New is old and old is new. In the ever-changing age of technology, isn't it great when software (and hardware) are backwards compatible with one another?
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That's why so many people are curious to find out whether a PS5 controller can work with a PS4 console.
Considering the new fancy PS5 DualSense controller has many new bells and whistles to it, having the adaptability to play on the previous console would make for a neat perk.
Well, the good news is that it's entirely possible. The bad news is that there is no 'official' way from Sony.
"The DualSense wireless controller is not compatible with the PS4 console," Sony explains via is official FAQ page.
If you do plug in a PlayStation 5 controller to the USB port on your PlayStation 4 console, you'll notice that it will start charging. It just won't do anything else.
Thankfully, a number of clever PS5 owners around the world have discovered several workarounds that get the PS5 controller working on a PS4 console. Let us explain all the details below.
How to connect PS5 controller to PS4
PS5 console and PS4 console. Sony
One way to use a PS5 controller to play games on PS4 is the Remote Play app. You'll need to have access to your PS5 or a PC/laptop as well as your PS4 if you want to make this work.
The steps you'll need to follow are:
Connect your PS5 controller to the PS5, PC or laptop you're planning to use
You can now use your PS5 controller to control the games on your PS4, with the cloud-based capabilities of the Remote Play app allowing you to bridge the gap between console generations. If you're struggling to make any of that work, this handy explainer video below will walk you through the steps visually.
Can I pair my PS5 controller to PS4 with Bluetooth?
PS5 DualSense controller. Sony
If you want to cut out the cloud-based middleman and connect your PS5 controller to your PS4 using Bluetooth, you'll need to add a different sort of middleman into the mix.
The PS5 controller and the PS4 console do not naturally work together, but there are adapters on the market that can force them to play nice with each other.
In the video below, you can see a player using the Titan Two adapter to make the connection work. It usually retails for around £89.99. Not only this but it works with a variety of other consoles like offering the ability to connect your PS3 controller to your Nintendo Switch. Great for versatility.
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Rob Leane is the Gaming Editor at Radio Times, overseeing our coverage of the biggest games on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, mobile and VR. Rob works across our website, social media accounts and video channels, as well as producing our weekly gaming newsletter. He has previously worked at Den of Geek, Stealth Optional and Dennis Publishing.
Matt Poskitt is a freelance journalist who specialises in arts and culture – be that movies, TV, video games, tech or otherwise. Matt headed up the games and entertainment section at T3 (Future Publishing), alongside being found across The Guardian, CNET, PC Gamer Mag, GamesIndustry.biz, Insider, iNews, IGN, TechRadar, PC Gamer Mag, NME and many more.
