Does a PS5 Controller Work on PS4?
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Jonathan Sayers
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Gamers looking to get the most out of their investment in a DualSense controller can use this guide to learn just how compatible it is with the PS4.
The PS5 DualSense Controller is a popular gamepad, at least among those who have managed to get their hands on the console. While PS5 Console Shortages are likely to continue for some time, that doesn’t affect the quality of the controller. While reports of drifting joysticks are becoming more and more common, the general praise for the DualSense outshines the backlash. Some gamers have chosen to purchase the DualSense controller opting to use it for PC gaming even without an actual PlayStation 5 console. Raising the question, does a PS5 controller work on PS4?
Unfortunately, the PlayStation Dualsense Controller has no direct compatibility with PS4. The PlayStation 5 is nearly 100% backward compatible with PS4 games. For many gamers, this has meant retiring their old PlayStation 4 permanently. For DualSense owners who don’t have a PS5 yet, or those still attached to their PS4, the possibility of using the new controller with the PS4 is worth investigating. The DualSense has been praised for its design, feel, and revolutionary haptic feedback features. Perhaps most notable is the superior battery life compared to the PS4 controller.
RELATED: The Last of Us 2 Haptics On PS5 DualSense Feel Better Thanks to Firmware Update
Once again, the PS5 controller doesn’t work on the PS4. However, there is a workaround for fans adamant about using their DualSense with the PlayStation 4 anyway. It’s understandable to want to use the sleek new gamepad as often as possible, especially for those who picked up one of the beautiful new DualSense colors.
Updated September 5th, 2022, by Michael Llewellyn: The PS5 Dualsense controller is one the most comfortable and innovative available.
The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback features add more immersion to games like The Last of Part 1 and Horizon Forbidden West. These features take simple rumble mechanics introduced on the PS1 and N64 to the next level with controllers. With the announcement of the PS5 Dualsense Edge, players will be curious about how versatile the controller is with other machines. Thankfully, the original Dualsense is a very versatile device and can be made compatible with other devices like the PS4. This guide is updated to include a step-by-step guide and wireless workaround.
How To Use A PS5 Controller On A PS4
To use a PS5 controller with the PS4, players will need to use the following instructions:
- A PC or laptop.
- PlayStation Remote Play app. Download it onto the PC.
- A USB-C cable The cable that came packaged with the controller will work fine.
- Place a game into the PS4
- Connect the PS5 controller to the PC using the USB-C cable.
- Launch the Remote Play app on the PC.
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect the PC to the PS4 console.
- With the connection established, the PS4 can remotely connect to a PS5 DualSense controller.
There are a couple of caveats to playing this way. First and foremost, a high-speed Internet connection is necessary to avoid any input delay between the PC and PS4 console. The other drawback is that the full range of features of the DualSense controller won’t work with PS4 games. The gamepad’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are utilized only by current-gen PS5 games. Nevertheless, gamers can use the Remote Play method to put their stylish new controller to use and enjoy longer battery life than they would with a PS4 controller.
Using The PS5 Controller Wirelessly
One of the benefits of modern controllers is that they are wireless. The main drawback of using a PS5 controller on the PC via Remote Play is that they need to stay connected via the USB-C cable.
However, with an 8Bitdo device, players can use the controller wirelessly. The 8Bitdo adapter allows Bluetooth-enabled controllers — like the PS5 controller — to connect wirelessly to PCs and consoles.
Using the 8Bitdo device removes the need for a USB-C cable, and with a persistent connection to the Remote Play app, players can play their PS4 wirelessly using a PS5 controller. Moreover, with an 8Bitdo, players can use a PS5 controller for PC gaming, the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation Classic, and more.
MORE: Comparing the Amazon Luna Controller to the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X Controller
How PS5 backward compatibility works: What PS4 games work?
Why you can trust Pocket-lint
(Pocket-lint) — Before release, the most persistent negative rumour about PlayStation 5 was that it wouldn’t be compatible with the last-gen — at least, not to the same level as the Xbox family.
However, that is simply not true. Sony broke from tradition and ensured its new console is fully compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games. In some cases, it even ehances them.
Here then is everything you need to know about PS5 backward compatibility.
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How does backward compatibility on PS5 work?
Gloriously, the PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with almost every PS4 game available.
As with the Xbox Series X and S, backward compatibility is performed through emulation, which means some features and/or games may not work or may exhibit some bugs. However, on the flip side, you can also use the PS5’s Game Boost feature on some PS4 titles to play them in a higher or smoother frame rate.
PS4 games can be played using the DualSense controller that comes with the PS5, or a DualShock 4 controller (or third-party equivalent). However, it’s worth noting that the DualShock cannot be used to play PS5 games.
