One of the most common questions from new PS5 owners is simple: can u use a ps4 controller on ps5? The honest answer is yes, with an important catch that trips up a lot of players. This guide explains exactly what your DualShock 4 can and cannot do on a PS5 so you know what to expect before you pair it.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Sony DualShock 4 (PS4) — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Can U Use a PS4 Controller on PS5? The Direct Answer
Yes, you can use a PS4 controller on a PS5, but only to play backward-compatible PS4 games, not native PS5 titles. Sony intentionally limits the DualShock 4 so it works with your existing PS4 library while blocking it from PS5-exclusive games that depend on the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and haptics. When you launch a native PS5 game with a DualShock 4 connected, the console posts a message telling you to switch to a DualSense. There is no setting to override this. Understanding that boundary up front means you will not waste time hunting for a workaround that does not exist. The table below lists solid controller choices for both PS4 backward compatibility and full PS5 gaming, and the sections after it explain each scenario.
| Product | Best For | Standout Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DualShock 4 (PS4) | Backward-compatible games | Simple PS5 pairing | 4.7/5 |
| Sony DualSense (PS5) | Native PS5 titles | Adaptive triggers and haptics | 4.8/5 |
| Sony DualSense Edge | Competitive PS5 play | Rear paddles and profiles | 4.6/5 |
| Scuf Reflex Pro | Custom PS5 layouts | Four remappable paddles | 4.5/5 |
| Nacon Revolution 5 Pro | Precision-focused players | Hall effect sticks | 4.5/5 |
When U Can Use a PS4 Controller on PS5
Your DualShock 4 works on PS5 the moment you open a backward-compatible PS4 game. Pairing is quick: connect a USB cable or hold the PlayStation and Share buttons to enter Bluetooth pairing, then confirm it in the accessories menu. From there it plays your PS4 catalog exactly as before, which is great for local co-op. Keep in mind that a DualShock 4 can only be bonded to one console at a time, so pairing it with your PS5 unpairs it from any PS4 you still own, requiring a quick re-pair when you switch back. Because of this, many players who own both consoles keep a dedicated pad for each system to avoid the back-and-forth. The controller charges over the PS5’s USB ports, and you can enable charging in rest mode through the power settings so it is ready whenever you want to jump into an older favorite. Our PS4 to PS5 setup walkthrough details the pairing steps.
When U Cannot Use a PS4 Controller on PS5
The limitation appears with native PS5 games. Because these titles are engineered around DualSense hardware, the PS5 refuses DualShock 4 input for them and prompts you to swap controllers. No firmware trick or hidden toggle changes this behavior, so if your library leans on PS5 exclusives, a DualSense is essential. This restriction is intentional on Sony’s part, ensuring that developers can rely on the DualSense feature set being present in every native PS5 experience they build. Our DualSense buying guide helps you pick the right one.
Using a PS4 Controller on PS5 Beyond Games
A DualShock 4 can still handle Remote Play through the app on phones and computers, and it manages some media playback. That flexibility makes it a useful secondary pad even after you upgrade. Just remember that certain system menus on the console itself expect a DualSense, so keep one handy for full navigation. See our Remote Play controller tips for the specifics.
Upgrading From a PS4 Controller on PS5
When you are ready to move beyond backward-compatible play, the standard DualSense is the obvious upgrade, while the DualSense Edge, Scuf Reflex Pro, and Nacon Revolution 5 Pro add paddles, tuning, and drift-resistant sticks. All of them fully support native PS5 games without any prompts. Compare them in our best PS5 controllers roundup and our PS4 vs PS5 controller comparison.
Do PS4 Accessories Work Alongside a PS4 Controller on PS5?
Beyond the controller itself, many players wonder whether their other PS4 gear carries over. Wired and wireless PS4 headsets generally work on the PS5, either through the controller’s audio jack or a USB adapter, so you can keep chatting with friends. However, some PS4-specific accessories such as certain charging docks are shaped for the older pad and will not fit a DualSense, so plan any upgrades accordingly. Officially licensed steering wheels and flight sticks that supported the PS4 often gain PS5 support through firmware from their makers, though you should confirm compatibility before assuming it works. Keeping your DualShock 4 as a secondary pad means those PS4-era peripherals still have a role in your setup. For a wider look at building out your rig, see our gaming accessories overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can u use a ps4 controller on ps5 for new games?
No, you cannot use a PS4 controller on a PS5 for native PS5 games. The DualShock 4 only works with backward-compatible PS4 titles played on the console. Any game designed specifically for the PS5 requires a DualSense, and the system will prompt you to switch if you try otherwise.
How do I pair a PS4 controller with a PS5?
Pair a DualShock 4 by connecting it to the PS5 with a USB cable, or hold the PlayStation and Share buttons until the light bar flashes and select it in the Bluetooth accessories settings. After pairing, it will control backward-compatible PS4 games, though not native PS5 titles.
Is there a workaround to use a PS4 controller on PS5 games?
No, there is no legitimate workaround to use a PS4 controller on native PS5 games. Sony enforces the restriction at the system level because PS5 titles rely on DualSense hardware features. No menu setting, firmware update, or adapter reliably bypasses this limitation for PS5-exclusive games.
Why keep a PS4 controller after getting a PS5?
Keeping a PS4 controller is worthwhile if you still enjoy backward-compatible PS4 games or want an extra pad for local multiplayer. It also serves well for Remote Play on mobile devices and computers, giving it ongoing usefulness even though it cannot control native PS5 games.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Sony DualShock 4 (PS4).
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Top picks from this guide
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