By Benjamin Neely
Key Points:
- PlayStation 4 DualShock controller won’t be compatible with PlayStation 5 games but will work for PlayStation 4 games on the next-gen system.
- Licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks will work with PlayStation 5 games.
- PlayStation Virtual Reality accessories will work with supported games.
Sony has announced that the PlayStation 4 DualShock controller will only be compatible with selected PlayStation 4 games on the new PlayStation 5 console.
Announced on the PlayStation Blog, Sony officially released their plans for which accessories that would be compatible on their next-gen console. Included was a short list of peripherals including licensed headsets, licensed racing wheels and licensed arcade/flight sticks.
While most licensed peripherals was included, the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 will only be compatible with the selected PlayStation 4 titles that are coming to the PlayStation 5.
Isabelle Tomatis, from PlayStation VR, Peripherals Marketing and Licensing explained that the company believes that the new DualSense controller is required to showcase next-gen experiences.
“We believe that PlayStation 5 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features we’re bringing to the platform, including the features of DualSense wireless controller.”
Isabelle Tomatis
The new DualSense controller will include a number of new innovating features . These include programmable adaptive triggers and a built-in microphone, which will mean that players won’t need headsets to talk to friends online.
Developers will also be able to showcase new next-gen experiences with the DualSense controller. Geoff Keighley recently showcased a selection of these new features.
Tomatis also announced that all PlayStation Virtual Reality hardware and accessories would be compatible on the PlayStation 5.
“PlayStation Camera will work with PS5 for playing supported PlayStation VR games. It will require a PlayStation Camera adapter that will be provided at no additional cost to PlayStation VR users.”
Isabelle Tomatis
Sony is no stranger to renovating it’s official controller each console generation, with the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 introducing a unique touch pad on the front of the controller, along with the introduction of the share button which replaced the select button on the DualShock 3.
While PlayStation 5 users will require a new DualSense controller to play PlayStation 5 games, Xbox Series X users however, will be able to use current controllers with the new console. This includes all official Xbox controllers, Xbox adaptive controller, and SCUF controllers.
More information including price and release date for both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are yet to be announced.