Both the standard PS5 and Digital Edition are capable of playing PS4 games, but you can only play disc titles on the former machine, of course.
Can I play PSVR games on PS5?
The PlayStation VR headset is fully compatible with the PS5. However, it will only work with the PS Camera (as with the PS4) and an adapter — it will not work with the PS5’s own HD Camera accessory.
You can now apply for one of these free adapters, which Sony is making available to ensure that eligible PSVR owners aren’t left behind. The PlayStation Move controllers and PSVR Aim Controller will work with PSVR games on PS5. You can also use a DualShock 4.
How to play your PS4 games on PS5
If you have the standard edition PlayStation 5, you can insert any PS4 games you have on disc into your console and they will install and run (apart from those on the known «not working» list below). You will need to insert the disc each time you wish to play the game.
If you have the Digital Edition and/or own digital download versions of PS4 games, you need to head to your games library on the homescreen and you should be able to see all compatible games available for download.
You can also transfer your games from a PS4 or PS4 Pro to the PS5 to avoid having to download them again.
There are two methods, either through Wi-Fi transfer from one console to another, or by copying your games onto an external USB hard drive and then plugging that into the PS5.
It is also worth noting that some PS4 games in your library will be eligible for a free upgrade to their PS5 versions. There will be an upgrade option on the game hub for each supported title, and you can tell what type is installed by checking the logo next to it on your homescreen before you play it.
When you buy a new game on PS5 that has a PS4 version available, the PS5 version will automatically install, so there’s no need to worry in that case.
Will my save games be transferred?
As well as the games themselves, you can transfer your save data from a PS4 to the PS5 and carry on playing from where you left off.
In many cases, PS4 cloud saves can be downloaded to a PS5 (for PS Plus members).
However, that’s not confirmed for every title.
PS5 backward compatible games list
With more than 4,000 PS4 games able to be played on PS5, we can’t really list them all here. Indeed, it’s easier to list the ones known NOT to work. Ubisoft added to PlayStation’s original list with a few games that currently don’t work properly, as you can see below.
These are the PS4 games that are currently confirmed as NOT working on PlayStation 5 (as of 3 November 2021):
- Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
- Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
- Just Deal With It!
- Robinson: The Journey
- Shadwen
- TT Isle of Man — Ride on the Edge 2
- We Sing
What is the PS Plus Collection?
As well as PS4 games you may have bought over the years, all PS5 owners with PlayStation Plus membership get free access to the following triple-A titles — all of which running through backward compatibility:
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Battlefield 1
- Bloodborne
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III — Zombies Chronicles Edition
- Crash Banidcoot N.
Sane Trilogy - Days Gone
- Detroit: Become Human
- Fallout 4
- Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
- God of War
- Infamous Second Son
- Monster Hunter World
- Mortal Kombat X
- Persona 5
- Ratchet & Clank
- The Last Guardian
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Until Dawn
What about PS3, PS2 and original PlayStation games?
Sony is yet to confirm if support for legacy PlayStation games is in the pipeline. However, with the PS Now cloud gaming service an established feature by now it could be that games for older generation PlayStations could be available via that platform.
Best PS5 games 2022: Amazing PlayStation 5 titles to pick up By Max Freeman-Mills · · Updated
The PS5 is finally here — these are the games you simply need to pick up for it.
Writing by Rik Henderson. Editing by Max Freeman-Mills.
answers to the main questions – PlayStation.Blog
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When the PS5 console goes on sale in November, over 99% of the 4,000+ games available on PS4 will be playable on PS5. We know you have questions about PS5 compatibility with PS4 games, so we’ve answered a series of frequently asked questions from the PlayStation community.
Which console generation will be supported by the PS5 backwards compatibility feature?
We have focused on a huge library of PlayStation 4 games and can say that over 99% of PS4 games will be available to play on PS5 from the very beginning. This includes titles that have defined the PS4 generation, from critically acclaimed exclusives like The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima to critically acclaimed hits from our partners.
What’s the difference between running PS4 games on the digital edition of the PS5 console and the PS5 version with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive?
Gameplay will be the same on both models.
However, access to game content will vary:
PS5 Digital Edition
- You will be able to play digital editions of compatible PS4 games on the digital edition of your PS5 console. This includes compatible digital editions of PS4 games that you have already purchased or are about to purchase through the PlayStation Store on PS4 or PS5, as well as in the browser or PlayStation mobile app.
- Since the console does not have a disc drive, you will not be able to play the PS4 games that come with the disc on the PS5 Digital Edition.
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive
- You can play digital editions of compatible PS4 games purchased through the PlayStation Store on PS4, PS5, in the browser or in the PlayStation mobile app.
