The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are great consoles with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. One thing is for sure, though: Sony obliterated Microsoft in improving their controllers. The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller outmatches the Xbox Series X controller in nearly every way. This has led gamers to crave the PS5 controller experience while using their Microsoft consoles.
The Xbox and PlayStation 5 controllers aren’t officially compatible. However, you can use the PS5 DualSense on your Xbox console by using either a third-party adapter or the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Setup for either of these options is easy and straightforward.
You’re aren’t the first person to consider using the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller with your Xbox console. After all, the PS5 controller sports several features that improve upon the overall gameplay experience. Here’s what you need to know about hooking up a PS5 controller to an Xbox console.
How Do I Use a PS5 Controller On an Xbox?
The DualSense is a fantastic controller, and when you’re done with this article we recommend you cruise through our Ultimate PS5 Owner’s guide for more on this little guy and what tricks it has up it’s sleeve.
Remember that there isn’t any built-in support for the PS5 controller on the Xbox console. That said, you do have two main options for doing so: using third-party adapters and software or connecting the DuelSense remote to a PC and using Xbox Cloud Gaming. Note that this is also how you’d use the DuelSense remote on PS4 games–using Sony’s Remote Play through a PC
Option 1: Using Adapters
Using third-party adapters is the most effective way to connect a PlayStation 5 DualSense to an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console. Imagine the kind of power adapters you use when you’re on the road or traveling.
These third-party peripherals work the same way: One end of the adapter plugs into your Xbox gaming console, and the other end connects directly to your DualSense via USB or Bluetooth.
One controller converter and adapter pair worth checking out is the Titan Two, a popular controller adapter. The Titan Two allows you to use a different controller than you usually would while playing console games on your TV.
Another option is the Cronus Zen. The Cronus Zen also supports PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles. Both options are easy to use and straightforward to connect.
Here’s the general guide for nearly any controller converter or adapter:
- Connect the controller converter to your Xbox console.
- Next, insert the USB cable from your DualSense controller into the converter.
- Connect the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller using its USB-C cable.
Keep in mind that controller adapters and converters can cost more than the actual console controllers themselves. If the price doesn’t intimidate you, we recommend either the Titan Two or the Cronus Zen controller converters.
Option 2: Xbox Cloud Gaming
Previously known as Project xCloud, the Xbox Cloud Gaming service allows gamers to stream Xbox Series X games directly from Microsoft’s servers to their PCs or smart devices.
Want to know the crazy part about Xbox cloud gaming? You can use nearly any controller you’ve previously connected to your device once the video game is streaming. That means you can use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to connect to Android and iOS devices.
This also means that you can use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to connect to Windows and Mac operating systems without any hacking or additional hardware.
Here’s what you need to do to use Xbox Cloud Gaming on your PC:
- Start your Windows Device.
- Launch the Xbox app for Windows by searching for “Xbox” on the Windows taskbar. If the app isn’t installed, download it for free from the Microsoft Store.
- Log in using your standard Microsoft account.
- From the “Game Pass” menu, choose “Cloud gaming.”
Remember that an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription is required for cloud gaming. Without a subscription, you can’t use the service to stream games or use a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to play Xbox games.
This method also works if you want to use Xbox Cloud Gaming on a smartphone or tablet.
Reasons Why You Might Need to Use DualSense on Xbox
Considering the differences in design and build quality between the two controllers, wanting to use the PS5 controller with your Xbox might simply be a matter of taste. There’s no shame in customizing the way you play video games, especially when you remember that they’re meant to be enjoyable.
Plus, being able to switch between controllers is a useful option in a pinch; you won’t be out of a game if your Xbox controller isn’t cooperating.
Overall, you might want to use a PS5 DualSense controller on an Xbox console for any number of reasons.
You Prefer the PlayStation 5 DualSense
Personal preference is likely the main reason why you would want to use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on your Xbox console, and rightly so. The PlayStation 5 console is leagues ahead of its competitors, its controller being one of the major standouts.
Some of the main selling points of the PS5 controller are its haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features. The haptic feedback enables real-time rumbling and vibration, resulting in a richer gaming experience. The adaptive trigger feature changes the force needed to press the triggers down, allowing for more immersive gameplay.
Your Xbox Controller Broke
You may want to use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller if your Xbox controller broke or is on the fritz. You might have an extra PS5 controller lying around but prefer the Xbox console and platform. That’s completely understandable, and there are methods of using the DualSense on your Xbox.
You Prefer the Xbox
If you prefer the Xbox platform and most of your friends use it for gaming, you may want to switch controllers while keeping the console. This is another common reason for needing a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on the Xbox console.
Can You Use the PS5 DualSense on an Xbox?
You cannot use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on an Xbox console through official means. However, with the help of third-party connectors and adapters, you can use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on an Xbox console.
The controller is a crucial element of your gaming experience. If you don’t like the way it feels in your hand, you won’t enjoy playing games using its console.
