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Sharing is Caring: Mastering Controller Sharing on Your PlayStation 5

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Want to share the PlayStation 5 experience with friends and family? Sharing a controller, or even the gameplay itself, is surprisingly straightforward. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about controller sharing on the PS5, from connecting multiple controllers to utilizing the innovative Share Play feature. Let’s dive in!

Connecting and Assigning Multiple Controllers

The first step to controller sharing is, naturally, connecting more than one controller to your PlayStation 5. Luckily, the PS5 makes this process simple.

Initial Pairing via USB: For a new controller, the first connection must be done using a USB cable. Connect the controller to your PS5 using a USB-C cable (the one that came with your console is perfect). If the controller is off, press the PS button in the center of the controller. The light bar will blink, and then the player indicator light (the small light above the PS button) will illuminate, indicating it’s paired and charging.
Wireless Pairing Afterwards: Once a controller has been initially paired via USB, it’s forever linked to the PS5 and can be connected wirelessly. To pair an additional controller wirelessly, ensure it’s powered off. Then, press and hold the PS button and the Create button (located to the left of the touchpad) simultaneously. The light bar will begin to blink rapidly, indicating it’s in pairing mode.
PS5 Device Selection: On your PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller > Communication Method and make sure it’s set to “Use Bluetooth”. If it’s set to USB then the PS5 will only recognize controllers that are plugged in via USB. Once you’re in the Bluetooth settings, the controller should appear in the list of available devices. Select it with the first, already-paired controller.
Assigning a User Profile: After connecting, the PS5 will prompt you to assign a user profile to the new controller. This is crucial. Each controller needs to be associated with a specific account on your PS5. Select the appropriate user. If you don’t have a user account for the person using the controller, you’ll need to create one (Switch User > Add User from the home screen). This ensures each player’s game progress and settings are tracked individually.

Unleashing the Power of Share Play

Beyond simply connecting multiple controllers, the PS5 boasts a fantastic feature called Share Play. This allows you to virtually hand your controller to a friend online, even if they don’t own the game!

Initiating Share Play: To start Share Play, press the PS button to access the Control Center (the menu that pops up from the bottom of the screen). Select the Party voice chat card. You must be in a Party with the person you want to share with.
Starting Share Play: In the Party menu, select Start Share Play. Then, invite the player you want to share with.
Selecting a Play Mode: The PS5 offers several Share Play modes:
- Visitor Plays as You: This mode lets your friend take complete control of your game as if they were sitting next to you.
- Visitor Plays as Player 2: For games with local multiplayer, this mode lets your friend join as a second player, even if they don’t own the game.
- Share Screen: This simply streams your gameplay to your friend, allowing them to watch you play.
Considerations for Share Play: Share Play requires a stable and reasonably fast internet connection for both the host and the visitor. The maximum Share Play session duration is one hour, but you can restart it as many times as you like. Also, some games may restrict Share Play functionality due to licensing restrictions.

Secondary Assist Controller: Accessibility Features

The PS5 offers a powerful accessibility feature called “Secondary Assist Controller.” This allows you to assign a second controller to the same account and use both together to control the game. This is particularly helpful for:

Co-op gameplay with uneven skill levels: A more experienced player can use one controller to assist a less experienced player using the other.
Accessibility for players with disabilities: This feature allows for customized control schemes using two controllers, catering to individual needs.
Simplified controls: Players can re-map some of the more complex controls to a second controller for better accessibility.
Enabling the Feature: To enable this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Use Two Controllers. Follow the on-screen instructions to assign the second controller.

Troubleshooting Controller Issues

Sometimes, controllers can be finicky. Here’s how to tackle common problems:

Controller not connecting: Try using a different USB cable. Sometimes, the cable is the issue. Also, make sure the controller is charged.
Controller disconnecting randomly: Interference from other Bluetooth devices can cause disconnections. Try moving away from other wireless devices or temporarily disabling Bluetooth on nearby devices to see if that resolves the problem. Resetting the controller (using the small hole on the back) is also a good step.
Controller not responding: Reset the controller. If that doesn’t work, try updating the controller firmware.
Light bar issues: The light bar color indicates the player assignment. If the color is incorrect, double-check the user assigned to the controller in the Accessories settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about sharing controllers on the PS5:

Do I need two PlayStation Plus accounts to play with two controllers locally? No. PlayStation Plus is only required for online multiplayer. Local co-op with multiple controllers on the same console does not require multiple PS Plus subscriptions.
Can I use a PS4 controller on my PS5 to play local multiplayer? Yes, but with limitations. PS4 controllers can only be used to play PS4 games on the PS5. They cannot be used to play native PS5 games.
How many controllers can I connect to my PS5 at once? The PS5 supports up to four controllers simultaneously.
How do I check the battery level of my DualSense controller? Press the PS button. The battery level is displayed on the screen as a small icon next to the user’s profile picture. You can also view the battery level in Settings > Accessories > Controller.
What does the color of the light bar on the DualSense controller mean? Each player is assigned a unique color. Typically, Player 1 is blue, Player 2 is red, Player 3 is green, and Player 4 is pink.
How do I change the user assigned to a controller? Press the PS button to bring up the Control Center, then select “Accessories.” Choose the controller, and then “Assign User.”
My second controller won’t connect. What should I do? First, make sure the controller is charged. Then, try resetting the controller using the small hole on the back. If that doesn’t work, try updating the controller firmware.
Can I use a wireless headset with two controllers connected? Yes. Each controller can connect to its own wireless headset.
What’s the range of the DualSense controller? The DualSense controller typically has a range of around 30 feet (10 meters), but this can vary depending on interference.
Does Share Play require PlayStation Plus? Yes, the host (the person sharing their game) needs a PlayStation Plus subscription. The visitor does not need PlayStation Plus.
Can I use Share Play to play online multiplayer with someone who doesn’t own the game? Not directly. Share Play is primarily for local co-op games. For online multiplayer, both players typically need to own the game.
How do I stop Share Play? Press the PS button to bring up the Control Center, then select the Party voice chat card. Select “Stop Share Play.”
Is there a limit to how long I can use Share Play? Yes. A Share Play session is limited to one hour, but you can restart it as many times as you want.
Can I use two DualSense Edge controllers simultaneously? Yes. The PS5 treats the DualSense Edge controller the same way as the regular DualSense controller, so all of the principles and suggestions outlined in this article apply.
Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games? Check out the Games Learning Society for cutting-edge research and insights at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org understands the power of games and how they can be applied to education.

Conclusion

Sharing controllers on the PS5, whether for local multiplayer fun or remote Share Play experiences, enhances the gaming experience. With its user-friendly interface and innovative features like Secondary Assist Controller, the PS5 empowers you to connect, collaborate, and enjoy the world of gaming with friends and family. So, grab an extra controller, invite some friends over (or connect online!), and let the good times roll!