DualShock 4 controllers will not support PS5 games

Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 4’s controller, the DualShock 4, will not support PlayStation 5 games. However, it will support any compatible PlayStation 4 games available on the next-generation console.

Sony revealed this information in a recent blog post. They also confirmed that third-party gamepads designed for the PlayStation 4 wouldn’t be supported on the PlayStation 5 either, except with compatible PlayStation 4 games.

Sony explained that they believed that PlayStation 4 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features being brought to the PlayStation 5. This includes allowing players to use DualSense controllers with those PlayStation 4 games as well.

Specialty peripherals will also work with PlayStation 4 games on the new console. This includes driving wheels, flight sticks, and arcade sticks. Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets will also work across both consoles. Finally, third-party headsets will also work if they connect via USB or audio jack.

Any PlayStation 5 supported PlayStation VR games will be able to make use of PS Move Controllers and PS VR Aim Controllers in any supported games. Sony has described how the PlayStation camera will require an adaptor though, which will be provided by them for free.

The fact that Sony is barely supporting the DualShock 4 on the PlayStation 5 is in line with past generational shifts. The PlayStation 4 didn’t support DualShock 3 controllers at all for example.

The PlayStation 5 will come with one DualSense controller. It stands to reason that users could combine a DualSense and DualShock 4 controller in order to have multiplayer without needing to purchase multiple DualSense controllers. That’s as long as the games being played are backward-compatible PlayStation 4 titles.

As an aside to this statement, Microsoft stepped up to say that the Xbox Series X will support Xbox Wireless Controllers from the Xbox One. This includes the Elite Wireless series, the Adaptive Controller, and even third-party controllers.

Controllers are more expensive than games, particularly when it comes to brand new consoles. Most people buying a new console won’t want to add in the extra cost of a new controller as well. This is why the Xbox Series X may be more attractive, especially combined with the huge number of backward compatible games.