Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsShort answer: You cannot pair a PS2 or PS3 controller directly with a PS5 as if it were a current PlayStation controller. Sony says controllers made for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, including DUALSHOCK 2 and DUALSHOCK 3, are not compatible with PS5. A documented adapter route exists for a PS2 controller on PS3 and PS4, and Brook says a firmware update added support for PS4-format games running on PS5. That adapter is now marked end of life, and the PS5 note does not cover PS5-format games. A verified PS3-controller route for PS4 or PS5 is not established by the available documentation.
Compatibility at a glance
The console, controller generation and game format all matter. “Newer PlayStation” can mean PS3, PS4 or PS5, and PS5 further separates PS4-format software from PS5-format software.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Controller | Target | Connection type | What is documented | Practical result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS2 controller | PS3 | Adapter | Brook lists its PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter for PS3 use. | Check the exact controller and console against Brook’s compatibility information before relying on it. |
| PS2 controller | PS4 | Adapter | Brook lists the same converter for PS4 use. | A documented route, subject to the adapter’s compatibility list and availability. |
| PS2 controller | PS5 running PS4-format software | Adapter and firmware | Brook says firmware dated 2020-11-04 added support for PS4 games on PS5. | Limited to the stated PS4-game use case; the product is marked end of life. |
| PS2 or PS3 controller | PS5 running PS5-format software | Direct pairing | Sony says PS2- and PS3-generation controllers are not compatible with PS5. | Do not expect normal USB or Bluetooth pairing to work. |
| PS3 controller | PS4 or PS5 | Direct or adapter | No sufficiently verified route is established in the documentation covered here. | Treat compatibility as unresolved rather than assuming a PS2 converter also supports PS3 controllers. |
For the official PS5 wording, see Sony’s PS5 Safety Guide. For the specific converter, see Brook’s PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter page.
Start with a simple decision tree
First identify the controller, not just the plug. If it is a DUALSHOCK 2-era PS2 pad, the documented option is a converter that names PS2 controllers and the target console. If it is a DUALSHOCK 3, stop and look for a product whose manufacturer explicitly lists PS3 controllers; the Brook converter described here is not evidence of that support.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Next identify the destination. A PS3 or PS4 uses the adapter’s ordinary target-console listing. A PS5 requires one extra question: is the game a PS4-format title running through backward compatibility, or a native PS5-format title? Brook’s PS5 statement applies only to the former. If you cannot identify the edition, check the game’s tile, disc label or store listing before buying hardware.
Finally decide whether you need a supported setup or are experimenting. A direct cable or Bluetooth search is not a substitute for a compatibility listing. For a dependable setup, every link in the chain should be named: controller generation, converter model, console and game format.
Why a PS2 or PS3 controller does not pair normally with PS5
PS5’s ordinary controller setup is designed for current PlayStation controllers, not for every controller that has ever used a USB cable or Bluetooth. Sony’s safety guide states: “Controllers intended for use with PlayStation®, PlayStation®2, and PlayStation®3 consoles, such as the analog controllers (DUALSHOCK® and DUALSHOCK®2) and the DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller, are not compatible with the PS5 console.” That is a compatibility statement, not a suggestion to try a different pairing order.
Consequently, plugging a DUALSHOCK 2 or DUALSHOCK 3 into a PS5 and pressing its PlayStation button is not a supported direct setup. The same applies to treating a legacy controller as a generic Bluetooth gamepad: the PS5 does not officially accept those controller generations through its normal accessory-registration process.
Do not confuse this with DUALSHOCK 4 support. Sony says a DUALSHOCK 4 is compatible with PlayStation 4-format software on PS5, but not with PS5-format software. That software-generation boundary is why a controller can work for one title on PS5 and be rejected by another. The DUALSHOCK 4 rule does not make a DUALSHOCK 2 or DUALSHOCK 3 compatible.
Identify the controller and the software before buying anything
Confirm the controller generation
A PS2 controller is a DUALSHOCK 2-era pad intended for PlayStation 2. A PS3 controller is a DUALSHOCK 3-era wireless pad. They are different controller generations, even though both may be described casually as “old PlayStation controllers.” The Brook product documented here is a PS2 to PS3/PS4 converter. Its description does not establish support for DUALSHOCK 3 or other PS3 controllers.
If you are unsure which one you own, check the markings on the controller and the console for which it was sold. Do not identify it only by the connector: a cable or an adapter can make different generations appear physically similar while their protocols remain different.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Confirm the destination console
Write down whether the destination is a PS3, a PS4 or a PS5. On PS5, also write down whether the game is a PS4-format game running through backward compatibility or a native PS5-format game. That second check changes the answer even when the console itself is the same.
Check the exact adapter status
Brook marks the PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter as end of life. End-of-life status means you should verify that a unit is genuinely available, that the seller identifies the same model, and that Brook’s support and firmware resources still cover your hardware. Availability, warranty terms and any current price are not established here, so do not treat an old listing as proof of present support.
Save the product page and model number when you find a used unit. Two converters can have similar names while targeting different controller generations. A listing that says only “PlayStation adapter” is not enough to establish compatibility, and a seller’s statement that a device is “USB compatible” does not identify the console protocol it implements.
