How Many Controllers Work on PS5? The Ultimate Guide
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) offers a fantastic gaming experience, and a crucial part of that experience is the ability to play with friends and family. So, just how many controllers can you connect to your PS5? The short answer is that you can connect up to four controllers simultaneously to a single PS5 console. This allows for local multiplayer fun, but there are nuances to this that we’ll explore in detail below. Whether you’re planning a big gaming night or just want to understand the possibilities, this guide will break down everything you need to know about connecting controllers to your PS5.
Understanding Controller Limits on PS5
The PS5 is designed to accommodate multiple players, supporting a maximum of four connected controllers at any given time. These controllers can be either the official DualSense Wireless Controllers or even DualShock 4 controllers from the PS4, with some limitations. You can pair these controllers wirelessly with your PS5. Once paired, you can easily switch between them without having to re-pair every single time, as long as they remain within the connectivity range.
Pairing Your Controllers
To pair a new controller with your PS5, you need to:
- Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen.
- Select Accessories, then Controller.
- Select Bluetooth Accessories.
- Press and hold the Create button (located above the PlayStation button) and the PlayStation button simultaneously on the controller you wish to pair.
- The controller should now appear under Accessories Found on your screen. Select it.
The controller will be paired and ready for use. The light bar on the controller will also display a unique color, allowing players to easily differentiate between each other’s controllers.
Wireless Capabilities
All connections for controllers on PS5 are wireless, using Bluetooth technology. This means that no wires are necessary for connection unless you’re charging your controller via the USB-C cable. As long as they’re in range, all four can play seamlessly.
Why Four?
The limit of four controllers is generally considered the standard for console gaming, especially when it comes to couch co-op style games. Most multiplayer games on PS5 are designed with this limitation in mind, ensuring that the player experience is smooth and balanced for up to four players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Controllers
Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions about controllers on the PS5 to give you a clearer picture of what’s possible:
1. Does the PS5 bundle come with 2 controllers?
While the standard PS5 console bundle only comes with one DualSense Controller, there are often special edition bundles available that include a second DualSense Wireless Controller. Look out for these special bundles, especially during holiday periods, if you’re seeking immediate 2-player gaming capabilities. The PlayStation®5 Console – Two DualSense™ Wireless Controllers Bundle is a good example.
2. Can I use PS4 controllers on the PS5?
Yes, you can use PS4 controllers (DualShock 4) on the PlayStation 5. However, they are only compatible with PS4 games played on the PS5 and cannot be used for PS5 games.
3. Can I use third-party controllers on PS5?
Yes, but compatibility can vary widely. Many third-party manufacturers produce controllers that are compatible with the PS5, and these controllers may offer unique features, like more customized options. However, it’s always wise to ensure that a particular controller is specifically labeled as PS5 compatible before purchasing.
4. Can I connect a PS5 controller to a PS4?
The PS5 controller (DualSense) does not natively work with a PS4. However, there are adapters available on the market, such as the Titan Two adapter, that can force these controllers to work together. Be aware, using adapters may not provide optimal performance or compatibility in every case.
5. Can two people play the same PS5 game on one console?
Absolutely! Up to four local players can play the game together offline, and two players can play online using a PSN connection. Only one player needs a PS Plus account for online co-op if the other joins as a guest.
6. Can three people share PS5 games?
While you can gameshare with another person, you can only do so with one other account at a time. The primary account holder will share their library on one other console, so be mindful of this limitation if you are planning on gaming with multiple people.
7. How many PlayStation accounts can I have on a PS5?
You can have up to seven PlayStation accounts on a single PS5 console. This allows families and households to easily share the device with individual profiles and preferences.
8. How do I add multiple users on PS5?
To add new users, go to your profile avatar, select Switch User > Add User, and follow the onscreen prompts. This lets you set up individual accounts for various users on the same console.
9. Can I share my PS5 account with family?
Yes, you can share your PS5 account with family through the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” feature. By doing so, anyone on your console can access and play your purchased games, media, and even utilize your PS Plus benefits. Keep in mind, this feature can only be enabled on one console at a time.
10. How do I connect 4 controllers to my PS5?
To connect four controllers, you will follow the standard pairing procedure described above. Ensure that each controller is in pairing mode, and your console should detect them easily. All four should work seamlessly.
11. How many players can play online on PS5?
The number of online players for a game depends on the specific game. Many games support upwards of eight or sixteen online players, while some online games are tailored towards smaller numbers. Always refer to the game’s specifications. The PS5 does not have a limitation on the number of players in online play, that restriction is on local multiplayer, which is capped at 4 controllers.
12. How long does a PS5 controller last on a full charge?
The DualSense controller typically lasts between 6 to 12 hours on a full charge, depending on the intensity of the game being played and the usage of advanced features. It generally averages around 6 to 8 hours.
13. What is Share Play on PS5?
Share Play allows you to invite a friend to view your screen, and even hand over your controller for them to play. This is great for co-op gameplay or for sharing games, or even troubleshooting a section of a game with a friend. Share play sessions last for up to 60 minutes at a time.
14. Can I play PS4 games with friends on PS5 and PS4 at the same time?
Yes, you can use the Share Play feature to play your PS4 games with friends on their PS4 or PS5 consoles. This enables a way for both players to experience the same PS4 game together, regardless of the console.
15. Can I share play more than once on PS5?
Yes, you can use Share Play multiple times on your PS5. Each session lasts for up to an hour, and you can restart a new session immediately after one expires.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of controller connections on the PS5 is essential for making the most of your gaming experience. With the ability to connect up to four controllers simultaneously, the PS5 is perfect for both local and online multiplayer fun. By understanding the limitations and possibilities, you can make your gaming time with friends and family as enjoyable as possible. Always ensure you’re up-to-date on new controller releases or adapters, as the tech world moves quickly, with new innovations coming out frequently. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you’re now ready to dive into the world of multiplayer gaming on the PS5!