Sony's reveal of the PlayStation 5 is expected soon, perhaps even as early as February. This reveal continues to be more and more likely as PS5-related details continue to leak online. The latest example stems from the French version PlayStation website, which received an odd update different than other language versions of the page. The now reverted page listed controller compatibility for the PS4 and its assorted models. For a brief period, it listed the DualShock 5 as compatible with the PS4.
To put that a little more simply, the DualShock 5 controller that will launch with the PS5 is apparently backward compatible. PS4 gamers could, potentially, choose to use a DS5 controller to play games instead of a DualShock 4. The website confirms that this would be true for both for the PS4's standard and Slim models, as well as the PS4 Pro. Each model had its compatible controllers listed in a grid, with the text "DS4/DS5." Note that the site was quickly changed and that all mention of the "DS5" has been removed.
There's no clarity regarding whether the DualShock 5's additional features, rumored to include improved haptic feedback and buttons on the back of the controller, would also work on PS4, but it can likely be assumed. After all, Sony has already announced an adapter for the DualShock 4 that will be adding buttons on the back of the controller. If Sony can make the DS4 work with back buttons, then the DS5's additional functionality should also work by default.
Rumors have previously teased that the PS4's DualShock 4 would be forward compatible with the PS5. That rumor has yet to be confirmed since the PS5 and DS5 have yet to be announced. This new leak from Sony adds credence to that older rumor, too. Both the DS4 and the DS5 may work on both the PS4 and the PS5. It's not a hugely meaningful decision, but it could save some PlayStation gamers some cash in the long run. Options are almost always preferable to none.
The growing evidence of Sony's continued support for the PS4 going into the PS5 generation raises some unique questions. For example, it's already known that Xbox will allow games to run on both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X going into the next generation. Sony, alternatively, will have PS5-exclusive games. But perhaps Sony's focus on PS5 exclusivity isn't as rock-solid as it may seem. Perhaps it's a soft sort of exclusivity limited to just a few first-party games.
The PS5 is expected to launch in late 2020.
Source: ResetEra