PlayStation 5 Games Won’t Work With DualShock 4, Sony Confirms

The DualShock 4 is one of the best controllers in the business, but PlayStation fans looking to carry over their accessories may be left disappointed to hear that won’t largely be possible on the PlayStation 5. Sony recently confirmed in an announcement on their PlayStation Blog what accessories from the current generation would be compatible going forward onto the next one.

The headline point is that while the DualShock 4 will be usable on the PlayStation 5, it will only be for select PS4 titles that are backward-compatible. Sony said that the reason was down to wanting the next generation to utilize the features of the new DualSense controller. They discussed said reasoning on their blog:

“Will DualShock 4 work with PS5 games?”

No, we believe that PS5 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features we’re bringing to the platform, including the features of DualSense wireless controller.”

The new DuelSense controller was unveiled back in April, and alongside a departure in the naming scheme stretching back to the original PlayStation in 1995, it sported new features such as haptic triggers and a built-in microphone. One major complaint that fans have had with the DualShock 4 was that the battery life wasn’t amazing – it lasted around 4 to 5 hours on a single charge – and the DualSense could have a similarly lasting battery.

Sony has also clarified in the blog post that “specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks, will work with PS5 games and supported PS4 games.” PlayStation’s official wireless headsets (the Platinum and Gold) will be supported too, along with other selected third party headsets that connect via USB or audio jack. PlayStation Move and PlayStation VR Aim controllers will also be supported on certain PSVR games on PS5. The PlayStation Camera, used for the PS VR, will be compatible going forward but will require an additional adaptor for the PS5. Sony has said that more info on the adaptor will be revealed at a later date.

Sony also added that more news would come on the PlayStation 5 down the road, with the company yet to reveal the price or release date for their upcoming console. Their recent reveal event highlighted some future titles coming to PlayStation 5 – you can check out our recap here.