Can You Use a PS4 Controller on PS5?

Picture this: your friend is coming over for game night on your new PS5, but you only have the one controller that came in the box. Can they bring their old PS4 controller and jump right in? If you're asking, "Can you use a PS4 controller on PS5?" the money-saving answer is yes for many games—but there's one critical rule you must know.

The entire question of whether you can use a PS4 controller on a PS5 boils down to a single distinction: the game itself. In practice, your trusty PS4 controller (the DualShock 4) works perfectly when playing any of the thousands of backward-compatible PS4 games on your new console. The limitation only appears when you try to launch a game built from the ground up for the PS5. Many people search for phrases like "can you you use ps4 controller on ps5," "ps4 controller ps5," or simply "ps4 on ps5"—here’s how it really works.

Getting this right saves you both money and frustration. We'll show you exactly what works, what doesn't, how to identify your game versions, and get everything connected so your couch co-op session goes off without a hitch. This also helps streamline your overall PS5 gaming setup.

The Golden Rule: What Works and What Absolutely Doesn't

The good news is your trusty PS4 controllers aren't obsolete! The ability to use a PS4 controller (the DualShock 4) on a PS5 all comes down to one simple thing: the version of the game you are playing.

This creates a very straightforward split:

• ✅ Works for: All PS4 games played on your PS5.

• ❌ Does NOT work for: All games made specifically for the PS5.

This means you can absolutely play PS4 games on your PS5 with a DualShock 4, whether it's a classic from your library or the PS4 version of a newer game like Call of Duty. For any title built from the ground up for the PS5, like Astro's Playroom, you must use the new PS5 DualSense controller. So, can ps4 controller work on ps5 for new titles? No—PS5-native games require DualSense.

This rule isn't just for official Sony controllers; any licensed third-party PS4 controller, from a Scuf to a Razer, follows the same logic. But this begs the question: why do PS5 games require a new controller in the first place?

Why PS5 Games Require the New DualSense Controller

The reason for this rule is all about technology. PS5 games are built to deliver experiences that the old PS4 controller, the DualShock 4, simply wasn't designed for. The DualSense adds features such as adaptive triggers (with variable resistance), advanced haptic feedback for more nuanced vibration, a refined built-in microphone/speaker array, and tighter integration with motion sensing. Many PS5 titles are designed around these capabilities, so Sony restricts PS5-native software to the DualSense to ensure gameplay and accessibility features work as intended.

How to Set It Up: Use a DualShock 4 on PS5 for PS4 Games

Follow these quick steps to connect a PS4 controller for PS4 games on your PS5:

1. Wired pairing (fastest):

2. Plug the DualShock 4 into the PS5 with a micro‑USB cable.

3. Press the PS button on the controller.

4. Select your user profile. You can now unplug the cable to use it wirelessly.

5. Wireless pairing (Bluetooth):

6. On PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories.

7. On the DualShock 4, hold the PS button + Share button until the light bar flashes.

8. Select the controller when it appears under Accessories.

9. Make sure you’re launching the PS4 version of cross-gen games:

10. Highlight the game on the PS5 Home screen.

11. Press the Options button > select Game Version > choose PS4.

12. If you try to launch the PS5 version with a DualShock 4, the system will prompt you to switch to a DualSense.

13. Add more players:

14. Repeat the pairing steps for each additional DualShock 4 you want to use for local multiplayer in PS4 titles.

15. Manage or remove controllers:

16. Go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories to view, disconnect, or forget paired controllers.

Quick Note on Third-Party PS4 Controllers

Licensed third-party PS4 controllers (e.g., Scuf, Razer) follow the same rule: they will work on PS5 only for PS4 games and will be blocked by PS5-native titles.

Bonus: Can a PS5 Controller Work on a PS4?

If you’re wondering, "can a ps5 controller work on a ps4," the short answer is not natively. A DualSense won’t pair directly to a PS4 for regular gameplay. Workarounds exist—such as using PS Remote Play through a PC/Mac with a DualSense connected, or certain third‑party USB adapters—but support varies by game and device.

Bottom Line

• DualShock 4 on PS5: Great for PS4 games; not allowed for PS5-native games.

• DualSense on PS5: Required for all PS5-native titles due to adaptive triggers, haptics, and other features.

• To avoid frustration, always check you’re launching the PS4 version when you plan to use a PS4 controller on PS5.