Can I use a PS5 controller on PS4?

One of the most attractive aspects about purchasing a PlayStation 5 is its accompanying controller. The DualSense (as it’s officially called) is named as such because of the impressive haptic feedback it can provide, sending unique jolts and vibrations in your hand to mimic some of the action happening on screen. The DualSense PS5 controller’s implementation so far has been haphazard because it depends on how well the developers choose to integrate it, but it’s still a key factor of differentiation between the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X. Third-party franchises like Call of Duty simple feel better to play on Sony’s current gen console. 

This leads one to ask: Can I use a PS5 controller on PS4? After all, you can purchase the DualSense as a standalone controller by itself, and PC players are enjoying being able to use it with Steam following a recent update. So can players still gaming on PlayStation 4 enjoy the PS5 DualSense controller’s benefits? We have the answer… 

Yes, but there’s a catch

To answer the central question: Yes, you can use a PS5 controller on your PS4. However, at present it isn’t possible to benefit from the haptic feedback the controller provides on PS5. This is because the Dualsense obviously wasn’t engineered with PS4 compatibility in mind, and it simply won’t register games on PS4 the same way it would on PS5 – even when it’s the same game just on a different platform. 

As you’ll soon learn, getting the Dualsense up and running on Sony’s old console isn’t a straightforward process either and requires a great deal of workaround, indicating that the company doesn’t really plan to have haptic feedback work on PS4. That said, a large majority of the PlayStation user base agree that the DualSense is more comfortable to hold ergonomically than the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 ever was. Plus, getting a DualSense PS5 controller working on a PS4 might be worth it for those who want to play co-op on PlayStation 4.

How to connect your PS5 controller on PS4

While there’s no explicit official way to connect your PS5 controller on PS4, a method has been discovered that we will outline below. It’s a rather involved process, but should be worth it in the end. Follow these instructions: 

• Download the PS Remote Play app on your PC
• Sync up your PS4 and PC using the instructions shown in the Remote Play app
• Connect your PS5 DualSense controller to your PC via USB cable
• Link up your DualSense to the Remote Play app on your PC
• Within the Remote Play App, you’ll be able to control your PS4 using the DualSense

Will true PS5 controller support on PS4 ever come?

The Remote Play app method is functional for connecting your PS5 controller to PS4, but we’ll admit it’ll be far from practical for most people. However, it’s highly unlikely that Sony or PlayStation will see value in adding native DualSense support on PS4 any time soon. There needs to be enough of an allure to encourage existing PS4 players to make the move on PS5 – and the DualSense controller is one of the biggest steps up in terms of enhancing how PlayStation games can be experienced.

Even if native DualSense support on PS4 does arrive, haptic feedback will likely be absent. That’s why, if you want to feel such actions as reloading, walking through sand/grass, or your weapon jamming within the palm of your hand, PS5 is where the DualSense controller will always work best.

Get the best PS5 DualSense controller deals available today

Regardless of whether you want to enjoy the benefits of the PS5 DualSense controller on PlayStation 4 or 5, you can rest easy knowing that Gaming Deals has you covered with the very best PS5 controller deals. It’s a far heavier controller compared to the DualShock 4 that came before it, helping to give the PS5 controller a nice premium feel that will suit most players. These are today’s best DualSense offers.