Yes—but only for specific uses. A genuine Sony DUALSHOCK 4 works directly on a PS5 with supported PS4 games and compatible PS VR titles. It does not control native PS5 games directly on the console, which require a DualSense. You can use a DualShock 4 with PS5 games through PS Remote Play, but streaming adds network-dependent latency and feature limitations.
PS4 controller compatibility on PS5 at a glance
| What you want to do | Does DualShock 4 work? | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Play a PS4 game on PS5 | Yes | The game must be running as its PS4 version and be supported by PS5 backward compatibility. |
| Play a native PS5 game directly on the console | No | Sony requires a DualSense for PS5 games. |
| Play a supported PS VR game on PS5 | Yes | Some titles require or recommend DualShock 4; others need Move or Aim controllers. |
| Play a PS5 game through Remote Play | Yes, with limitations | The DualShock 4 pairs with the compatible phone, tablet, PC, Mac, or supported TV device. |
| Use a licensed third-party PS4 gamepad | Maybe | Compatibility varies by manufacturer, console, accessory, and game. |
| Use a fight stick, racing wheel, or flight stick | Depends | These accessories have separate compatibility requirements. |
When a DualShock 4 works directly on PS5
Sony officially supports the DUALSHOCK 4 for supported PS4 games played on PS5. This includes digital PS4 games, compatible PS4 disc games on a PS5 with a disc drive, and supported games installed on compatible USB extended storage. Backward compatibility is not universal, so check a particular title if it has unusual peripheral or feature requirements. See Sony’s PS5 compatibility guidance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A DualSense can also control PS4 games, but using a DualShock 4 may be preferable if you want the original PS4 controller feel and rumble behavior. It is also a practical extra controller for local multiplayer in compatible PS4 titles.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →When it does not work
A DualShock 4 cannot be used directly to play a native PS5 game on the PS5. Sony’s peripheral compatibility FAQ explicitly excludes it from PS5 games. Native PS5 titles may depend on DualSense features such as haptic feedback and adaptive trigger resistance, so the restriction is more than a controller branding choice.
#1 Best Overall
- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
The same applies when a game exists in both PS4 and PS5 editions. A PS4 disc or digital license does not prove that the PS4 edition is currently running. If you launch the native PS5 version, you need a DualSense. If you launch the PS4 version, a DualShock 4 is generally supported, subject to the game’s own compatibility.
How to check the game version
Look at the game tile, installed versions, or the options shown in your library and select the PS4 edition where the game provides both versions. The exact labels and menu presentation can vary with the game and PS5 system software, so there is no single button sequence that applies everywhere. If the controller works in the PS5 menus but is rejected when a game starts, checking the version is one of the first things to do.
PS VR is an important exception
For supported PS VR games on PS5, Sony recommends the DualShock 4 for the best experience. Depending on the title, you may also need PlayStation Move motion controllers or the PlayStation VR Aim controller. The PS4 PlayStation Camera and the required camera adaptor are also part of the PS VR setup. Controller requirements remain game-specific, so a DualShock 4 does not replace every PS VR accessory.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #2
- 🎮【Kind Remind】- Fully compatible with PS4/PS4 pro/Slim. USB wired connection supports PC(Windows 7/8/10/11). With this controller, you can enjoy games in multiple platforms. (Note: you need to activate device with the USB cable in the package for the first connection.)
- 🎮【Support for Built-in Vibration Function】 The game controller has two built-in motion motors, which give you different intensity feedback and a more realistic game experience.
- 🎮【New Way to Play】- The clickable touch pad and integrated light bar offer you a new way to play games. Additionally, 3.5mm audio jack supports compatible headphone.You can enjoy volume controls located directly on the controller and don’t need to worry about disturbing others.is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】- The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Customer Service】- We have a reliable after-sale service team. If you have any problems with the product once it arrives or if you have any questions about the product, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team via Amazon e-mail.
This makes the DualShock 4 worth keeping even if you buy a DualSense for ordinary PS5 gaming.
How to connect a DualShock 4 to PS5
- Turn on the PS5.
- Connect the DualShock 4 with a compatible data-capable Micro-USB cable.
- Press the controller’s PS button.
- Choose a user profile if the console asks you to.
- Start a supported PS4 game.
- After pairing, disconnect the cable if you want to use the controller wirelessly.
A charging-only Micro-USB cable may charge the controller without carrying the data needed for pairing. Sony’s DualShock 4 support instructions document the USB reconnection method; for PS5 use, starting with USB is more reliable than treating the console like a phone and expecting a normal Bluetooth pairing process.
Can you use it wirelessly?
Yes, after the USB pairing process has succeeded, the cable can be removed for wireless use. If wireless operation fails, reconnect the controller by USB and press PS again. A controller already paired with another device may also need to be reconnected to the PS5 before it responds normally.
