Can You Use PS5 Controller on PS4 Without Losing Your Mind?
You now have a shiny DualSense on your desk, and your reliable PS4 is still connected to your TV. It would be natural to ask – can you use PS5 controller on PS4? Here’s the deal. Sony thought that these two generations ought not to mix. The PS4 simply will not acknowledge your DualSense when you connect it or attempt to connect it via Bluetooth. It’s not you – it’s them.
However, here is where the interesting part comes in. Sony officially closed the door to compatibility but the gaming community was able to bypass it. Others include Remote Play streaming. Third-party adapters are required by others. And honestly? None of them are perfect.
The point is that this entire situation is retrogressive. Xbox made its controllers cross-generational with ease. In the meantime, PlayStation enthusiasts have to go online and search for workarounds only to be able to use a more modern controller with an older device.
Why Does Your DualSense Hate Your PS4?
It is important here, the technical part, and it is worth bearing.
Your PS4 does not understand your DualSense. When you charge it with USB-C, it will charge. You will find that the little light bar pulses orange, then blinks, and expires when full. That’s it, though. Press buttons day long–no use.
So, can you use PS5 controller on PS4? Sony made the PS4 to support DualShock 4 controllers only. It is seeking particular Bluetooth protocols and LED designs that the DualSense simply lacks. Imagine that you are attempting to plug a USB-C charger into a micro-USB device. The equipment is different, the signals are different, everything is different.
And, by the way, there is likely to be a business strategy thrown into the mix, too. Sony does not want you to purchase PS5s and just jerry-rig your PS4 to remain relevant.
In fact, the DualSense is even compatible with PS3 – figure of speech. The elder console can take random Bluetooth controllers without raising an alarm. But the PS4? Nope. Sony locked it down tight.
The Remote Play Loophole Everyone Talks About
Ok, Remote Play is the official streaming of Sony. You are able to stream PS4 games to your PC, Mac and even your phone. And this is the best part: you can connect your DualSense to those devices.
Here’s how this circus works:
- Install the PlayStation Remote Play software on your computer or mobile device.
- Turn on Remote Play on your PS4 using the Settings (Remote Play Connection Settings – change that switch to “on”)
- Under the settings of the PlayStation Network, make your PS4 your main one.
- Connect your DualSense to your PC or phone either via Bluetooth or USB-C.
- Play streaming on your PS4 games with Remote Play.
Sounds simple enough. But there’s a catch. Actually, several catches.
The Latency Problem
This method is real in terms of input lag when you ask can you use PS5 controller on PS4? You are also streaming video through your PS4 to your device, and then transmitting controller inputs back. That round trip takes time. Your internet connection can be so much.
Got fiber internet? You might barely notice. Stuck with slower speeds? Become accustomed to exasperating delays between clicking a button and watching it occur on the screen.
Fighting games are almost impossible to fight. Anything that needs exact timing – platformers, rhythm games, competitive shooters – becomes sketchy. You are basically introducing network latency to your inherent input delay.
In turn-based RPGs or slower-paced games? Yeah, it works fine.
DualSense and Remote Play – Lost Features
The DualSense is being deprived of its best features even when Remote Play functions well. The adaptive triggers that pull a bow in PS5 games so good? Gone. The haptic feedback that makes you feel the raindrops or footsteps? Not happening.
The PS4 games were not made to support such features. In other words, you are spending a lot of money on a DualSense that is essentially a replacement of a DualShock 4 that costs less but has the same streaming lag.
The touchpad is also not fully supported in the wireless connection via Remote Play. Some limited touchpad button presses are workable, but forget gestures or accurate swiping.
Can You Use PS5 Controller on PS4 with Third-Party Adapters?
Look, I get it. It is a real temptation to play your PS4 with that DualSense in your hands. Perhaps you have lost your DualShock 4 and do not want to purchase another one. Or you simply feel better with the DualSense.
Enter third-party adapters. Mayflow, Brook, and 8BitDo are companies that produce such mini dongles, which decode controller signals. They are not officially endorsed by Sony, and it carries with them risks of using them.
The Mayflash Magic-S Pro 2
This adapter costs approximately 24 dollars on Amazon and is frequently mentioned in forums. You insert it into the USB port of your PS4, connect your DualSense to the adapter via Bluetooth, and theoretically, you are playing.
