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Looking for information on how To Use PS5 Controller on PS4? By now, everyone knows about the DualSense controller and the cool things it can do. Many PS4 owners are thinking about whether or not to get a PS5, which they should do. They are also thinking about whether or not they should get the DualSense instead of their old DualShock 4. The DualSense Controller for the PS5 is a popular gamepad, at least among those who have the console. Even though there are likely to be PS5 Console Shortages for a while, that doesn’t change how good the controller is.
Even though there are more and more reports of joysticks that move on their own, the praise for the DualSense far outweighs the criticism. Some gamers bought the DualSense controller so they could use it on their PCs even if they didn’t have a PlayStation 5 console. You can play PS4 games on a PS5 console with a DualSense controller, but you can’t use a PS5 controller on a PS4 console. Well, no is the simple answer. There are a few ways how To Use PS5 Controller on PS4. What you need to know is listed below.
What is a PlayStation controller?
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation home video game console got its first gamepad with the PlayStation controller. The first version came out on the same day as the PlayStation, December 3, 1994. The PlayStation controller was based on the basic button layout of the Super NES Controller, but it added a second set of shoulder buttons for the middle fingers.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Buttons | The PlayStation controller has 14 buttons: 4 face buttons (triangle, circle, cross, square), 2 shoulder buttons (L1, R1), 2 trigger buttons (L2, R2), a directional pad, a start button, and a select button. |
Sticks | The PlayStation controller has 2 analog sticks. These sticks can be moved in any direction to control the movement of the player’s character or the camera. |
Touchpad | The PlayStation 4 controller has a touchpad. This touchpad can be used to control the cursor in the PlayStation menu, or it can be used to interact with games in new and innovative ways. |
Lightbar | The PlayStation 4 controller has a lightbar. This lightbar can be used to indicate the player’s position in multiplayer games, or it can be used to create different effects in games. |
Vibration | The PlayStation controller has haptic feedback. This means that the controller can vibrate to simulate different sensations, such as the feeling of driving over a bumpy road or the feeling of getting hit in a game. |
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The idea behind having shoulder buttons for both the index and middle fingers was to make the gamepad easier to use in 3D environments like the ones PlayStation was made to make. Using the two sets of shoulder buttons, two-way depth controls could be made. To make up for the fact that moving the middle fingers to the shoulders made the grip less stable, grip handles were added to the controller.
How To Use PS5 Controller on PS4

- Adapter, PS4, DualSense controller needed.
- Plug adapter into open USB port on PS4.
- Press pairing button on adapter.
- Pairing mode: LED lights blinking on adapter and DualSense.
- Activate DualSense pairing mode: Hold PlayStation button + Create button, flash blue.
- Both devices in pairing mode = automatic connection.
- Paired devices DualSense works normally with PS4.
What features are not supported when using a PS5 controller on a PS4
- Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers: The advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller are unlikely to be fully functional on a PS4 since they are specifically designed to take advantage of the PS5’s hardware capabilities.
- Create Button Functionality: The Create button on the DualSense controller, which allows for various sharing and content creation options on the PS5, might not have the same level of integration or functionality on the PS4.
- Built-in Microphone and Speaker: The integrated microphone and speaker on the DualSense may not work as expected on a PS4 due to differences in system architecture and compatibility.
- USB-C Charging: While the DualSense controller charges using a USB-C cable, the PS4 uses micro USB for charging. This means the charging cable for the PS5 controller might not be directly compatible with the PS4.
- Some Game-specific Features: Games designed to fully utilize the DualSense’s features might not perform the same way on a PS4, leading to potential discrepancies in gameplay experiences.
Benefits of Using PS5 Controller on PS4
- Enhanced Features: The PS5 controller, also known as DualSense, has advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which can provide a more immersive gaming experience even on a PS4.
- Improved Comfort: The design and ergonomics of the DualSense controller may offer better comfort and grip compared to the older DualShock 4 controller.
- Future-Proofing: If you plan to upgrade to a PS5 in the future, using the DualSense controller on your PS4 could help you become familiar with its features beforehand.
- Wireless Connectivity: The DualSense controller can be connected to the PS4 wirelessly via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for cables.
- Battery Life: While the DualSense has a built-in rechargeable battery similar to the DualShock 4, the newer controller might have better power management for extended gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The DualSense controller is a great piece of technology, but it’s clear that the PS5 is where it really shines. If you own a PS4, think about whether the workarounds are worth the trouble or whether it’s better to stick with the DualShock 4. Think about what you want to do with gaming in the future and pick the best fit for your set-up.
Questions and Answers
Can PS4 games be played on a PS5 controller? No, is the short answer. There is no PS4 device that works directly with DualSense controllers. You’ll need to either stream the game to your PC or buy an adapter.
Sony doesn’t have backwards compatibility like the Xbox Smart Delivery program on Xbox Series X/S. So, you can’t just take your PS5 game and play it on your PS4 system. You need Remote Play or Share Play instead to play PS5 games on PS4.
The DualSense controller that comes with the PS5 or a DualShock 4 controller (or a third-party equivalent) can be used to play PS4 games. But it’s important to know that you can’t use the DualShock to play PS5 games.
The PS5 is a great upgrade for PS4 owners because the games are better, it can play 4K videos, it loads faster, and it has extra features like haptic feedback. If you want to buy a new console in 2023, there’s no reason to choose a PS4 over a standard or digital edition PS5.