PlayStation fans who already purchased thePlayStation 5DualSense Controller are reporting that the accessory is able to pair up with a variety of consoles, including the PlayStation 3, PC,and even the Nintendo Switch. However, those same reports state that the controller is unable to pair up with the PlayStation 4, thus making the current-generation console unable to recognize next-generation technology.

With thePlayStation 5’s launch on the horizon, Sony has decided to release accessories for the console ahead of time, including items likethe PS5 DualSense Controllerand the Media Remote. In return, fans used that as an opportunity to purchase the controller for analysis, first impression reviews, breakdowns, and compatibility tests. After testing the PS5 controller with other consoles, some of the fans were surprised to find out that the controller was able to pair up with the PS3 but not the PS4, essentially meaning that it is technically possible to play PS3 games on their native console with a PS5 controller (despite having some differences due to controller design and technology like the PS button).

One possible theory that may explain why the PS3 is able to recognize the PS5 controller is due to how the PS3 was constructed. Specifically, the console has built-in compatibility with generic Bluetooth devices which allows it to recognize the PS5 controller. The PS4 on the other hand is technically able to also recognize the PS5 controller, but not receive or accept any inputs from it. For instance, trying to connect the PS5 controller to the PS4 via a USB cable does not work, while trying to connect the controller via wireless means only allows the PS4 to give users the option to register the controller but nothing else. As such, one may think that the PS4 will be out of luck altogether, but withSony promising to support the PS4after the PS5 releases may give fans some kind of glimmer of hope. In other words, there may be some chance for controller support at one point in the future, despite being very slim.

Despite not being able to accept the PS5 controller’s connection, there is still technically a way for the PS4 to recognize the controller for now. If a user connects the PS5 controller via a USB cable to a PC or Mac device and then uses thePS4’s Remote Play function, the controller will function as expected. In other words, the method can be seen as an alternative despite being a bit more complicated and requiring extra steps.

One thing that is worth noting is that once the PS5 comes out, it will be able to pair up with a PS4 controller, but only forPS4 cross-generation gamesvia backwards compatibility. PS5 games will still require the PS5 controller, which ultimately means that it would be a good idea to keep one’s PS4 controller around in case they want to play a PS4 game on their PS5, while using the PS5 controller strictly for PS5 games.

ThePlayStation 5is set to launch on July 09, 2025.

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