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How to Add More Controllers to Your PS5: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding more controllers to your PlayStation 5 (PS5) is straightforward and essential for enjoying local multiplayer games with friends and family. The process involves pairing additional controllers with your console, allowing you to expand your gaming experiences. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough and answers frequently asked questions to ensure you get the most out of your PS5 gaming sessions.

Pairing Additional Controllers to Your PS5

The basic process for adding a new controller to your PS5 involves using a previously paired controller to initiate the connection. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the New Controller: Take the additional DualSense wireless controller you wish to pair.
Initiate Pairing Mode: On the new controller, press and hold both the Create button (located to the left of the touchpad) and the PS button (the PlayStation logo button in the middle) simultaneously. You’ll see the light bar around the touchpad begin to blink, indicating that the controller is in pairing mode.
Navigate to Accessories on PS5: Using the controller that’s already connected to your PS5, go to the console’s main menu. Select Settings (the gear icon at the top right of the screen).
Enter Bluetooth Accessories Menu: Within Settings, navigate to Accessories, and then choose Controller > Communication Method > Use Bluetooth.
Select and Pair: Your PS5 will begin scanning for new controllers. Once it detects the controller in pairing mode, you will see it listed under “Accessories found.” Select the controller’s name and follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the pairing process.
Confirm the Pairing: After the process is complete, the light bar on the new controller will stop flashing and emit a solid color, indicating it is now paired and ready to use.

You can repeat these steps to add even more controllers. Remember that the first controller connected is assigned Player 1, the second is Player 2, and so on, each indicated by a unique light bar color. This ensures you and your fellow gamers can easily distinguish between which controller belongs to whom, allowing you to get back into gaming faster.

Understanding Controller Limits

While the PS5 does support multiple controllers, there are specific limits and scenarios you should be aware of. It is important to understand how many controllers you can use simultaneously, what types of controllers are compatible, and how to manage the connections properly. The information provided in this section is critical for troubleshooting any possible connection issues and for achieving a better gaming experience with additional players.

Connection Limits

The PS5 supports connecting up to 8 controllers at the same time either wirelessly or via wired connection, but remember, the number of actual players who can participate is game-specific.

Number of Simultaneous Players: While you can connect many controllers, only a certain number can be used at the same time within a single game. Many local multiplayer games support up to 4 players at once.
Unique Light Colors: Each player, via their controller, is assigned a specific color light bar to identify them, making it easier to keep track of who’s who in the game.
Controller Usage The number of players who can play simultaneously depends on the specific title and the game mode being utilized. Be sure to verify each game’s specific requirements and capabilities.

Additional Controllers and Their Compatibility

The PS5 supports a variety of controllers. It’s important to know which controllers work and how you might use them in specific scenarios. This includes considerations regarding PS4 controllers as well as some third-party alternatives.

DualSense Controllers

The primary controller for the PS5 is the DualSense wireless controller, which is required for playing PS5 games. It has advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, enhancing the overall gaming experience significantly.

PS4 DualShock 4 Controllers

The DualShock 4 controllers used for the PlayStation 4 are compatible with the PS5; however, they can only be used to play PS4 games on the PS5, not PS5-specific titles. This limitation means you will need Dualsense controllers to play the newest PS5 games.

Third-Party Controllers

There are several high-quality third-party controllers available for the PS5, including the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, Backbone One, AimControllers Pro, and PDP Victrix Pro BFG, among others. These controllers may offer additional features, customization options, or ergonomic designs that cater to specific player preferences.

Managing Your Controllers

Once you have multiple controllers, you must manage their connections effectively to ensure smooth gameplay. The following details important tips and practices for handling multiple controllers:

Device Limits

Each controller can be paired with only one device at a time. If you are experiencing connection issues, ensuring the controllers are not paired to another system or device may solve the problem. For instance, if you were playing on a PC and then try to use the same controller with a PS5, you may need to re-pair the controller.

Charging Controllers

The PS5 allows you to charge up to two DualSense controllers simultaneously without connecting them directly to the console using a dedicated charging station. This eliminates the need for using extra USB ports for charging, allowing players to easily keep multiple controllers ready for use.

Potential Interference

If you are having problems with controller connections, you should check and clear any obstructions between your controllers and the PS5 console. Additionally, any Bluetooth devices nearby could interfere with the controller’s signal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide further details and address common issues related to adding controllers to your PS5:

Can I use more than one PS5 controller at a time? Yes, you can use up to 8 controllers at the same time on a PS5, but the number of players who can actively participate is based on the specific game.
How many controllers come with a PS5 Digital Edition? While the standard PlayStation 5 digital edition doesn’t include extra controllers, some bundles, like the “PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – Two DualSense Wireless Controllers Bundle,” do include two controllers.
How do I pair a PS4 controller to my PS5? Go to Settings, then Accessories > Controller > Communication Method > Bluetooth and follow the prompts, by pressing the PlayStation and Share buttons on the PS4 controller. It is important to remember, you can only use the Dualshock 4 controller to play PS4 games, and not PS5 games.
Can I play PS5 games with a PS4 DualShock controller? No, you cannot play PS5 games with a PS4 controller. DualShock 4 controllers can only be used for playing PS4 games on the PS5.
How do I connect a second PS5 controller? Press and hold the Create button and the PS button on the second controller, then follow the on-screen prompts on your PS5 using your already paired controller to select and pair the new controller.
How many users can I have on a PS5? You can have up to 7 different PlayStation Network accounts on a single PS5 console.
Why is my PS5 controller not connecting? Ensure the controller is charged, and that there are no physical obstructions or Bluetooth interference, and that the controller isn’t already paired to another device. Try restarting your console.
Can I turn on my PS5 without a controller? Yes, you can use the power button on the console itself to turn it on.
Does PS5 come with one or two controllers? The standard PS5 console typically comes with one DualSense controller. However, certain bundles may include two controllers. Always check the bundle’s specifications before purchasing.
How do I pair more than four controllers? Pair up to four controllers via the “Change Grip/Order” screen. For five or more, press a button on each extra controller on the “Controllers” screen within the Home menu.
How many players can play simultaneously on PS5? The number of simultaneous players depends on the specific game and mode. Most local multiplayer games allow up to 4 players but this may vary.
How can I charge two PS5 controllers at once? You can use a dedicated DualSense charging station, which does not require a direct console connection. This allows for both controllers to be charged simultaneously.
Can I share play with a friend on PS5? Yes, you can use Share Play to invite a friend to view your screen or even hand over control. This allows you to play as if you’re in the same room.
Can I use multiple controllers in different roles? Yes, you can use multiple controllers to perform different roles within a game, provided the specific game supports this. This can significantly improve your gameplay experience.
What third-party controllers are compatible with PS5? Several third-party controllers are compatible, such as the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, Backbone One, AimControllers Pro, and PDP Victrix Pro BFG. These can offer a more tailored gaming experience.

By following this guide and reviewing the FAQs, you should be well-equipped to add multiple controllers to your PS5 and enjoy the many local multiplayer experiences it offers. Remember to consult your specific games for player limits, and to always keep your controllers charged and updated. With the right setup, you and your friends will be able to dive into all the latest PS5 games together.

How do I add more controllers to my PS5?