The setup goes like this:
- Insert the Magic-S Pro 2 in PS4.
- Hold the button on the adapter 3-5 seconds.
- Enter your DualSense in pairing mode (PlayStation button + Share).
- Press the sync button on the adapter.
- Allow the LED to cease blinking.
When it works, it works. However, compatibility may be broken by firmware updates. There are PS4 system updates made by Sony periodically. Mayflash occasionally releases adapter updates. Do they get along together? That’s always a gamble.
There are complaints of a touchpad that is not working properly or a button mapping that is not responsive. And once more, the adapter does not preserve the DualSense fancy features.
Brook Adapters
Another alternative is the Wingman series by Brook, but they cost more – between 35 and 50. The Wingman FGC 2 is compatible with wired controllers in particular and PS5, however, to be compatible with PS4, you would require other Brook models.
These are more stable with the fighting game players on the arcade sticks. In the common usage of controllers, though? Results vary.
8BitDo Wireless Adapter
8BitDo produces quality retro game accessories, and the wireless adapters can theoretically use a DualSense with PS4. The thing is they are mostly made to be compatible with the Switch.
This has been made to work by some ingenious people, though it has rather particular versions of firmware and is extremely time-consuming. Not exactly plug-and-play.
The Real Talk on Adapters
There are problems that are common to all these adapters. Overnight compatibility with firmware can be bricked. There may be latency according to the quality of the adapter. The sets of features are reduced to simple inputs.
And if something goes wrong? Sony won’t help you. There are no formal solutions. You are left self-troubleshooting on Reddit forums and YouTube videos.
Adapters may be enough in case you are only taking part in a casual gaming session where the only things required are buttons. To play competitively or to play something that needs precision? Stick with a DualShock 4.
Can You Use PS5 Controller on PS4: What Actually Works Without Headaches?
Honestly? Simply put the DualShock 4 on PS4. I am aware that it is not the answer you wanted. But it’s the truth.
DualShock 4 is a product designed for the PS4. It is instantly connected – wired or wireless. All the features are functioning well. No latency, no compatibility doubts, no software lottery.
DualShock 4 used controllers are fairly inexpensive these days. Or should you desire something new, they are still being made. Sony goes to the extent of making them in fun colors.
Store your DualSense in your PS5 or play it in PC gaming, where it is actually supported. Steam is natively supported by the DualSense. So do tons of modern PC games.
The Double Standard of Backwards Compatibility
This is what irritates me about the entire scenario. Sony is very proud of the PS5 being backwards compatible with PS4 games. Pop a PS4 disc in your PS5 – it runs. Download PS4 titles out of your library – they are okay.
But compatibility with controllers? Only goes one direction.
PS4 games can be played on PS5 using a DualShock 4. It is logical to have people who have more than one controller or those who enjoy the DualShock platform. However, you cannot use a DualSense on your PS4, period.
Microsoft took the reverse path. Xbox One consoles use the Xbox Series controllers. Controllers used in Xbox One are compatible with Series. It is easy, consumer-friendly, and it simplifies life.
Sony’s strategy is too restrictive. Yes, they are interested in pushing new hardware. However, forcing unnatural incompatibility only disappoints the customers who already invested in your ecosystem.
Understanding the Feature Gap
Let’s talk about what you’d be missing even if Sony magically enabled DualSense compatibility tomorrow.
| Feature | DualShock 4 | DualSense |
| Adaptive Triggers | No | Yes |
| Advanced Haptics | Basic rumble | Precision haptic feedback |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 4-8 hours | 8-12 hours |
| USB Connection | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Audio Jack | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Motion Controls | Standard | Enhanced |
| Light Bar | Top strip | Around touchpad |
PS4 games are not capable of making use of adaptive triggers or advanced haptics. The firmware of the console does not allow those features. Even with flawless compatibility, you would have just gotten a better battery life and a more comfortable grip.
This is why Sony is unlikely to find it worthwhile. The compatibility-enabling engineering would not bring significant value to the users.
Still annoying though.
When Every Controller Makes Sense (Not Pun Intended)?
Grant me the division of the time to apply what, as it is not always clear.
Use DualShock 4 when:
- Gaming with real PS4 equipment.
- You desire no compatibility concerns.
- Timing is important (fighting games, rhythm games)
- You are playing PS4 games on PS5, and you like the DualShock feel.