It’s worth it to do a fair bit of research before buying a console. Let’s break down the key differences between the Xbox controller and the PlayStation 5 DualSense.
Price Differences
If you’re worried about the price of a new controller, you may want to close your eyes. The cost of a new Xbox controller is around $59.99. The PlayStation 5 DualSense will run you about $69.99. That’s quite the pretty penny just for an extra controller or local co-op.
Nevertheless, you can use your existing Xbox One accessories and controllers on the newer console. The same can’t be said for the PlayStation 5, as they use a new system entirely.
Controller Design
The controller design may be the most critical factor. Both companies elevated their controllers in the process of updating their consoles for the next generation. Sony went with a whole new design using the DualSense technology, while Microsoft improved their current iteration.
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller now has a clean, white color scheme. This is big news for fans of the console, as white controllers were a rarity back in the day. The analog sticks are in the same place previous users would expect. The transparent buttons give DualSense a higher quality look and feel.
The changes to the Xbox Series X controller are far less noticeable. The controller now has a hybrid-dish style D-pad that pulls inspiration from the Xbox Elite Wireless Controllers. This design choice allows you to input more complex controls during heated gameplay sessions. The Xbox Series X controllers also have textured grips on the triggers for added immersion.
Both controllers now use USB-C connectors for charging instead of their previous micro-USB ports. This is a great addition, as this allows you to use the same cable charging cable for a multitude of devices.
Features
It’s no secret that the Xbox Series X controller and the PlayStation 5 DualSense stepped up their games when updating their consoles. But the PlayStation 5 DualSense might have taken the lead when it comes to new features and quality improvements.
Xbox controllers now send information to the console at a faster rate. This improvement shaves milliseconds from the response time, allowing for quicker and more accurate inputs. Microsoft refers to this technology as “Dynamic Latency Input.”
The Xbox Series X controller still uses the same Xbox Wireless Radio system and continues to enable Bluetooth compatibility. The controller uses Bluetooth Low Energy pairing technology, enabling instantaneous device switching. This feature can be incredibly useful if you’re using Xbox Cloud Gaming or streaming services.
In contrast, the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller made its improvements where they matter most: the player experience. Sony added haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and Bluetooth connectivity to their device.
Adaptive triggers allow players to sense in-game abilities by changing the force needed to press the trigger down, which lends itself to a more immersive gameplay experience along with the enhanced real-time rumbling and vibrations.
The PlayStation 5 DualSense also has a built-in microphone. This is excellent news for gamers who don’t like headsets or don’t have one available. The only drawback to the PS5 DualSense controller is the mediocre battery life. Unfortunately, the DualSense loses in this department compared to the Xbox Series X controller.
Can I Use the Xbox Controller on the PlayStation 5?
The Sony PlayStation 5 does not have official support for the Xbox controller. Despite this, you can use the same steps from option 1 to use an Xbox controller on your PlayStation 5 with a controller converter or adapter.
Should I Buy a PlayStation 5 Instead?
Personal preferences or access to gaming communities through your Xbox console might be holding you back from just buying a PS5 instead.
Even so, it may be better to invest in a new console rather than going through the work of connecting a PS5 controller to your Xbox.
Of course, you’ll pay a premium for the PlayStation 5 console. If you can get your hands on one, it’ll cost you quite a bit. But connecting a PS5 controller to your Xbox is more for show than efficiency. If you don’t have much reason to stick with the Microsoft platform, you should consider Sony’s PlayStation 5.
Can You Use a PS5 Controller On Your PC?
Yes, it’s possible to use a PS5 controller on your PC. You can connect your PS5 controller via a wired connection or through wireless Bluetooth. Connecting your DualSense via cable is straightforward; simply plug in the USB-C, and you’re off to the races.
Connecting your PS5 controller via Bluetooth is a little bit more involved. If your PC doesn’t support wireless Bluetooth connections, you’ll need an adapter (on Amazon) to begin.
How to Connect a PS5 Controller to PC via Bluetooth
Fortunately, connecting your PS5 controller to your PC via Bluetooth isn’t rocket science. The process is straightforward and fast. Follow the steps provided below to use your PS5 controller on your PC via Bluetooth.
- To begin, open the “Bluetooth and other devices” menu in Windows by selecting the Windows button and searching “Bluetooth.”
- You’ll see a + sign icon that reads, “Add Bluetooth or other devices.” Another menu will appear, and the first option will say “Bluetooth.” Select this option to allow your PC to begin searching for available devices.
- Next, you’ll need to put your PS5 controller into pairing mode. Hold down the PlayStation logo button and the Share button at the same time. The LEDs near the touchpad should begin flashing.
- After a few moments, “Wireless controller” should appear in your PC’s Bluetooth device menu. Select this option and wait until the pairing is complete.
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to connect your PS5 controller if your PC doesn’t support wireless Bluetooth. Thankfully, you can find accessible Bluetooth adapters (on Amazon) online at affordable prices.