One of the most common questions from gamers upgrading their console is whether their old DualShock 4 will still work on Sony’s newer hardware. The short version is that you can connect a PS4 controller to a PS5, but there is an important limitation you need to understand before you rely on it. This guide explains exactly how the pairing works, when it functions, and when you will need a dedicated DualSense instead.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Can You Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5?
Yes, you can connect a PS4 controller to a PS5, but only for playing PS4 games through backward compatibility. Sony officially supports the DualShock 4 for titles that were originally released on the PlayStation 4, meaning you can pair the pad over Bluetooth or USB and use it to play your existing PS4 library. However, the DualShock 4 will not work with native PS5 games. If you launch a PS5-exclusive title while holding a DualShock 4, the system will prompt you to connect a DualSense controller instead. This restriction exists because PS5 games are built to require DualSense-specific features such as adaptive triggers and advanced haptics, which the older pad simply cannot reproduce.
How to Connect a PS4 Controller to a PS5
Pairing a PS4 controller to a PS5 is straightforward. Connect the DualShock 4 to the console with a USB cable, then press the PlayStation button to sign in. To pair wirelessly, go to Settings, then Accessories, then Bluetooth Accessories, and put the controller into pairing mode by holding the Share and PlayStation buttons until the light bar flashes. Once paired, the pad can be used in the PS5 menus and for any backward-compatible PS4 game. If you ever want to check compatibility for a different accessory, our guide on whether a PS5 controller works on a PS4 covers the reverse scenario in detail.
Best Controllers for Connecting to a PS5
If you want a pad that works flawlessly across both PS4 backward-compatible titles and native PS5 games, the table below compares the top options. The official DualShock 4 remains a great choice for PS4 games, while a DualSense is essential for the newest releases.
| Product | Best For | Standout Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller | Playing PS4 games on a PS5 | Full backward-compatible support | 4.7/5 |
| Sony DualSense Wireless Controller | Native PS5 games | Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback | 4.8/5 |
| Sony DualSense Edge | Competitive players | Remappable back buttons and swappable sticks | 4.6/5 |
| PowerA Advantage Wired Controller | Budget-conscious gamers | Mappable gaming buttons at a low cost | 4.4/5 |
| Nacon Revolution 5 Pro | Pro-level customization | Hall-effect sticks and deep tuning app | 4.5/5 |
Why a PS4 Controller Won’t Play PS5 Games
The reason you can connect a PS4 controller to a PS5 but not use it for PS5 titles comes down to hardware requirements. Native PS5 games are designed around the DualSense, which introduces adaptive triggers that create resistance and haptic motors that deliver detailed vibration. Because so many PS5 games build these into core gameplay, Sony decided not to let the DualShock 4 substitute for them. This keeps the experience consistent for developers. If your DualSense is having pairing trouble instead, our walkthrough on a PS5 controller that won’t connect can help you troubleshoot.
Using a PS4 Controller for Remote Play and Media
Beyond gaming, a DualShock 4 connected to your PS5 works well for navigating the interface, streaming apps, and Remote Play sessions where the actual gameplay runs on a PS4 title. Many players keep a spare DualShock 4 charged as a backup pad for guests, since it costs less than a second DualSense. If you also game on a computer, you may find our roundup of the best gamepads for PC useful, as the DualShock 4 pairs nicely with Windows through Bluetooth or Steam input as well.
Charging and Battery Considerations
A DualShock 4 uses a micro-USB port for charging, which differs from the USB-C connector on the DualSense. If you own both pads, remember to keep the correct cable handy. The PS5 will charge a connected DualShock 4 in rest mode as long as the USB ports are set to supply power. For extended sessions, a charging dock keeps your controllers topped up and ready. Gamers who value versatility across systems should also look at our comparison of the best Pro controllers for PC to see how the DualShock 4 stacks up against alternatives.
When You Should Upgrade to a DualSense
If your library is shifting toward newer PS5-exclusive releases, upgrading to a DualSense becomes worthwhile. The adaptive triggers and haptics transform the way many modern games feel, adding tension to bow draws, texture to driving surfaces, and weight to weapon fire. While your DualShock 4 remains perfectly usable for PS4 games, it cannot deliver those sensations. Anyone building a broader setup can compare options in our guide to connecting a Switch Pro controller to a PC for cross-platform flexibility, or explore the best Xbox controllers if you play across ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5 wirelessly?
Yes, you can pair a DualShock 4 to a PS5 over Bluetooth by opening Settings, choosing Accessories, then Bluetooth Accessories, and holding the Share and PlayStation buttons until the light bar flashes. Once detected, select the controller to complete the wireless pairing and use it for PS4 games.
Why won’t my PS4 controller work with PS5 games?
Sony intentionally restricts the DualShock 4 to backward-compatible PS4 titles because native PS5 games rely on DualSense-exclusive features like adaptive triggers and advanced haptics. When you launch a PS5 game with a DualShock 4, the console prompts you to connect a DualSense controller before you can continue playing.
Can I use a PS4 controller and DualSense at the same time?
Yes, you can register multiple controllers on a single PS5 and switch between a DualShock 4 and a DualSense freely. This is useful for local multiplayer PS4 games, where one player uses the older pad while another uses the DualSense, since both are recognized simultaneously by the console.
Does connecting a PS4 controller to a PS5 affect performance?
No, connecting a DualShock 4 to a PS5 does not reduce performance or cause input lag in backward-compatible PS4 games. The controller behaves exactly as it did on a PlayStation 4, with the same responsiveness and button mapping, so your older library plays smoothly without any noticeable difference in latency or reliability.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.
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