If you have a Sony PlayStation 5 and several PlayStation 4 controllers sitting around, you might be wondering: Can I use a DualShock 4 with a PS5? The answer is yes—with a big caveat. We’ll explore the options.
The DualShock 4 Only Works with PS4 Games on PS5
Sony lets you pair a PS4 controller to your PS5, but you can only use it to play PlayStation 4 games locally on the console itself.
To play PS5 games, you’ll need to use a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. If you try to do otherwise, you’ll see a message that says “Can’t use the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller to play PS5 games.”
In its Ultimate PS5 FAQ, Sony says, “PS5 games will require use of the DualSense wireless controller, as they have been designed to take advantage of its immersive new features.”
There is a workaround though. If you use Remote Play to play your PS5 games…