Using a PS2 controller on PS3 or PS4 with the documented converter
Brook documents the PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter as the relevant adapter path. This is an adapter-based connection, not native compatibility. The following process keeps the important checks in the right order without assuming an unverified button sequence or game-specific behavior.
- Match the hardware. Confirm that your controller is a PS2 controller and that the destination is PS3 or PS4. Do not substitute a DUALSHOCK 3 and assume the same converter supports it.
- Verify the exact model. Open Brook’s product page and compare the model identification, supported direction and any listed compatibility notes with the unit you intend to use. Because the page marks the product end of life, archive or photograph the model information before buying a second-hand unit.
- Check firmware requirements. If Brook provides firmware instructions for your unit, follow those instructions before testing games. Use only firmware intended for that converter; a firmware file for another Brook model is not interchangeable merely because the plugs look alike.
- Connect according to the adapter’s labels and manual. Attach the PS2 controller to the converter’s controller-side connection and the converter to the PlayStation console-side connection. Use the ports and cable arrangement specified for that model rather than adding an unverified hub or extension.
- Start the console and test with a compatible game. Test basic navigation and several controls in a PS3 or PS4 title. A response from the console confirms that the connection is being recognized; it does not prove that every game, accessory function or pressure-sensitive input is supported.
- Record the result by game and console. If one title works and another does not, note the console, game format and adapter firmware. That information is more useful than saying simply that the controller “works” or “doesn’t work.”
The converter’s documented purpose establishes a PS2-controller path for PS3 and PS4, but it does not guarantee identical behavior across every PS2 model, game or third-party accessory. Treat Brook’s compatibility information as the controlling reference for the exact hardware combination.
What this setup does not promise
An adapter translates a controller connection; it does not turn a PS2 pad into a current-generation controller in every respect. The cited listing does not promise support for every extra accessory, every pressure-sensitive feature or every title. A successful menu test is useful, but it is only one check. Test the controls that matter for the particular game, including both sticks, shoulder buttons and any functions the game requires.
Do not add assumptions about wireless operation. The documented route is a specific converter and a PS2 controller; follow that model’s connection instructions rather than assuming that the controller can be paired separately with the console.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Using a PS2 controller on PS5
What Brook’s firmware note actually says
Brook says a firmware update dated 2020-11-04 added support for PS4 games on PS5 for the PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter. This is narrower than “the adapter works on PS5.” The documented use case is a PS2 controller, the named converter, and PS4-format software running on a PS5.
Recommended Free Tools
That statement does not establish support for native PS5-format games. It also does not establish that every PS2 controller revision, every PS5 system-software version or every game-specific feature will behave identically. Check the adapter’s firmware state and Brook’s compatibility notes before depending on it.
How to decide whether your PS5 game qualifies
- If the game is a PS4 edition running on PS5, the Brook note is the relevant documented case.
- If the game is a native PS5 edition, the cited documentation does not say that the PS2 adapter works.
- If a game offers both editions, launch the PS4 version only if that is acceptable to you; choosing the PS5 version changes the controller-compatibility question.
Even in the PS4-game case, the converter’s end-of-life status means present availability and ongoing support are practical risks. A listing for a used adapter is not equivalent to a current manufacturer recommendation.
PS5 setup checks
Before connecting anything, confirm the game edition and the adapter firmware. Then make the physical connections exactly as specified for the converter and test at the PS5 home screen or in a PS4-format game. If the PS5 ignores the pad, do not keep repeating the normal DualSense pairing sequence; recheck the adapter model, firmware and game edition instead.
If you later switch from a PS4 edition to a native PS5 edition, treat that as a new compatibility test. The same console and controller do not guarantee the same result because Sony defines compatibility by software generation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What is known about a PS3 controller on PS4 or PS5
The available documentation does not provide a sufficiently verified adapter route for using a PS3 controller on PS4 or PS5. Do not extend the PS2 converter’s name into a claim that it accepts DUALSHOCK 3. “PS2 to PS3/PS4” describes the controller generation on one side and the target consoles on the other; it is not evidence that a PS3 controller is supported.
For the same reason, avoid generic instructions such as “plug the PS3 controller into USB, press PS and wait.” Those steps are not an established PS4 or PS5 setup in the cited sources. A cable can provide power without providing a recognized game-controller protocol, and Bluetooth discovery does not change Sony’s stated PS5 compatibility boundary.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If a retailer or forum claims that a different converter supports PS3 controllers, look for a manufacturer compatibility list that names your controller generation, destination console and game format together. Without that combination, label the route unverified rather than presenting it as a solution.
Why the PS2 adapter name can be misleading
The phrase “PS2 to PS3/PS4” is directional. It identifies a PS2 controller on the input side and PS3 or PS4 consoles on the output side. It does not mean “all controllers from the PS2 and PS3 era,” and it does not mean the converter has been tested with a DUALSHOCK 3. Read product names as specifications, not as broad generation labels.
