A PlayStation representative has come out to explain how PS5 compatibility with PS4 peripherals will work. Apparently, most peripherals will work on the upcoming console, but some will be limited to supported PS4 games. On the other hand, Xbox has announced today that all Xbox One controllers will work on all games on Xbox Series X.
Out of all compatible PS4 peripherals and accessories, DualShock 4 is probably the most widely known and used of the bunch. While Microsoft is ensuring forwards compatibility for its peripherals, Sony is pushing people to move on. The DualShock 4 and other officially licensed PlayStation controllers can connect to PS5, but they will only work with backwards compatible PS4 titles, meaning the DualShock 4 will not work with newer PS5 games.
As per Sony's blog post, the reason behind this decision is that Sony believes 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”.
Dedicated peripherals like licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks will be supported on PS5 and supported PS4 games. The Platinum/Gold wireless headsets and other third-party headsets with USB or audio jack connectivity will also be compatible with the PS5. Additionally, PS Move Motion Controllers and the PlayStation VR Aim Controller will work on PS VR games running on PS5.
PlayStation Camera will work with PS5 too, but it will need a PlayStation Camera adaptor “that will be provided at no additional cost to PS VR users”. Details on acquiring the adaptor will be shared at a later date.
Curiously enough, Xbox UK has tweeted regarding the backwards controller compatibility of the Xbox Series X, not long after Sony's blog post. As per the tweet, all Xbox One controllers will be compatible with Xbox Series X “across all games”, including the official Xbox controller, the Xbox adaptive controller, the Xbox Elite wireless controller, and the SCUF controllers.
KitGuru says: Do you think Sony should have made PS5 more widely compatible with older accessories and peripherals? Is PS5's limited peripheral compatibility an issue for you?