Can You Connect 5 Controllers to a PS4? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is: No, you cannot connect 5 controllers directly to a PlayStation 4 (PS4) console simultaneously. The PS4 is designed to support a maximum of four controllers at any given time. This limitation is built into the console’s hardware and software architecture. While some workarounds and specific game features might give the impression of more than four players, they don’t circumvent this fundamental limitation of direct controller connections.
Let’s delve into the specifics and address why this is the case, along with exploring related questions that often arise among PS4 users.
Why the 4-Controller Limit?
The limitation to four controllers is primarily due to the PS4’s Bluetooth hardware capabilities and the way it manages controller inputs. The console is engineered to handle communication with a specific number of controllers without introducing lag or performance issues. Increasing the number of directly connected controllers would require significant alterations to the console’s internal architecture and potentially impact game performance.
Although this limitation might be disappointing for large groups wanting to play local multiplayer games, it’s a design choice aimed at maintaining a stable and optimized gaming experience. Most PS4 games are designed with this limitation in mind, so the need to support more than four players simultaneously isn’t a common requirement for most games.
The Playroom Exception: Leveraging the PlayStation Camera
There is an important exception to this four-controller limit: The Playroom, a free PS4 game pre-installed on many consoles. The Playroom can incorporate the PlayStation Camera to detect players beyond the four controllers. It uses visual recognition and motion tracking to include more individuals in the gameplay experience. While the game may involve more people, not all are directly controlling gameplay elements using a standard controller. For most titles, the 4-controller limit remains firm.
Workarounds and Misconceptions
You might have encountered discussions about workarounds, such as using Bluetooth adapters or remote play features. Let’s clarify these:
- Bluetooth Adapters for PS5 Controllers: While you can use a Bluetooth adapter to connect a PlayStation 5 (PS5) DualSense controller to a PS4, this doesn’t increase the maximum number of simultaneous controllers. The PS4 will recognize the adapter as a single controller device, and you will still be limited to a maximum of four devices.
- Remote Play: Remote play allows you to stream your PS4 gameplay to another device, such as a phone or computer, and use the controller attached to that device. However, this also doesn’t change the maximum number of controllers usable on the PS4 itself.
- Party Chat: The PS4 allows for up to 8 people to be in a party chat, but this is independent of the number of controllers connected. Party chat is a communication feature, not a method to expand the number of game controllers.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify controller connectivity on the PS4, along with related topics:
1. Can I connect 5 controllers using a USB hub?
No. A USB hub will not allow you to bypass the 4-controller limit. The PS4 is designed to register four controller inputs at once, regardless of how many USB ports are used.
2. Can I use a PS4 controller on a PS5?
Yes, you can use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller on a PS5, but only to play PS4 games. You cannot use a PS4 controller to play PS5 games. The only exception is if you use Remote Play to control your PS5 from another supported device.
3. What are PlayStation 5 controllers called?
PlayStation 5 controllers are officially called DualSense wireless controllers.
4. Does the PS5 support more than 4 controllers?
The PS5 also supports a maximum of four controllers at a time. This is similar to the PS4 limitation.
5. Can I use my TV remote to control my PS4?
Yes, it’s possible if your TV supports HDMI Device Link (CEC). You need to enable this feature in the PS4 system settings. Also, some modern universal remotes using Bluetooth can connect to your PS4.
6. How do I add another controller to my PS4?
To connect a second controller, turn on the PS4, press the PS button on the new controller, then go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices, select the new controller, and follow the instructions. You can also pair a controller by connecting it via a USB cable to the console initially.
7. Can you play 8 players on PS4?
The PS4’s 8-player limit refers to the cross-game party chat, not gameplay. You can chat with up to 8 people, but you cannot have 8 players simultaneously using separate controllers in a game.
8. How many players can play a game on PS4?
The maximum number of players depends on the game. Most PS4 games that feature local multiplayer support up to four players. A few games might support more than four players, but only through non-direct controller options, like The Playroom using the Camera.
9. How many controllers does a PS5 come with?
The PS5 comes with one DualSense controller. Additional controllers are sold separately.
10. Can I use a PS5 controller on my PS4?
A PS5 DualSense controller does not work directly on the PS4. You need a Bluetooth adapter for it to be recognized as a generic Bluetooth controller. This doesn’t allow you to connect more than 4 controllers in total.
11. How many controllers can a PS5 controller connect to at once?
A PS5 controller can only be paired with one device at a time. If you pair it with a new device, it disconnects from the previous device.
12. Can you have multiple controllers on PS4?
Yes, you can connect up to four controllers to a PS4 console using either USB cables or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
13. How many PS4 games can a PS5 hold?
The number depends on game sizes, but realistically you can store between 10 to 15 games, including a mix of PS5 and PS4 games on the PS5’s built in storage.
14. How do I know which controller is player 1, 2, 3, or 4?
Each controller is assigned a unique color based on the order in which it connected to the console. When you press the PS button, the controller’s light bar will glow in an assigned color, indicating its player number.
15. Will there be a PS5 slim?
Yes, a PS5 Slim has launched in November with different pricing for the version with and without a disc drive.
Conclusion
While the desire to connect more than four controllers to a PS4 is understandable, the console’s design limitations make it impossible. Utilizing workarounds like Bluetooth adapters for PS5 controllers, remote play, or party chats does not increase the number of directly connected controllers that the console can handle. Understanding these limitations allows players to better plan for their gaming sessions. For local multiplayer enjoyment, most PS4 titles offer robust gameplay for up to four players, providing plenty of fun with friends and family.