Can You Use a PS5 Controller on a PS4?

The DualSense is an excellent controller for all your PS5 and PC gaming needs. But can you also use it on a PS4? Let's find out.

You can use a DualSense controller to play PS4 games on a PS5 console, but can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4 console?

Well, the simple answer is no. However, there are a couple of workarounds you can use. Here's what you need to know.

Sony made it clear in a PlayStation Blog post that the DualSense controller will not work on PS4 consoles, as the two devices aren't compatible when connected directly. The console manufacturer has not provided a reason why this is the case, but it's a bit strange considering that the PS4 controller is forward-compatible with the PS5 and backward-compatible with the PS3.

However, if all you have is a PS4 console and DualSense controller (no PS4 controller to play with), you can indirectly connect these incompatible devices with the help of two middlemen: PS Remote Play or the Titan Two adapter.

Provided you’ve enabled Remote Play on your PS4 console, you can play via PC or Mac using the PS Remote Play app. When using Remote Play this way, you can connect your DualSense Controller to your PC, and then use your PS5 controller on your PS4.

Here's how to do that:

Since the DualSense controller works with the Android and iOS Remote Play app through Bluetooth pairing, you can also use it to play games on your PS4 through streaming on supported mobile devices.

Remote Play works just fine if you have a device that supports it, but if you don't have one or don't want to deal with possible input lag from streaming, there's one more middleman you can try: Titan Two by ConsoleTuner.

Once you purchase the Titan Two, all you have to do is plug it into your PS4 console and then plug in your DualSense into the adapter using a USB-C cable.

Now you'll be able to use the DualSense controller on your PlayStation 4 without needing Remote Play.

Unfortunately, the answer to "Can you use a PS5 controller on a PS4?" is "not directly." It's not as easy as plugging the DualSense into your PlayStation 4, and you're good to go. To get the DualSense to Work on PS4, you need a device that supports PS Remote Play or use the Titan Two adapter as a bridge to connect the two.

These methods might not be the easiest way to get around it, and you may have to deal with some input lag when it comes to Remote Play, but they work.

Chifundo is a writer for MakeUseOf. He initially studied banking but discovered a passion for writing and became a freelance writer on Upwork in 2017. He has written articles, blogs, essays and web content for dozens of clients. Chifundo loves that writing allows him to learn and explore different topics and turn them into engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps people. In his spare time, he designs and codes websites and makes video games.