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.

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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.
PS5 Contoller range of colors
  • 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.

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