When PlayStation 5 brought a lot of hypes and questions, the one question that top all others is "" Will your old controller work with PS5?"". Gamers often ask if a PS4 controller will work with the upcoming PlayStation 5. The compatibility of existing hardware and how it will function as gamers transition from the PS4 to the PS5 is crucial.
In addition to those games, the PS5 will support older hardware such as a PS4 controller (but not the DualShock 4 or other PlayStation-branded controllers), as well. The use of a PS4 controller, DualShock 4 with the PS5 code is not impossible but there are some restrictions.
Compatibility Overview
While the DualShock 4 is officially supported by PS5, it comes with a major restriction: you can only use this pad for playing your existing selection of PS4 games. For gamers looking to repurpose their PS4 controllers for upcoming PS5 games, this is a very good thing.
Technical Aspects of Compatibility
Technically, the PS5 supports the DualShock 4 through its USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The controller can be paired with the PS5 just as easily as with the PS4, making it straightforward to connect.
Initial Setup and Connection
How to connect a DualShock 4 controller with PS5 The controller can be connected with a USB cable, or paired wirelessly via Bluetooth. Thus it is only during the very first setup of this device, when the PS5 can recognize its controller.
Using the PS4 Controller on PS5 Games
So, The DualShock 4 will work with the PS5 just not for playing new next-gen games. This is because the new DualSense controller includes some advanced features that are crucial for playing PS5 games to their full potential.
Game Compatibility Issues
The new controller features cause the
PS5 games to take full advantage of its unique functionality, which includes adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for richer gaming. Therefore, those games are not supported with the DualShock 4 controller. What that means in practice is you'll be able to at least use a PS4 controller with backwards compatible PS4 games on the new console, while the DualSense will only work for this purpose if it's hooked-up via USB - but all-new PlayStation 5 releases? You'll almost certainly need one of Sony's brand spanking new controllers.
Limitations with New PS5 Games
The reason for no PS5 games support with DualShock 4 coming from the massive improvements in technology of the new DualSense controller. Due to the nature of these new features, they are part and parcel of what makes playing on PS5 different as compared to with a regular DualShock 4.
Workarounds and Solutions
The ideal scenario then is if you simply have desire to game on DualShock 4 or own several of the controllers, which in that case you should stick with use them for PlayStation 5 and only relegating their services as a backward compatible PS4 controller. New PS5 games require a DualSense controller investment
Advantages of Using a PS4 Controller on PS5
Here, we are testing using PS4 controller on a PS5 and it has a things you can do in the games so forth having certain gaming cases up bringing over playing with limitations.
Familiarity and Comfort
The DualShock 4 is known to be comfortable and accessible by a large number of gamers. In turn, its design and button layout is universally loved by many, so much that some have decided it's their favorite option when settling in for long periods of game time.
Cost-Saving Benefits
Buying extra DualSense controllers can be expensive. The theater marquee allows you to save on PS5 other controllers for multiplayer and also keep some money in your pockets after buying the console.
Accessibility for Multiplayer Games
It works if you are going to play multiplayer games backwards compatible with the PS4. This is obviously key if you want to use a pair of Joy-Cons or more than two Pro Controllers in local multiplayer.
Limitations and Disadvantages
With that said, using a PS4 controller on the newer console does come with its benefits but there are some restrictions in place which could hamper all of us.
Restricted Features
Unfortunately the DualShock 4 will miss out on many of these new generation features apparent in the new PS5 controller. Games feel less special when they lack adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Lack of Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers
The haptic feedback in the DualSense controller means more realistic vibration when playing games, while added to that microactuators give you a tactile response back. That latter one is less a problem with the PDP controller and more to do with current limitations within different DualShock 4 only experiences.
Firmware Update Requirements
The PS4 controller might need a firmware update to work fully with the PS5 for compatibility and performance reasons. This extra step can be a bother for some gamers, and time-consuming too.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5
DualShock 4 to PS5 is also relatively simple, but again there are some specific steps part of the process for a good reason.