- You can also use PS4 game discs.
When you sign in to your PlayStation Network account on PS5, you will automatically see your PS4 game content library in the console menu.
Be sure to update your PS5 console to the latest software and apply all available game updates.
How does the PS4 game experience differ on the PS5 console?
PS4 games will reveal themselves in a new way when they launch on PS5. Some PS4 games will load faster on the PS5 console and use Game Enhancement, which means higher or more stable frame rates. Some games will receive higher frame rates or dynamic upscaling to 4K for high-definition display. What’s more, some of the new PS5 UX features will apply to PS4 games, but we’ll talk more about that in a moment.
We also want to point out that while many PS4 games run smoothly on a PS5 console, some features available on PS4 may not be compatible with PS5 consoles. Also, some PS4 games may experience bugs or incorrect gameplay when launched on PS5 consoles.
Are PlayStation VR games backward compatible?
Yes, PlayStation VR games are included in the list of thousands of PS4 games available on PS5.
Please note that to play PS VR games on your PS5 console, you will need a PS VR headset, a PlayStation Camera for PS4*, and a PlayStation Camera Camera Adapter (no purchase required, visit playstation.com/camera-adaptor for details). For the best PS VR experience on PS5, we recommend using the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller. Some games may require PlayStation Move motion controllers or may be compatible with the PlayStation VR aim controller. The new HD Camera for PS5 is not compatible with PS VR. PS VR Headset, PS Camera, DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller, PS Move Controllers and PS VR Aim Controller sold separately from PS5. * Model CUH-ZEY1 or CUH-ZEY2
What about PS4 games on PS Now and PS Plus?
All backward compatible PS4 games included with PS Plus or PS Now** will be available to play on PS5.
Can I stream PS4 games on my PS5 console?
Yes, streaming is available for PS4 games on the PS5 console and PS Now**.
Streaming has the advantage of saving space on your PS5. Please note that when streaming PS4 games, the PS5 Game Enhancement feature will not be applied.
How are PS4 game data and save files transferred between two consoles?
You can transfer all digital games, data files, and saves from your PS4 console to your PS5 console via LAN cable or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. If you have already saved PS4 games and data files to an external USB drive connected to PS4, you can transfer them to PS5 by connecting this external USB drive. If you have a PS Plus subscription, you can also transfer your PS4 game save files to your PS5 console via cloud storage.
Please note that the ability to transfer save files from the PS4 version to the PS5 version is at the discretion of the developer and may not be available for certain games on consoles of both generations.
MARVEL Spider-Man: Miles Morales will have save files available when upgrading from PS4 to PS5.
* Sackboy: The Grand Adventure also supports transferring save files from PS4 to PS5 with an update that will be available for download after launch games.* We will update the information for both games closer to the console’s launch date.
How do I know which PS4 games won’t be available to play on the new console?
Games that are only available to play on PS4 will be marked as «PS4 Only» on the PlayStation Store. Downloadable PS4 games on PS Now** that are not compatible with PS5 will also have an icon added. For a list of PS4-only games and more information on backwards compatibility, please visit the following link: playstation.com/ps5-backwards-compatibility
* If players purchased a PS4 game disc, a PlayStation 5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive will upgrade to the PS5 version of the game and transfer their save files.
**PS Now available in selected countries.
DualSense vs DualShock 4 — a great review and comparison of the two best controllers from Sony
Tactile King: DualSense for Playstation 5 and gaming experience at your fingertips
Sony released the Playstation 5, and the console instantly grabbed the attention of gamers, and with it the new generation DualSense controller.
At one time, the DualShock gamepad, released in tandem with the Playstation 4, became a real revolution in the world of controllers, and the new dualsense’s appearance alone hints that history will repeat itself. The controllers are one of the cornerstones of the Sony product, their design and ergonomics are worked out to the finest detail. What will DualSense offer gamers, and will it line up with the revolutionary DualShock?
Appearance and ergonomics
The genius of the DualShock gamepad, despite the release of a new generation console and a new gamepad, is unlikely to be challenged even at a distance, in the future. To this day, it’s one of the ultimate gaming tools, but DualSense is still bound to take console gaming to new heights.
To begin with, a brief digression into the external parameters: the gamepad has become larger, as if the DualShock is on steroids: it is stronger and heavier relative to the predecessor of the DualSense, which already hints at a new technological content inside the case.
It may be unusual for some at first, especially when moving from the fourth console to the fifth. But there are good reasons for changing the form factor, which we’ll talk about in the next paragraph, but for now, let’s raise the subjective assessment of avid connoisseurs of fighting games: specifically in the world of fights, DualShock is still leading and more convenient, but in more unhurried and “deep” genres, DualSense is leading due to a more «heavy» position in the hands, strong, knocked down. And due to tactility to the smallest detail — the main advantage of DualSense, and one of the reasons for its size and form factor.
