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How to Play Two Players on PS5: Pair a Second Controller

Connect a second DualSense, launch a PS5 game with local multiplayer, and follow its player-two prompt. Game and mode support varies.
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To play two players on one PS5, connect a second DualSense controller, open a game with a local multiplayer mode, then use that game’s on-screen prompt to add player two. Two controllers do not make a single-player game multiplayer; support and join steps vary by game and mode.

Connect a second DualSense controller

PlayStation says a PS5 can use up to four controllers at the same time. That is the console’s controller limit, not a promise that every game supports four local players.

Pair it with a USB cable

  1. Turn on the PS5 and connect the second DualSense to the console with a USB cable.
  2. Press the PS button on the second controller to pair it.

This is the simplest way to make an initial connection. See PlayStation’s DualSense connection guide for controller pairing details.

Pair it wirelessly

  1. With the first controller, open Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.
  2. On the second controller, hold Create and the PS button together until its light bar blinks.
  3. Use the first controller to select the second controller when it appears on the PS5 screen.

Join a local multiplayer game

  1. Start a game that supports local multiplayer on PS5.
  2. Choose a local co-op or versus mode, if the game asks you to select one.
  3. Follow the game’s on-screen instructions for player two. The prompt and button can differ from game to game.

There is no universal PS5 setting that turns a single-player title into a two-player game. Check the game’s current PlayStation Store listing or its in-game multiplayer options to confirm local support and player count before buying or setting it up. PlayStation’s local multiplayer game guide includes examples such as EA SPORTS FC 26 and NBA 2K26, listed for 2–4 local players, and Tekken 8 for local one-on-one fights.

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#1 Best Overall
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
  • Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
  • Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
  • Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
  • DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
  • PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.

Choose a game and mode that fit

Local multiplayer may be cooperative or competitive. Some games put players on a split screen; others show everyone on a shared screen. Support can also be limited to particular modes: for example, PlayStation’s guide describes Fortnite Battle Royale split-screen for two players in Duos and Squads, and Vampire Survivors as local co-op for up to four.

  • Play style: Look for co-op to work together or versus play to compete.
  • Local player count: Confirm whether the mode supports two players—or more, if needed.
  • Screen layout: Check whether players share one view or use split-screen.
  • Requirements: Some games may require an internet connection or online account even when played side by side; check the current listing for the specific title.
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If the other player is not in the room

Share Play is a separate feature for sharing a game session with a remote visitor; it is not the same as two people playing locally on one console. The host starts Share Play from a party voice chat, invites one visitor, and selects a mode. Play with the visitor requires PlayStation Plus for both the host and visitor, and a session automatically ends one hour after the visitor joins. Availability may depend on the account and game. See PlayStation’s Share Play guide.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.; Devices with macOS 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 or tvOS 14.5 or later supported.
$58.00
Bestseller No. 2
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
Ultra Customizable Controls; Mappable Back Buttons; DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
$199.00
Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback; Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
$79.00
Bestseller No. 5
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.; Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
$74.00
Best Value
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
  • Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
  • Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
  • Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
  • Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
  • Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
  • Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
  • A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
  • Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
  • Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Rank #3
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
  • Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
  • Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
  • Chat online through the built-in microphone
  • Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
  • Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
Rank #2
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Ultra Customizable Controls
  • Mappable Back Buttons
  • DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
  • Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps

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.

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