Step-by-Step Connection Guide
- Using a USB Cable: Connect the PS4 controller to the PS5 with help of the USB cable. This simple link must be all that is needed for the controller to automatically join up with your PS5.
- Pairing Wirelessly: To pair wirelessly, navigate to PS5's settings menu > Accessories and then Bluetooth Accessory. Press and hold the PS button on your DualShock 4 until the light bar flashes, then press Share.jpeg. You will be prompted to select the controller from the available devices list on your PS5.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the controller doesn't connect, try again after charging it and updating your PS5 (if an update is available). It could be helpful to turn both the controller and console off then on If this problem continues.
Additional Tips for Seamless Connectivity
Updating the controller firmware frequently and ensuring that Bluetooth connections have a good line of sight should reduce some connectivity issues. It also means that keeping the PS5 software up-to-date will offer you the best compatibility with older hardware too.
PS5 Controller Features You Might Miss
Several innovative features came with the DualSense controller to make sure that gaming on PS5 is always a better experience.
DualSense Controller Innovations
Add to that adaptive triggers, haptic feedback and a microphone in the DualSense controller for an improved gaming experience. The lack of these particular features on the DualShock 4.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback add new levels of depth to gameplay physically. This more immersive feedback will dramatically change how the game is played, leveraging a stronger link between gaming action and in-game presence.
Comparing DualSense and DualShock 4
The DualShock 4 was a perfectly adequate, comfortable controller in its own right, but the upgrades found on the PS5's new gamepad make revisiting Sony titles after getting used to it pretty rough. Thanks to all the new specs & better ergonomics of DualSense, gaming is more immersive and fun.
Best Scenarios for Using a PS4 Controller on PS5
It might not be the best way to pair a PS4 controller with your new console, but there are scenarios where you would rather opt for impediments.
Ideal Use Cases
The DualShock 4 has been a great pick for backward-compatible PS4 games on the PS5. It doubles up perfectly as a secondary controller for when your friend comes over to game or just handy in general while playing local co-op games.
Backup Controller for Multiplayer Sessions
In local multiplayer games, you have to some more controllers. The cheaper option for extra controllers is to use the DualShock 4, of which there are likely manyboxed away in a cupboard.
Accessibility for Specific Games
Some games on the PS5, particularly those which do not utilise many of the more advanced features present in a DualSense controller, can be effectively played with a trusty old DualShock 4. This means gamers can play a large number of titles on the PS5 even if they dont have the newest controller.
FAQ
- Can I use a PS4 controller on all PS5 games?
No, The PS4 controller can wirelessly play backward-compatible PS4 games on the PS5 but not next-gen games PS5 games will need a DualSense controller.
- How do I connect a PS4 controller to a PS5 ?
PS4 controller wrapping up our selection, this can be connected either via USB cable or paired wirelessly using Bluetooth to the PS5. Navigate to "Accessories" in the PS5 settings menu and then follow pairing instructions.
- Are there any performance issues ?
For the most part, you won't notice any major performance problems while playing supported games with a PS4 controller on your new PS5. Still, you will be trading away the transformative potential of the DualSense controller.
- Can I use PS4 accessories with the PS5 ?
PlayStation Camera is compatible with PS5, but requires an adaptor. But as with anything, it would be a good idea to verify the specific compatibility details for each accessory.
- What are the main differences between DualShock 4 and DualSense ?
The DualShock 4 comes and a round shaped body with scratch pad, light bar,is more befitting of standard catches. DualSense offers an ergonomic design, advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, built-in mic with direct-off; integrated speaker, bluetooth radio 5.1 enablement "Create" button.
- Is it worth buying a PS5 controller ?
Yes, you're going to want a DualSense for the full PS5 experience and take advantage of its titles new features and improved gameplay.
Conclusion
Flexibility of using a PS4 controller on PS5 especially when playing backward-compatible games, saving you money Though it lacks the fancy tech of the DualSense controller, you might be able to use a standard PlayStation 4 gamepad in some scenarios. With all that in mind, knowing what you can and cannot do with a PS4 controller on your PS5 will help you make an informed decision about the transition to next-gen.