Rank #3
- 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
- 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
- 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
Using a DualShock 4 with PS5 games through Remote Play
Remote Play is the main workaround for playing a PS5 game with a DualShock 4. The PS5 runs the game, while its video and controls are streamed to another compatible device. The controller connects to that client device—not necessarily directly to the PS5 as a native PS5-game controller.
Sony lists DualShock 4 support for Remote Play on compatible Android phones and tablets, iPhone and iPad, Windows PC, Mac, and certain Android TV devices. Requirements and supported features can vary by operating system and device. Use the official PlayStation Remote Play page for current device and software requirements, and update the PS5 to the latest system software where required.
Remote Play setup
- Install the official PS Remote Play app on the compatible device.
- Sign in with the same PlayStation account used on the PS5.
- Enable Remote Play on the PS5.
- Pair the DualShock 4 with the phone, tablet, computer, or supported TV device.
- Start the Remote Play session and launch the PS5 game.
Sony lists 5 Mbps as the minimum connection speed and recommends at least 15 Mbps for a better experience. Network congestion and Wi-Fi quality can still cause delay, image quality problems, or disconnections. Fast-action, rhythm, and competitive games are particularly sensitive to input latency. Some DualShock 4 features, including touchpad, motion, rumble, and audio functions, may be unavailable or behave differently depending on the client device.
Rank #4
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
Remote Play therefore makes the answer “yes” only indirectly. It is not native DualShock 4 compatibility for PS5 games, and it does not reproduce the full DualSense experience. For a PS5-to-PS4 Remote Play setup, Sony also documents the relevant Remote Play instructions.
What you lose compared with DualSense
A DualShock 4 does not provide DualSense haptic feedback, adaptive trigger resistance, or the DualSense’s built-in microphone. Those features are available only when the game, controller, and connection method support them. In PS4 games, however, the DualShock 4 can preserve the familiar control layout and original rumble effects.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Can you use a DualSense and DualShock 4 together?
For a PS4 game running on PS5, a DualShock 4 and a DualSense can generally be used together for local multiplayer, provided the game supports the required number of players. A native PS5 game requires compatible DualSense controllers directly on the console, so a DualShock 4 is not a safe choice as the second controller. The game’s own player-count and accessory requirements still decide the final result.
Best Value
- 🎮【Attention】It's compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. When you are connecting it to game console for the first time, you need to use the charge cable in the package. When you are connecting it to PC, you need to hold down 'share + home' for 3 seconds. The controller's white light would flash, and you'll see the controller on your PC, which has the BT name 'wireless controller'.
- 🎮【Unique Design】The Galaxy design is inspired by the designer's love for the vast universe, different colors of nebulae accompanied by meteorites, if you use it at night, with a little light, then, you are not only holding the controller, but the whole universe.
- 🎮【Custom Process】The galaxy design are printed on the controller shell by water transfer process. They are not cheap stickers. We apply a smooth hand feel oil to the surface to ensure that hand sweat will not erode it.
- 🎮【Turbo Function】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You Can Get：1x Controller for PS4;1x USB-C Charge Cable;1x User Manual. AceGamer specializes in providing customized controllers for game lovers. No matter what problem you encounter, please leave us a message, we will reply to you within 24 hours.
Troubleshooting connection problems
The controller does not pair
- Try a different Micro-USB cable confirmed to support data transfer.
- Try another USB port on the PS5.
- Charge the controller first.
- Press the small reset button on the back of the DualShock 4 with a pin.
- Reconnect it by USB and press the PS button.
- Test another controller or cable to identify which component is failing.
If it still will not connect, use Sony’s PlayStation hardware support and repair options. A worn battery, damaged port, counterfeit controller, or cable fault can produce the same symptoms as an incompatibility problem.
It pairs but the game rejects it
Confirm that the title is running as the PS4 version. Other possibilities include a game that does not support the controller, a special accessory requirement, or a third-party pad that lacks the necessary license or title support.
Remote Play is laggy
- Use a wired connection for the PS5 where practical.
- Move the client device closer to the Wi-Fi router.
- Reduce other network traffic.
- Choose a lower resolution or frame-rate setting if the app offers one.
- Compare the connection with Sony’s 5 Mbps minimum and 15 Mbps recommended target.
Should you buy a DualSense?
- You mainly play PS4 games: Keep using the DualShock 4 and buy nothing unless it needs replacing.
- You play native PS5 games: Buy or use a DualSense; it is required for direct console play.
- You use PS VR: Keep the DualShock 4 even if you also buy a DualSense.
- You need another controller for PS5 local multiplayer: A DualSense is the safer purchase.
- You only occasionally want to play PS5 games with your old controller: Try Remote Play if your network is stable and you accept latency and missing features.
Do not assume that an inexpensive controller advertised as “PS4-compatible” has the same PS5 behavior as a genuine Sony DualShock 4. Sony says officially licensed third-party gamepads can work with supported PS4 games, but compatibility varies by manufacturer and title. Fight sticks, wheels, flight sticks, and other specialty accessories require their own compatibility checks.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
