Thinking of upgrading from a PS4 to a PS5, or want to get some controllers for cheap and wondering if PS4 controllers will work with Sony's newer console?

Let's see whether you can use PS4 controllers on the PS5, along with some other important points about cross-generational accessories.

Can You Use the PS4 Controller on a PlayStation 5?

Yes, the PlayStation 5 supports PlayStation 4 controllers (DualShock 4 is the official controller name). However, you can only use PS4 controllers 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.

If you didn't know, the PlayStation 5 is backward-compatible with nearly all PS4 titles. This means that if you have the standard PS5 model with a disc drive, you can insert your PS4 discs to play those titles. And on both the standard PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, you can download your digital PS4 games to the new console.

That's not the only way to play PS4 titles on PS5. If you have any tier of PlayStation Plus, monthly games are included with your subscription, and many of these are PS4 titles. And many more PS4 games are available to play through the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers. Check out our overview of the PlayStation Plus tiers to learn which one is best for you.

What 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 gamepads.
  • "Specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks."
  • The official PlayStation Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, plus any third-party headset that uses a USB port or audio jack.
  • The PS Move and PS VR Aim Controller (for original PS VR games).
  • The 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 that to get started.

How Is the DualSense Controller Different?

While Microsoft's Xbox Series X|S controller uses a near-identical design to the Xbox One's gamepad, Sony shook up the controller design a bit for the PlayStation 5. Called the DualSense, this controller uses a similar shape to the DualShock 4 and has the classic cross, square, triangle, and circle buttons. But it also has a few new additions.

The three biggest changes to the DualSense are:

  • Adaptive triggers: For PlayStation 5 games, developers can change the amount of pressure that you need to apply on the triggers (L2 and R2 buttons) to activate them in some 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 a basic rumble function that simply shakes the controller, haptic feedback is a more precise way of delivering feeling to the player. It allows the controller to vibrate in specific places and at certain intensities, so you feel a "tap" for some actions and a "crash" for others.
  • A built-in mic: The DualSense includes a microphone inside the controller. 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 basic rumble.

Your Control Options on PlayStation 5

The DualSense that comes with the PS5 works great for all PS5 and PS4 games. But if you want the familiar feel of your PS4 controller, or want to enjoy your favorite PS4 multiplayer games, it's nice to know that you can use the DualShock 4 controller right out of the box.

If you decide to future-proof yourself, there are plenty of great PS5 controller options, too.