PS5 Games Not Compatible With DualShock 4 Controller, Sony Confirms

Much has been said about the PS5’s new controller design, the DualSense. Not only will it get the most radical design we’ve seen from the company’s controller since the original PlayStation days, a lot of developers seem to be excited about some new features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, and if you want play PS5 games, you’ll definitely need it.

In a new official PlayStation blog post, Sony confirmed that PS5 games will not be forward compatible with the PS4 DualShock 4 controller. While that’s been standard for generational shifts, of course, some people hoped that Sony would follow Microsoft who are allowing forward compatibility between Xbox One and Xbox Series X controllers. You can however play PS4 titles with the DualShock 4 that are backwards compatible if you so desire.

As far as other accessories, that’s a bit more positive as the Gold and Platinum headsets are confirmed to continue working for the PS5, as well as the PS Move Controllers and VR Aim Controller will work on supported games. The PlayStation Camera will also work, but it will need an adapter which the post says will be provided. While the DualShock 4 will not work with PS5 games, it does seem as if select specialty peripherals, such as ” officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks” will still work cross gen. You can read the blog post in full through here, or see the summary notes below.

As it stands now, we still don’t have a release date or price for the PlayStation 5, but it is slated to come out this holiday season.

• Specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks, will work with PS5 games and supported PS4 games.
• The Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack, will work on PS5 (the headset companion app is not compatible with PS5).
• The DualShock 4 wireless controller and PlayStation officially licensed third-party gamepad controllers will work with supported PS4 games.
• Both the PS Move Motion Controllers and the PlayStation VR Aim Controller will work with supported PS VR games on PS5.