You can play PS5 games with a DualShock 4 if you use Remote Play

(Image credit: Sony)

The PS5 Remote Play functionality allows you to play PS5 games using a DualShock 4.

YouTuber Kevin Kenison posted a video detailing how Remote Play works on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X via resetera. While you won't be able to use a PS4 controller on the console directly, it will work with PS5 games using the Remote Play mode on a tablet, smartphone, or any other device that supports it.

As Kenson explains, to start up Remote Play on PS5, you go into the Setting Menu and enable the option for the mode. When you then use the Remote Play app on your other device, it should detect your PS5. It's important to note that to make the most out of Remote Play and get a smooth experience, you will need a solid WiFi connection with good download and upload speeds.

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Compatible with both Apple and Android, the controllers you can use for the Remote Play mode are actually quite limited on the PS5. As Kenson points out, the mode will only work the DualSense, DualShock 4, or touch-screen controls on whatever device you're using. No other controller is said to work, even if it's normally supported.

Back in August, Sony released a blog post detailing what PS4 peripherals would work on its next-gen machine. The post first revealed that the DualShock 4 and third-party PS4 controllers will work on the PS5 for supported PS4 games, but not next-gen titles. So for now, it seems the only way to play PS5 games with your trusty PS4 controller is through Remote Play.

Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment's senior director of peripherals marketing and licensing, also gave an answer as to why the DualShock 4 won't be compatible with PS5 games directly: "We believe that PS5 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features we’re bringing to the platform, including the features of DualSense wireless controller."

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Heather Wald is the Evergreen Editor, Games at GamesRadar+. Her writing career began on a student-led magazine at Bath Spa University, where she earned a BA (Hons) in English literature. Heather landed her first role writing about tech and games for Stuff Magazine shortly after graduating with an MA in magazine journalism at Cardiff University. Now with almost seven years of experience working with GamesRadar+ on the features team, Heather helps to develop, maintain, and expand the evergreen features that exist on the site for games, as well as spearhead the Indie Spotlight series. You'll also see her contribute op-eds, interview-led features, and more. In her spare time, you'll likely find Heather tucking into RPGs and indie games, reading romance novels, and drinking lots of tea.