PS4 controller for remote play on a windows PC or mobile device?
Absolutely! Download the PS remote play app, and if your device is a supported device, you can use your Dualshock4 wireless controller seamlessly. Make sure to enable remote play in your settings for a smooth experience.
4. Are there any third-party adapters to improve compatibility?
Some adapters claim to make your PS4 controller work better with PS5 titles. However, results vary, and it’s best to stick with official Playstation configuration support recommendations.
5. What about battery life differences?
The PS5 controller generally offers solid performance for gaming, but if you’re planning on long sessions—especially through remote play—you might want to consider the battery optimizations of the Dualsense wireless controller.
Wrapping Up
The world of gaming is ever-evolving, and as we transition from the era of the PS4 Dualshock 4 controller to the advanced era of the Dualsense wireless controller.
We hope this playful guide has demystified the process, highlighted the pros and cons, and sparked some fun ideas for customization.
By embracing both the old and the new, we celebrate the evolution of gaming—one wireless controller at a time. Enjoy your journey through PS4 titles, PS5 games, and every pc game that lies in between, and remember: in the realm of gaming, every controller tells a story.
Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer clutching an old PS4 controller or an early adopter of the futuristic PS5 controller, remember that every device has its place in our hearts—and on our shelves. So, go ahead, experiment with remote play on your windows PC, connect via the PS remote play app, and dive into the rich worlds offered by both PS4 titles and PS5 titles.