Gaming has evolved tremendously over the years, bringing a wide range of devices and innovative technology into our living rooms. Amongst all the advancements, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation 4 (PS4) remain popular choices among gamers worldwide. If you own both a PS4 and a PS5, you may find yourself wondering whether you can use your trusty PS4 DualShock 4 controller with your shiny new PS5. The answer is yes! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to connect your PS4 remote to your PS5, ensuring you get the most out of your gaming setup.
Why Use Your PS4 Controller on the PS5?
Before diving into the connecting process, it’s essential to understand the benefits of using your PS4 controller with the PS5. Here are some key reasons:
Familiarity: Sometimes, nothing beats the feel of a controller you’re already accustomed to. The PS4 DualShock 4 has been a staple for many gamers, offering a comfortable grip and well-placed buttons.
Cost-Effective: If you’re not ready to invest in an additional PS5 controller, using what you already own can save you money.
Gaming Flexibility: Having multiple controllers allows you to enjoy multiplayer sessions with friends and family without having to fork out for extra controllers right away.
Although the PS5 was designed with the DualSense controller in mind, which offers advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, your PS4 controller can still be a valuable asset for your gaming sessions, especially for PS4 games played on the PS5.
Connecting Your PS4 Controller to the PS5
Now that we’ve established some benefits, let’s get right into the steps to connect your PS4 controller to the PS5. This process is straightforward and can primarily be completed in just a few minutes.
Preliminary Steps
Before connecting your controllers, please ensure that:
- Your PS5 is powered on and updated with the latest firmware version.
- Your PS4 controller has enough battery life or is fully charged.
Now that you’ve checked off these necessities, let’s proceed to the connection steps.
How to Connect via USB Cable
The most reliable way to connect your PS4 controller to your PS5 is using a USB-C cable. Follow these simple steps:
- Use a USB-C cable to connect your PS4 controller directly to one of the USB ports on your PS5 console.
- Once connected, press the PlayStation button located in the center of your PS4 controller. This should sync the controller with the PS5.
- Upon successful connection, you should see a notification on your PS5 screen confirming that the PS4 remote is connected.
How to Connect via Bluetooth
If you prefer a wireless gaming experience, you can also connect your PS4 controller to your PS5 via Bluetooth. Here’s how to do it:
- On your PS5 main menu, navigate to Settings > Accessories.
- Select Bluetooth Accessories.
- On your PS4 controller, press and hold the Share and PlayStation buttons simultaneously until the light bar on the controller starts to flash.
- In the Bluetooth menu on your PS5, look for “Wireless Controller” in the list of available devices and select it to pair.
- Once paired, you’ll receive a notification confirming the successful connection.
Test Your Connection
After following the above steps, it’s crucial to test whether your PS4 controller is working properly:
- Launch a game on your PS5, preferably a PS4 title to ensure compatibility.
- Use your PS4 controller’s buttons to navigate within the game menu.
- If all buttons respond as expected, you’re good to go!
Additional Tips and Tricks
While using your PS4 DualShock controller on PS5 is generally seamless, there are a few tips that can help enhance your experience:
Understanding Compatibility
Although your PS4 controller will work with most PS4 games on the PS5, please note the following:
PS5 titles, designed exclusively for the DualSense controller, may not fully support the DualShock 4 features. You might lose access to triggering advanced haptic feedback or adaptive trigger functionalities.
For any PS4 game played on the PS5, you will retain the full controller functions.
Checking Controller Battery Level
To maintain your gaming session, you should keep track of your PS4 controller’s battery level. You can do so by:
Pressing the PlayStation button while in a game or on the home screen, and the battery level will appear on the screen.
You may also check this in the Settings menu under Accessories > Controllers.
Switching Back to DualSense Controller
When you want to switch back to your PS5 DualSense controller, simply disconnect your PS4 controller:
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to Accessories.
- Select Bluetooth Accessories and choose the PS4 controller to disconnect it.
Feel free to activate your DualSense controller by simply pressing the PlayStation button.
