If you’ve been able to get yourself a standard PS5 or the Digital Edition, one question on your mind might be whether your DualSense controller can work with the PlayStation 4. A similar design concept is used for the DualSense and the DualShock 4 (the PS4 controller), so you may be inclined to try and play your PS4 using your PS5 controller every now and then. In that case, can you use a PS5 controller on your PS4?
The PS5 controller cannot be used directly with the PS4. When plugged in, the PS4 can charge the DualSense, but the console will not recognize the controller. However, you will be able to play your PS4 using a PS5 controller if you use Remote Play on a PC as a go-between.
The PS5 DualSense controller is a remarkable piece of next-generation hardware that comes with features like adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, 3D audio, an upgraded shared button, and an inbuilt microphone. However, it is important to know that these features are still not compatible with PS4 games. The advantages of the DualSense will not be relevant to PS4 gaming, so the standard DualShock 4 is probably the way to go for PS4 users.
Can You Use Your PS5 Controller on a PS4?
The PS4’s DualShock 4 (on Amazon) is widely considered to be one of the best controllers from Sony up to this day. Even though it is similar to the DualShock 3, the DualShock 4 brought several new features, one of which is the built-in two-point clickable capacitive touch pad.
Another notable feature is the support for motion detection through the three-axis accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, and vibration. The design on the DualShock 4 controller is truly ergonomic, allowing for comfortable and intuitive gameplay.
On its own, the PlayStation 5 is a great console, but the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller (on Amazon) takes the console a step further, with several features that give you the experience of next-generation gaming. Be sure to review our Ultimate PS5 Owner’s Guide after this to understand all the tricks this remote has up its’ sleeve.
Sony maintains that there is zero compatibility between the DualSense wireless controller and the PS4 console. It is futile to tap the PS button on your DualSense while connected to your PS4, and the DualSense also won’t be compatible with the console if you’re trying to connect through Bluetooth.
It’s possible that this might change in the nearest future, but for now, there’s one alternative, which is to use the Remote Play app.
How to Connect DualSense to a PS4 With Remote Play
Connect the DualSense controller to your PC and start Remote Play on your PS4, then it will be possible to operate your PS4 using the PS5 controller. This is actually the same way you’d use the DuelSense remote with Xbox Cloud Gaming–through a PC. And note that this should work with Remote Play over a smartphone as well.
The steps below will guide you on how to use your PS5 controller to play on your PS4:
- Firstly, get the PS5 Remote Play app on your laptop or PC.
- Follow the prompts on your computer and connect to your PS4 using the PS Remote Play app.
- Use a USB cable to connect your PC and your PS5 and link it with the PS Remote Play app.
- As soon as you have the Remote Play app running, you are ready to operate your PS4 using the PS5 controller (which is already connected to the PC).
Should I Use DualSense or DualShock on My PS4?
If all you have is the DualSense controller, without a DualShock or some other PS4 compatible controller as well, then you’re probably not in the wrong by trying to run the PS4 using the PS5 controller.
However, you won’t really get that next-generation feeling if you play the PS4 with the PS5 controller. Its adaptive triggers and haptic feedback features won’t work like they do on a PS5.
Moreover, it has been said that the DualSense tends to drift after about 417 hours of play, so you’d be better off if you reserved that time to play PS5 games later on.
If you happen to need a controller but you only own a PS4 and don’t have a PS5, our advice would also be to not get a DualSense yet.