Haptic feedback takes DualSense to the next level
Dualsense will vibrate, literally every millimeter. In terms of hapticity and feedback, Sony has brought something completely new, and we have yet to see and understand how this will work in practice. Here’s the thing: vibration motors are now placed across the entire plane of the gamepad, and if DualShock could vibrate with different intensity, but the whole body, then DualSense can separately vibrate each corner depending on what is happening on the screen.
Cool? Cool!
The emphasis on this highly detailed tactility was amply displayed by Astro’s Playroom: a default game built into the PlayStation 5 just to show what the new DualSense controller is capable of. Is the character running on stone pavement? Silent and heavy feedback. On the grass? A viscous and resisting connection, as if something is preventing you from going. Well, of course, a harmonious chorus of internal motors, which, according to the situation, work together or separately. It’s like magic outside of Hogwarts — cool, but not punishable, as in the case of the boy who lived. And by the way, another reason for the weighting of the DualSense relative to the DualShock was the battery — the new gamepad without recharging lasts at least 4 hours longer than the PS4 controller.
Adaptive triggers — a welcome innovation
At a young age, many of the now grown-up zoomers dreamed that someday the gamepad (or at least the stick on it) would twitch and strive to escape from their hands when you poured water from a machine gun on entrenched opponents.
DualSense brought this to us in the form of adaptive triggers. And this is not only the recoil of automatic weapons — that would be too simple. The character lifts a heavy stone — the stick gives the opposite force. The heroine pulls the string of a hefty bow — please, the string will not give in so easily, get the reverse effort.
Adaptive triggers create a new experience for a gamer, when any object, weapon or vehicle is no longer a completely impersonal set of pixels, but has its own “burrows” expressed in a physical embodiment. Do you want to use heavy weapons? Pump the muscles of your thumbs, the resistance from the sticks will be missed with a slide!
In addition to the sticks, the triggers will also need different effort. Everyone has always loved triggers in racing, when it is not necessary to press the gas to the floor, but you can change the force and throttle opening. Now, thanks to DualSense triggers, the racing genre will sparkle with new colors, because different vehicles will request different forces.
And there are also types of road surface, weather conditions on the track … admit it, you wanted to take an adaptive DualSense and rush through the 24 hours of LeMann?
Integrated microphone
A much requested innovation. You no longer need to buy a headset separately to communicate with other players. However, if you already have one, the controller has a connector for connecting, just like the DualShock 4. The microphone, despite its small size, is quite powerful, and captures sounds from a long distance. It can also be used to perform voice input in games and control the console itself. And if you don’t want other players to hear you, you can turn off the microphone by pressing the button above it. It will turn orange to indicate that no audio is being transmitted.
New controls
With the exception of the microphone mute button, the layout and functions of the DualSense controls remain the same as on the previous generation gamepad. The «Share» button is now called «Create» and the «PlayStation» button has changed shape a bit.
In a word, it will not be difficult for seasoned DualShock connoisseurs to understand the changes.
Color options
Here’s where the DualShock 4 definitely comes out ahead, in terms of color options. At the moment, it is available in 20 color options, which is very impressive and allows you to choose a gamepad to your taste. The DualSense is currently only available in the default color scheme. But it’s worth the wait — DualShock also came out in camouflage and juicy red from the first day, so gamers’ request for bright gamepads will be implemented, just not now.
Is it possible to connect DulaShock 4 to PS5 and vice versa — the subtleties of backward compatibility
There is backwards compatibility and we can play our favorite PlayStation 4 games on PS5 with DualSense. But to connect a new gamepad with the console of the previous generation, alas, will not work. We play in strict compatibility mode: DualSense for PS5, DualShock for PS4, the main thing is not to confuse. In terms of games, for now, an impressive list of games will do just fine to test Dualsense at its potential: Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales, Watch Dogs Legion, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Immortals: Fenyx Rising and many others, like the exclusive Demon’s Souls remake .
Trying to connect the DualShock 4 to the PS5 has a small pitfall: it will work, but with a caveat — it can only be used with PS4 games that are not adapted for DualSense. Playing games on the PlayStation 5 or upgraded to the next-gen versions will no longer work with the DualShock 4.
As a result, it will not be entirely correct to choose from two controllers. DualShock is the ancestor, which has an unprecedented set of options and functions to this day. It is ideal for those projects that were created specifically for it, and will be ideal in the future, so the release of DualSense is not a reason to refuse it. As for DualSense, then we can say … the same thing. It is ideal (and necessary) for games that were created under its capabilities.
