What Controllers Are Compatible with PS5 Remote Play? A Comprehensive Guide
The ability to remotely play your PlayStation 5 games on various devices has become a game-changer for many, allowing for uninterrupted gaming sessions, whether you’re in another room or away from home. But, which controllers can you actually use for PS5 Remote Play? The answer is straightforward: You can primarily use a DualSense™ wireless controller or a DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller with supported mobile devices and computers for PS5 Remote Play. However, compatibility specifics and nuances do exist and are important to understand to optimize your remote gaming experience. Let’s dive deeper into controller compatibility with PS5 Remote Play.
Controller Compatibility Overview
The core controllers for a solid PS5 Remote Play experience are the official PlayStation controllers. This means you’ll primarily rely on:
- DualSense Wireless Controller: The latest generation controller for the PS5. It offers enhanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
- DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller: The previous generation controller for the PS4, also compatible with Remote Play.
It’s important to note that while both controllers work with Remote Play, their device support varies, and the choice also depends on which generation console you are connecting to remotely: PS4 or PS5.
Device-Specific Controller Compatibility
Controller compatibility with Remote Play is influenced by the device you use to access it. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Mobile Devices (Android):
- On-screen Controls: Android devices running Android 9 or later can use on-screen controls, without needing a physical controller.
- DUALSHOCK 4 Support: Android devices running Android 10 or higher can connect to a DUALSHOCK 4 controller via Bluetooth.
- DualSense Support: The DualSense controller is supported on Android devices running Android 12 or later.
- PC (Windows):
- DualSense Support: Windows PCs with the PS Remote Play app installed can utilize the DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers. Controller registration through a USB cable may be required if the controller has not been previously paired with the console.
- Mac: Similar to Windows, Mac computers running the PS Remote Play app can use DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers.
- Other Devices: PS Remote Play is also available on iPhone, iPad, and other compatible devices. These generally have similar controller compatibility as Android devices, with the latest operating systems usually supporting the DualSense controller.
Controller Pairing and Registration
To use a controller with Remote Play, you may need to pair it with the device you are using for Remote Play. On mobile devices, this typically involves pairing the controller through the device’s Bluetooth settings. For PCs and Macs, you often connect using a USB cable the first time to register the controller with the system, and then may be able to use it wirelessly. Once a controller is registered to the specific PS5, all accounts on that console can use the paired controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Controllers and PS5 Remote Play
Here are some frequently asked questions about controller compatibility with PS5 Remote Play, providing further clarity and detailed information.
1. Can I use a PS4 controller for Remote Play on a PS5?
Yes, the DUALSHOCK 4 controller can be used for Remote Play on a PS5. However, it is important to understand that while you can use the PS4 controller to control the Remote Play interface and play PS4 games being streamed through the PS5, you cannot play PS5 games locally on the PS5 with a PS4 controller.
2. Can I use a DualSense controller on my Android phone?
Yes, the DualSense controller is supported on Android devices running Android 12 or later. If your Android device uses an older version, you will need to use a DUALSHOCK 4 controller or on-screen controls.
3. Can I use a non-PlayStation controller with PS5 Remote Play?
While the official controllers (DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4) offer the most consistent compatibility, some third-party controllers might work, especially those that are Bluetooth compatible. However, functionality and reliability might vary. There is no guarantee that all third-party controllers are compatible. Brands like Logitech, Razer, and Thrustmaster offer products that might function on a PS5 system, but the support in Remote Play is not consistent.
4. Do I need a controller for Remote Play?
No, you don’t strictly need a physical controller. You can use on-screen controls if your device doesn’t support Bluetooth controllers or you don’t have one available. However, a controller generally provides a more comfortable and precise gaming experience.
5. Can I use a wired controller for PS5 Remote Play?
Yes, you can use a wired controller, particularly on a PC or Mac by plugging it in using a USB cable. While most of the time this will be a DUALSHOCK 4 or DualSense controller, the support for other USB-connected controllers is mixed and cannot be guaranteed.
6. Can I use my phone as a PS5 controller for Remote Play?
Not directly as a physical controller. However, the PS Remote Play app provides on-screen controls that you can use to control games. These on-screen controls will mimic the layout of a typical PlayStation controller.
7. How many controllers can I use at once for Remote Play?
Up to four players can use Remote Play simultaneously. Each player can connect their own controller and play together if the game supports multiple players. This does not mean that four controllers can use the Remote Play feature on one device. This function will be for multiple controllers connected to the Remote Play host console.
8. Can I use voice chat with Remote Play?
Yes, you can use voice chat while using PS Remote Play. You’ll need a microphone, such as the built-in microphone on your mobile device or a headset connected to the controller or device.
9. Why is my controller not connecting to Remote Play?
Ensure that the controller is charged, properly paired with the device, and is a supported model. Restarting your controller, your device, and PS Remote Play can often solve connection issues. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on the device, and for PC/Mac, make sure the controller driver is up to date.
10. Can I use the same controller for local PS5 play and Remote Play?
Yes, but you might need to re-pair the controller each time when switching between local play on the PS5 and Remote Play on other devices, especially if the controller has been used with another console or system.
11. Can I play PS5 games on a PS4 controller using Remote Play?
Yes, while you can’t play PS5 games locally on a PS5 console with a PS4 controller, you can use a DUALSHOCK 4 controller to play PS5 games via Remote Play on a different device. The PS5 is the “host” and it is sending the PS5 game to the Remote Play screen.
12. Can the DualSense Edge controller be used for Remote Play?
Yes, the DualSense Edge controller is compatible with Remote Play, working similarly to a standard DualSense controller on supported devices. However, some of its advanced customization features might not translate to Remote Play.
13. Does controller latency affect Remote Play?
Yes, controller latency can affect the gameplay experience. Using a wired connection can minimize latency compared to a Bluetooth connection. A strong Wi-Fi or internet connection is also crucial for a smoother Remote Play experience.
14. Why doesn’t my DualSense controller work on Remote Play on Android?
This is likely due to the Android version on your device. The DualSense controller is only officially supported on Android 12 or later. If you have an older version, you’ll need to use a DUALSHOCK 4 controller.
15. Do third-party Bluetooth adapters enable PS5 controller use on older devices?
Sometimes, yes. If an adapter offers generic Bluetooth support it may allow a PS5 controller to connect to an older device (like a PS4), which can then be used for Remote Play via the older console as a host. However, these adapters are not natively supported, and their behavior can be varied and unreliable. The best method to use a controller will always be one of the officially-supported methods above.
Understanding controller compatibility is essential to optimizing your PlayStation 5 Remote Play experience. By being aware of which controllers work with different devices and how to pair and troubleshoot common problems, you can enjoy a seamless remote gaming session anytime, anywhere. Always ensure that your device software is up to date and that your controllers are properly charged to get the most out of PS5 Remote Play.