Conclusion
With your PS4 controller connected to your PS5, you can enjoy a more extensive library of games while maintaining the familiarity of your old controller. Regardless of whether you choose to go wired or wireless, the steps outlined above will set you up for a smooth gaming experience.
As you dive into your favorite titles, remember to consider the potential limitations of using the PS4 controller with PS5 games. For the most immersive experience, investing in the DualSense controller is advisable, especially for new releases that take full advantage of its unique features.
Gaming is about enjoyment, and whether you’re connecting a PS4 remote to a PS5 for nostalgia or practicality, we hope this detailed guide helps you enhance your gaming sessions to their fullest potential. Happy gaming!
Can I use my PS4 controller on my PS5?
Yes, you can use a PS4 controller on your PS5, but there are some limitations. The PS4 DualShock 4 controller can be connected to the PS5 console, but it is only compatible with PS4 games played on the PS5. This means you won’t be able to use it to play any PS5-specific titles designed to utilize the enhanced features of the new DualSense controller.
Using a PS4 controller is a great option if you want to play your favorite PS4 games without purchasing a new controller. However, for the most immersive experience with games that take advantage of the PS5’s features, it is recommended to use the DualSense controller, which includes advanced haptics and adaptive triggers.
How do I connect my PS4 controller to my PS5?
To connect your PS4 controller to the PS5, start by turning on your PS5 console. Next, use a USB cable to connect the PS4 controller to the console. Once connected, press the PlayStation button in the center of the controller. This will pair the controller with your PS5, allowing you to use it for PS4 games.
Alternatively, if you prefer a wireless connection, you can also pair your controller via Bluetooth. To do this, go to the PS5 settings, select “Accessories,” then “Bluetooth Accessories.” Put the PS4 controller into pairing mode by holding down the Share and PlayStation buttons simultaneously until the light bar starts to flash. Your PS4 controller should then appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, allowing you to select and connect it.
Will all PS4 games work with a PS4 controller on the PS5?
Most PS4 games are fully compatible with a PS4 controller when played on the PS5. This means you can enjoy playing your previously purchased PS4 titles without any issues. The controller will function in the same way as it does on a PS4 console, providing a familiar gameplay experience.
However, it’s important to note that any game that has been specifically designed for the PS5 cannot be played with a PS4 controller. These games leverage the advanced features found in the DualSense controller, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which enhance gameplay in ways that the DualShock 4 cannot replicate.
What limitations do I have when using a PS4 controller on the PS5?
When using a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on the PS5, the primary limitation is that it can only be used for playing PS4 games. It cannot be utilized for any PS5 titles, which means you will miss out on the enhanced gaming experiences that the DualSense controller offers. This includes features like dynamic haptic feedback and trigger resistance.
Additionally, some features specific to the PS5, like the unique game creation and social sharing functionalities tied to the DualSense controller, will be unavailable when using the PS4 controller. As a result, you may find that certain game interactions or experiences are less engaging when using the older controller.
Do I need to update my PS4 controller before using it with a PS5?
No, you do not need to perform any updates for your PS4 controller before connecting it to your PS5. The PS4 DualShock 4 controller is compatible with the PS5 out of the box, so you can connect it immediately without any additional preparation. Just make sure your PS4 controller has enough battery life to ensure a successful connection.
However, if you are experiencing connectivity issues or glitches, it may be worthwhile to ensure that your PS4 controller is functioning properly. You can update your controller firmware through the PS4 console if necessary. But, once again, no updates are required specifically for using the controller with the PS5.
Can I use multiple PS4 controllers on one PS5?
Yes, you can connect multiple PS4 controllers to a single PS5. The PS5 console is designed to support multiple controllers, allowing you to have more than one PS4 controller connected at the same time. This is ideal for multiplayer gaming sessions where friends or family members want to join in on the fun.
To connect additional PS4 controllers, simply follow the same connection steps as you did for the first controller, either through a wired connection or via Bluetooth pairing. Each controller can be registered and used independently, providing a seamless multiplayer experience just like you would expect on the PS4.