Your (PS4) controller will work on the PS5, but only on supported PS4 games.
With the announcement of the brand new PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, you might be wondering if your current PS4 DualShock 4 controller will also work on the new console.
Today, PlayStation introduced DualSense, the controller that will accompany the Playstation 5.
While many expected the PS5 controller to follow the same naming scheme of its predecessors and be named DualShock 5, the new DualSense naming suggests a controller than is quite a bit different than the PS4 controller that most of us are used to.
What's the difference between DualShock 4 Controller and DualSense?
The new DualSense controller includes updated haptic feedback as well as "adaptive triggers" that can allow a game to increase the tension of the L2 and R2 buttons. What this amounts to is a controller experience that feels more immersive in your hands, with more believable vibrations and tension.
The DualSense controller has a slightly different angle of the hand triggers and subtle updates to the grip. It also adds USB-C charging and a built-in microphone in addition to the existing speaker, so you always have a mic handy, although Sony recommends an actual headset "if you are planning to chat for a longer period".
Source: PlayStation
Because of these changes, you may be hesitant about the new features, shape, and feel of the DualSense controller. Or maybe you just want to ensure that you don't need to purchase a 2nd DualSense controller in order to play multiplayer games.
Will your existing PS4 (DualSock 4) controller be compatible?
Update August 3, 2020: According to PlayStation's blog post:
"The DualShock 4 wireless controller and PlayStation officially licensed third-party gamepad controllers will work with supported PS4 games."
This means that your (PS4) controller will work on the PS5, but only on supported PS4 games. So if you plan to play any PS5 titles, you'll unfortunately need to pick up the new DualSense controller designed specifically for the PS5.
PlayStation's reasoning for this decision is that they "believe that PS5 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features we’re bringing to the platform, including the features of DualSense wireless controller".
Will my PS4 headset work on PS5?
In the same blog post, PlayStation confirms:
The Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack, will work on PS5 (the headset companion app is not compatible with PS5).
So as long as you're using a headset with a USB or 3.5mm connection, your headset should be fine on PS5, albeit without the headset companion app. PlayStation has also confirmed that headsets connected via USB or 3.5mm will have 3D audio support, so you have lots of options!
Which Arctis Headsets are Compatible with PlayStation 5?
Check out this handy video on how to connect your SteelSeries headset to PS5:
What about other peripherals?
They also note that "specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks, will work with PS5 games and supported PS4 games.", so you won't need to replace any wheels, arcade sticks, or fight sticks...just your controllers.
So, in short, your controller can't come with you from PS4 to PS5, but your other peripherals should be fine.
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