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How Do I Pair More Than 4 Controllers? A Comprehensive Guide

Pairing controllers beyond the typical four can be a tricky task, depending on your console. The good news is that it’s often possible! While some limitations exist, especially regarding simultaneous gameplay, this guide will walk you through the nuances of connecting more than four controllers to your Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (PS4), and PlayStation 5 (PS5). The process varies slightly depending on the platform, so let’s dive into the details.

Pairing More Than 4 Controllers: The Short Answer

Generally, the standard controller limit of four stems from the typical “Change Grip/Order” screen designed for initial setup. To connect more than four controllers, you’ll need to bypass this screen and directly pair controllers through the console’s settings menu. The approach differs for each console, however, the common theme is using an alternative pairing method outside of the standard “change grip” screen.

Pairing More Than 4 Controllers on Nintendo Switch

Bypassing the Initial Pairing Screen

The Nintendo Switch, unlike its PlayStation counterparts, supports up to eight controllers simultaneously. This applies to a mix of Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and other compatible devices. To pair more than four controllers, you will need to venture away from the “Change Grip/Order” screen.

Step 1: Navigate to the Controllers Menu: From the HOME Menu, select “Controllers.” This is the screen before the “Change Grip/Order” screen.
Step 2: Pair Additional Controllers: Instead of using the L+R buttons, simply press any button on the additional controller. The console will recognize it and pair it directly. A message confirming pairing will appear on-screen.

With this method, you can connect up to eight controllers. However, remember that the actual number of players able to participate simultaneously depends on the game itself and its mode. For games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and other suitable titles, you can leverage this capacity to have up to 8-player battles on a single console.

Important Considerations for 8-Player Nintendo Switch

Game Compatibility: Not every game supports eight players. Check the game’s specifications to ensure the game supports more than 4 players before attempting to connect all 8 controllers.
Multiple Consoles: For some games, you may need multiple Switch consoles connected via local wireless to achieve eight-player compatibility.
Controller Type Mix: You can use a mix of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers to achieve your eight-controller setup.

Pairing More Than 4 Controllers on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5)

Understanding the PS4/PS5 Controller Limit

Both the PS4 and PS5 support up to four controllers simultaneously for gameplay. This limit is more stringent than the Nintendo Switch, and cannot be bypassed for simultaneous local multiplayer in a game. However, while you might be able to pair more than 4 controllers with the console, only 4 can be used simultaneously at once in-game.

Pairing Additional Controllers to PS4

Step 1: Go to Settings: Using your already paired controller, go to the PS4 Settings, located above the home menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Devices: Choose Devices.
Step 3: Select Bluetooth Devices: Choose Bluetooth Devices
Step 4: Initiate Pairing Mode: On the controller you want to pair, press and hold the PS button and the Share button simultaneously for about five seconds. The light bar should begin to flash, indicating it’s in pairing mode.
Step 5: Select New Controller: The new controller should appear in the list. Use your already paired controller to select the controller you are adding and finalize the connection.

Pairing Additional Controllers to PS5

Step 1: Initial Pairing Via USB: Connect the PS5 controller you want to pair using the included USB cable.
Step 2: Press PS Button: Press the PS button on the connected controller to finalize the initial pairing.
Step 3: Navigate to Settings: To pair additional controllers, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller > Communication Method.
Step 4: Initiate Pairing Mode (Wireless): On the controller you want to connect wirelessly, press and hold the PS button and Create button simultaneously until the light bar begins to flash.
Step 5: Select New Controller: The new controller should appear in the list. Use your already paired controller to select the controller you are adding.

Key Limitations for PS4/PS5

Four Controller Limit: Only four controllers can be active at the same time during actual gameplay.
Remote Play: While you can pair more than four controllers with a PS4 or PS5, using Remote Play, only four people can use remote play at the same time.
No True “8 Player”: Unlike the Switch, even if you pair additional controllers, the PS4 and PS5 are not designed for an 8-player local gaming experience on a single console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I connect 5 controllers to my PS4?

While you can pair more than four controllers with your PS4, only four can be used at the same time for in-game play.

2. Can I connect 6 controllers to my PS5?

Similar to the PS4, you can pair more than four controllers with your PS5, but only four controllers can be active simultaneously during gameplay.

3. What happens when I connect more than 4 controllers to a Nintendo Switch?

The Switch will recognize all paired controllers. However, the game being played will determine how many controllers will be used at any single time. When playing games that support more than 4 players, you will be able to use all paired controllers, up to eight.

4. Does PS5 support more than 4 controllers?

Yes, the PS5 will allow you to pair more than four controllers. However, only four controllers can be actively used during gameplay.

5. How do I pair an 8-controller Switch setup?

Follow the steps for pairing more than 4 controllers on the Nintendo Switch as described in the guide. You don’t need to use the L+R buttons, simply press any button on the additional controllers after going to the HOME Menu > Controllers screen.

6. Can you play Smash with 5 people on one Switch?

Yes! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate supports up to eight players using a single Switch console. Pair all controllers as described above and enjoy the battle.

7. How many Joy-Cons can you connect to a Switch?

You can connect up to eight controllers simultaneously with your Nintendo Switch, regardless of controller type.

8. How do I add more controllers to my PS4?

Refer to the step-by-step instructions in the PS4 pairing section of this guide. Remember to use the Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices menu, and use the Share and PS button to add new controllers.

9. How do I connect 5 controllers to a PS5?

See the instructions for PS5 controller pairing in this guide. Use the Settings > Accessories > Controller > Communication Method menu, and use the Create and PS button to add new controllers.

10. How many players can connect to a PS4 for Remote Play?

A maximum of four people can use remote play at the same time.

11. How many users can connect to a Switch?

Up to eight user accounts can be created on one Switch console. You add user accounts at the HOME Menu > System Settings > Users > Add User menu.

12. How can multiple people play on a Switch?

You can play on the same console with up to eight controllers by using one console. Some games also allow you to connect to multiple consoles via local wireless to enable larger multiplayer sessions.

13. Can 6 people play Smash on the same console?

Yes! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch can accommodate up to eight players on the same console.

14. How do I connect more than 4 controllers to my Xbox?

To add controllers to your Xbox, follow these steps for each additional player: turn on the controller by holding its Xbox button to turn it on, followed by pressing the console’s sync button and holding the controller’s sync button.

15. How many devices can a PS5 controller connect to?

A PS5 controller can only be paired to one device at a time. You’ll need to go into pairing mode to pair it to a new device.

How do I pair more than 4 controllers?