- You require all features to be functioning well.
Use DualSense when:
- Playing PS5 exclusive games.
- PC gaming (Steam, in particular).
- PS4 games can be played on PS5 with the DualSense functioning correctly.
- You are interested in comfort and battery life.
- The game also has adaptive triggers and haptics.
Sony has made their stand. The DualSense is not coming to PS4 on record. No software update is going to change that. This is no longer relevant as PS4s lose their relevance in the market. The majority of those who desired PS5s have them. Console shortages are over. PS4 is gradually becoming a legacy.
Nevertheless, it would have been nice to have Sony be as flexible as they require of other elements of backwards compatibility.
To those gamers who continue to use PS4 as the primary console – and among you are numbered in the millions – continue using the controller that is PS4-compatible. There are workarounds, which are not worth the trouble in the majority of cases.
Can You Use PS5 Controller On PS4? Comparison of Connection Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Latency | Feature Support | Cost | Reliability |
| Direct USB | Impossible | N/A | N/A | Free | Doesn’t work |
| Direct Bluetooth | Impossible | N/A | N/A | Free | Doesn’t work |
| Remote Play | Medium | Moderate-High | Basic only | Free | Depends on the internet |
| Mayflash Adapter | Easy | Low | Basic only | ~$24 | Medium |
| Brook Adapter | Easy | Low | Basic only | $35-50 | Medium-High |
| 8BitDo Adapter | Hard | Low | Basic only | ~$20 | Low-Medium |
Can You Use PS5 controller on PS4 – My Honest Take After All This
Provided that you mostly play on PS4 and are not going to get PS5 in the near future, simply purchase a DualShock 4. Don’t fight this battle. The workarounds do not warrant your time and aggravation. When you have both consoles, make sure to keep the controllers compatible with their consoles. PlayStation 4 is compatible with DualShock 4. PlayStation 5 – DualSense. You will enjoy the best of both.
Remote Play can be used for certain applications – perhaps you are travelling with a laptop and wish to stream the games back home. However, do not count on it being your first line of attack.
Adapters are meant as the kind of user who likes to tinker and take risks. In case the terms such as firmware and compatibility put a cloud in your eyes, then disregard them.
The PS4’s PS5 controller query has one straightforward answer. No, it doesn’t work natively. And the workarounds have enough issues that you had better use the correct controller on the correct console.
The easiest way out can be the right way out.
FAQ
Is it possible to charge my DualSense controller with my PS4?
Yes, actually. When you insert a USB-C cable into the USB-port of the PS4, your DualSense will charge normally. The charging light bar will pulse orange in the process of charging, and blink and switch off when charged. That is all your PS4 will do with a DualSense, though – it charges but not games.
Will Sony ever officially support PS4 with DualSense?
Very unlikely at this stage. Sony has not shown any intention to facilitate this compatibility, and since the PS4 is becoming obsolete, they are thinking about the PS5. The technical constraints and the business incentives imply that the official support is unlikely to occur.
Do adapters void my warranty?
You do not need to lose your PS4 warranty because you are not modifying the console itself, only third-party adapters of third parties. But in case something happens to your console and breaks it (very unlikely but still possible), with the help of an adapter, Sony will not cover it with a warranty as you used unofficial accessories.
Does the DualSense support wireless functionality on PS4 using Remote Play?
Playing over Remote Play, your DualSense will wirelessly connect to your PC or mobile device by Bluetooth, not to the PS4. The PS4 can take inputs via the Remote Play stream, therefore technically yes – at the cost of the latency problems inherent in streaming.
Is there any game the workarounds make sense?
Remote Play is fine with turn-based games as latency is not a big factor. Consider strategy games, RPGs, or visual novels. Action games, shooters, and anything that is competitive are too affected by input delay, however.
Why does DualSense not work on PS4 but on PS3?
PS3 does not strictly authenticate Bluetooth controllers. It was not as locked down as the PS4 is. Sony only made PS4 tight with its ecosystem, which needs certain controller protocols that the DualSense does not support.
Is DualSense compatible with PS4 with media applications like Netflix?
Yes, via Remote Play, media apps can be controlled because they do not need a specific timing. However, you are still using a streaming PS4 to another device to play it with a different controller, which seems to be too much to watch Netflix.
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