Does the PS5 controller work on PS4?

Does the PS5 controller work on PS4?
I’ve been wondering whether the PS5 controller is compatible with the PS4. The technology in gaming consoles evolves so rapidly, and each new generation comes with its own unique features. I recently got my hands on the PS5 DualSense controller, and I’m thrilled with its advanced design and functionality. Naturally, I am curious if it can enhance my gaming experience on the PS4. The idea of using the PS5 controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback on my PS4 is exciting. However, I am uncertain if this is possible or if there are specific steps to achieve it. The information online seems confusing and contradictory. Can the PS5 controller connect seamlessly to the PS4, or are there significant limitations?
8 Answers

Driven by curiosity, I tried connecting my PS5 DualSense controller to my PS4 system. Initially, I did this via USB, and the PS4 seemed to acknowledge the controller. However, deeper interaction with the console revealed severe limitations: basic commands worked but the enhanced features that make the DualSense special were totally absent. My conclusion from this experiment is that despite basic physical compatibility, the controllers are not practically interchangeable.

I attempted to use the PS5 controller on my PS4, but it was quite disappointing. When I connected it using a USB cable, the PS4 did detect the controller, but the functionality was far from optimal. I could barely navigate through the menu, and no games responded correctly. It’s evident that although there is some level of recognition, the DualSense controller is not designed to function properly with the PS4. My recommendation is to continue using the DualShock 4 for a smoother experience.

While the PS5 DualSense controller can technically connect to the PS4, its functionality is quite limited. You can use it for basic menu navigation, but when it comes to gameplay, most of the PS5 controller’s advanced features, like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, will not work. It’s more practical to stick with the DualShock 4 for a full gaming experience on the PS4.

Expecting the PS5 controller to work fully on the PS4 is unrealistic. When connecting the PS5 controller via USB or Bluetooth, the PS4 might recognize the new controller, but it won’t function in games as expected. Essential features like adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and other DualSense specifics won’t work. It’s similar to trying to use advanced software on outdated hardware: you’ll encounter many limitations and might ultimately find it frustrating.

My experiment to see if the PS5 DualSense controller would work with the PS4 went as follows: – First, I connected the controller using a USB cable. – The PS4 noticed something was connected, but it didn’t fully recognize the controller. – While I could move around the menu screens, there was significant input lag and erratic behavior, making gameplay impossible. – An attempt with Bluetooth was similarly unreliable, with frequent disconnections. This meant that practical usage of the PS5 controller on a PS4 was effectively non-existent.

Connecting the PS5 controller on my PS4 involved a few steps: – I first attempted to connect the DualSense controller using a USB cable. – The PS4 acknowledged the controller’s presence and the light bar activated. – However, actual gameplay was a different story. None of the games responded as expected, with no adaptive triggers or haptic feedback operational. – This experience made it clear that the PS5 controller’s advanced features are not supported on the PS4, leading to an unsatisfactory gaming experience.

When I tried to use my PS5 controller on the PS4, I quickly discovered the compatibility issues. I used a USB cable for the initial connection. While the controller lit up and allowed me to navigate the main menu, it wasn’t usable for playing games. None of the PS5 DualSense’s advanced features worked, and even basic commands were unstable. It’s like trying to get high-performance racecar parts to work on an old vehicle—it’s just not feasible.