Unfortunately, players won’t be able to use the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller while playing PS5 games. The upcoming next-gen Sony console will have its own DualSense controller, which was just recently shown off in a hands-on demonstration by Summer Games Fest mastermind Geoff Keighley a few weeks ago.
Developers and industry insiders with first-hand experience handling the new PS5 controller have promised that it will include many new groundbreaking features, such as haptic feedback technology that will allow players to feel the raindrops pouring on them in-game and a built-in microphone that could eliminate the need for a headset (even if it does raise some serious questions about player privacy). Still, some fans would prefer to use the old DualShock 4 with their new console, especially given how, for all the significant changes in the DualSense's futuristic white-and-black design, the button layout among the two controllers are pretty much identical, additional feedback in the side triggers notwithstanding.
Sadly, the aforementioned new features in the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller will prevent the old DualShock 4 from being compatible with the PS5’s games, as confirmed in a recent article on PlayStation that answered several fan questions regarding the new console. PlayStation's Isabelle Tomatis explained, “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.” However, the PS5 will still be compatible with PS4 controllers and accessories when playing PS4 games via the system’s previously documented backward compatibility.
PlayStation console competitor Xbox has previously stated that the current Xbox One’s controllers will be fully compatible with the upcoming Series X, in stark contrast to the approach Sony seems to be taking here. The comparisons between the two companies’ controllers are part of the ongoing debate over which new-gen console will be the better choice for players, with even former Xbox marketing boss Albert Penello weighing in the DualSense’s design and features back in April.
Sony’s explanation for why the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller won’t be compatible with the PS5’s next-gen titles makes some sense due to the new DualSense’s plethora of new features, but there will be players who are disappointed that they won’t be able to play their new PS5 games with their trusty DualShock 4s. This is especially true given how the button layouts are still largely unchanged between the two PlayStation console generations. Regardless, fans will still be able to enjoy their old DualShock 4 controllers while playing older PS4 games on their PlayStation 5 console when it releases sometime later this year.
Source: PlayStation