Do not apply current-controller pairing instructions to legacy pads
PlayStation’s Controllers Support pages describe normal pairing and use for current DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers. Those instructions are useful when you own the supported controller for the console, but they do not override Sony’s PS5 safety statement for PS2 and PS3 controllers.
In practical terms, the normal “connect by USB, press the PS button, then select the user” workflow is for the controller families Sony documents for that console. It is not a universal registration method for a DUALSHOCK 2 or DUALSHOCK 3. If the old controller is going to work, the connection must be covered by a specifically documented adapter path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting by symptom
The PS5 never reacts to the controller
- Confirm that you are not attempting direct PS2/PS3 pairing. Sony lists both generations as incompatible with PS5.
- Check whether an adapter is actually present and whether it is the exact model documented for the controller generation.
- For a PS2 adapter, verify the controller-side and console-side connections and any required firmware procedure from Brook.
- Do not interpret a charging light or USB power as proof that input data is supported.
The adapter works on PS4 but not on PS5
- Check the game’s edition. Brook’s PS5 note concerns PS4-format games, not PS5-format games.
- Confirm that the converter received the firmware update Brook dated 2020-11-04, if that update is applicable to your unit.
- Recheck the model number, because end-of-life products can be confused with similarly named converters.
The controller works in one game but not another
- Record whether each title is PS3-format, PS4-format or PS5-format software.
- Test basic buttons and sticks separately; a game may recognize the controller while not exposing every legacy input feature.
- Consult the adapter’s exact compatibility information rather than assuming that one successful title proves universal support.
The converter is unavailable or listed at an unusual price
Because Brook marks the model end of life, scarcity and second-hand pricing can change independently of compatibility. There is no established current price to use as a benchmark. Verify the model number, condition, return policy and whether the seller includes the required cables. A higher price does not prove that a unit is newer or better supported, and a low price does not prove that it is genuine.
A PS3 controller is the only pad available
There is no verified PS4/PS5 route established here. Do not buy a PS2-specific converter on the assumption that it will accept a PS3 controller. The reliable next step is to find a controller officially supported by the target console or a converter whose manufacturer explicitly lists your PS3 controller and target game format.
Outdated 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 matchWindows 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 reinstallBuying and setup checklist
- Controller generation identified: PS2 or PS3.
- Target console identified: PS3, PS4 or PS5.
- For PS5, game edition identified: PS4-format or PS5-format.
- Adapter model matches the documented controller direction.
- Firmware requirement checked, including the 2020-11-04 PS5-related note for Brook’s converter.
- End-of-life status and current availability verified before purchase.
- Compatibility checked for the exact controller, console and game combination.
- Seller’s model number, condition and return terms recorded for a second-hand unit.
- Expectations limited to the documented use case; no assumption that every button, accessory or title behaves identically.
Bottom line for each combination
A PS2 controller has a documented adapter path on PS3 and PS4 through Brook’s PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter, provided the exact hardware is compatible. Brook also documents a firmware update for PS4-format games on PS5, but the converter is end of life and that note does not cover native PS5 games. A PS2 or PS3 controller cannot be presented as directly compatible with PS5, and a dependable PS3-controller route for PS4 or PS5 remains unverified in the available documentation.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a PS2 controller directly to a PS5?
No. Sony says controllers intended for PlayStation 2, including DUALSHOCK 2, are not compatible with PS5. A direct USB or Bluetooth pairing attempt is not a supported setup.
Can I connect a PS3 DUALSHOCK 3 directly to a PS5?
No. Sony’s PS5 safety guide also lists the DUALSHOCK 3 as incompatible. The normal USB-and-PS-button pairing procedure does not change that.
What adapter works with a PS2 controller on PS4?
Brook documents its PS2 to PS3/PS4 Super Converter for PS2 controllers on PS4. Confirm the exact model and compatibility details, because Brook marks this product end of life.
Does the Brook PS2 converter work with PS5 games?
Brook’s firmware note dated 2020-11-04 concerns PS4-format games running on PS5. It does not establish support for native PS5-format games.
Can I use the Brook PS2-to-PS3/PS4 converter with a PS3 controller?
Do not assume so. The product is documented for PS2 controllers; the available documentation does not verify that it accepts DUALSHOCK 3 or other PS3 controllers.
Why might a controller work on one PS5 game but not another?
PS5 distinguishes PS4-format software from PS5-format software. The documented Brook case is limited to PS4-format games, so changing a game’s edition can change the compatibility result.
Is the Brook converter still sold new?
Brook marks the named converter end of life. Availability, price, warranty and current support must be checked with the seller and Brook rather than assumed from an old listing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What should I check before buying a used adapter?
Match the model number, controller generation, destination console and PS5 game format where applicable. Also check firmware requirements, physical condition, included cables and the seller’s return terms.
The Bottom Line
Direct PS2 or PS3 controller pairing is not supported on PS5. A documented PS2-adapter route exists for PS3 and PS4, and Brook reports PS4-game support on PS5 after a 2020-11-04 firmware update. That end-of-life converter is not documented for native PS5 games or PS3 controllers, so verify every hardware and software combination before buying.
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.
