Wondering if your PS4 controllers will work with your new PS5? Here is what you need to know.
Thinking of upgrading from PS4 to PS5, or want to get some cheap controllers and wondering if PS4 controllers will work with the new console?
Let’s see if you can use PS4 controllers on PS5, along with some other important points about cross-gen accessories.
Can you use a PS4 controller on a PlayStation 5?
Yes, PlayStation 5 supports PlayStation 4 controllers (DualShock 4 is the official controller name). However, you can only use the PS4 controller to play PS4 games. You cannot play PS5 titles with a PS4 controller. The only exception is if you use Remote Play to control your PS5 from another supported device.
In case you didn’t know, the PlayStation 5 is backward-compatible with almost all PS4 titles. This means that if you have a standard PS5 model with a disc drive, you can insert your PS4 disc to play these titles. And on both the standard PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition, you can download your digital PS4 games to the new console.
It’s not the only way to play PS4 titles on PS5. All PlayStation Plus subscribers can enjoy the PlayStation Plus Collection, which provides a selection of PS4 hits that PS5 owners can download at no extra cost.
Finally, many PS4 games are available to play through the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Tiers. Check out our review of PlayStation Plus tiers to learn which one is best for you.
Do other PS4 peripherals work on PS5?
It’s not just the DualShock 4 controller that works with the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation Blog has a list of PS4 accessories that the PS5 supports:
Officially licensed third-party gamepad.
“Special peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks.”
Official PlayStation Platinum and Gold wireless headsets, as well as any third-party headset that uses a USB port or audio jack.
PS Move and PSVR Aim Controller (for PS VR games).
PlayStation Camera (for PS4) will work with an adapter, which is provided free of charge.
If you’re not sure whether a specific PS4 accessory will work, it’s best to check with the manufacturer. We’ve shown how to connect a PS4 controller to your PS5, so follow along to get started.
How is the DualSense controller different?
While Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S controllers use a nearly identical design. To the Xbox One’s gamepad, Sony tweaked the controller design slightly for the PlayStation 5. Called DualSense, this controller uses the same shape as the DualShock 4 and the classic cross, square, triangle, and circle buttons. But it also has some new additions.
There are three major changes in DualSense:
Adaptive triggers: For PlayStation 5 games, developers can change the amount of pressure you need to apply to the triggers (L2 and R2 buttons) to activate them in certain situations. This means that, for example, you can “feel” the difference between the trigger pull of a shotgun and a pistol.
Haptic feedback: Instead of the basic rumble function that just shakes the controller, haptic feedback is a more precise way of conveying sensations to the player. This allows the controller to vibrate in certain places and at certain intensities, so you feel a “tap” for some tasks and a “crash” for others.
A built-in mic: The DualSense controller includes a microphone inside. As a result, you don’t need a headset to communicate with other players.
And thankfully, the reverse is also true. You can use the DualSense controller for PS4 games that you play on PS5. However, features specific to the new controller won’t work when playing PS4 games, so the triggers don’t adjust and you’re limited to the basic rumble.
Your control options on PlayStation 5
The DualSense that comes with the PS5 works very well for both PS5 and PS4 games. But if you want to feel familiar with your PS4 controller, or want to enjoy your favorite PS4 multiplayer games, it’s good to know that you can use the DualShock 4 controller out of the box.
If you decide to future-proof yourself, there are plenty of PS5 controller options, too.
