As somebody that owns both a PlayStation 3 and a PlayStation 4, you might be wondering, can I use a PS3 controller on a PS4 console? You want to get the most use out of the gaming gear you have where possible.
Yes, it is possible to use a DualShock 4 on a PS3. You can plug it in directly to the USB port by default, but if your PS3 has the correct system firmware, it can be used wirelessly as well. Using a PS3 controller on a PS4 console is not officially supported by the PS4 and so the PS3 controller will not work. This is because there are some features of PS4 games that require features that aren’t present on the Dualshock 3 controller. Game Controller for PS4, Tohilkel Wireless Controller Compatible for PS3/PS4/ VR Games(2 in Pack) Brand: Tohilkel. 4.0 out of 5 stars 5 ratings. Price: $26.99 & FREE Returns Return this item for free. Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping.
This was a question I didn’t immediately know the answer to so I set about researching this topic online. After scouring forums and other blogs, as well as trying this out for myself I eventually came to learn the answer to this question.
Using a PS3 controller on a PS4 console is not officially supported by the PS4 and so the PS3 controller will not work. This is because there are some features of PS4 games that require features that aren’t present on the Dualshock 3 controller.
Some have modded their PS3 controllers to make this work but this is not advised as it can damage your controller.
In doing my research to find the answer to this question, I realized that I had more questions including if you can use a PS4 controller on a PS3 console.
This article will aim to answer those commonly asked questions regarding PS3 and PS4 compatibility.
Do PlayStation 3 Bluetooth Remotes Work On A PS4?
You might also be wondering if a PlayStation 3 Bluetooth remote works on a PS4. If you used your PS3 Bluetooth remote to interact with Netflix on your PS3, you’ll likely want to do the same on your PS4.
Unfortunately, a PlayStation 3 Bluetooth remote is not compatible with a PS4 console and will not work.
This is regrettable, however, there are now PS4 Bluetooth remotes available to buy to accomplish the same thing as the PS3 Bluetooth remote.
These newer Bluetooth remotes can allow you to interact with Netflix on your PS4.
PDP Bluetooth Media Remote for Playstation 4
What Controllers Are Compatible With A PS4?
By now we’ve established that PS3 controllers and PS3 Bluetooth remotes are not compatible with the PlayStation 4 console.
This is not ideal for some gamers but at least there are some PS4 equivalents you can use that will be compatible with your PS4 console.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to know what controllers are compatible with a PlayStation 4. That way, you can buy a new controller without having to worry about whether it will work or not.
All first-party Dualshock 4 controllers are compatible with a PS4. In addition to this, some third-party DualShock 4 controllers also work on a PS4 including those from brands like SCUF, Razer, and Hori. Best free autotune software for mac.
Let’s take a look at these controllers in more detail.
5 Best PS4 Controllers That Are Compatible With PS4
Can You Charge A PS3 Controller On A PS4 Console?
We now know that you cannot use a PS3 controller on a PS4, but you might still be wondering if you can charge your PS3 controller on your PS4 console.
This would make life easier as you could charge your PlayStation 3 controller while gaming on your PS4 console. That way, there is no downtime where you have to wait for your controller to charge.
The great news is that you can charge a PS3 controller on a PS4 console. Simply connect your PS3 controller to your PS4 console via USB and turn on your PS4 console to start charging your controller.
To charge a PS3 controller on a PS4 console:
- First, connect the PS3 controller USB cable to your PS4
- Next, connect the other end of the USB cable to your PS3 controller
- Next, power up your PS4 console
- You should now see a light appear on your PS3 controller indicating that it’s charging
Can I Use A PS4 Controller On A PS3 Console?
OK, so now we know you can’t use a PS3 controller on a PS4 but what about the opposite? Can you use a PS4 controller on a PS3 console?
This seems like a pretty logical question if you own both a PS4 and a PS3.
Fortunately, it is possible to use a PS4 controller on a PS3 console. If you connect your PS4 controller to your PS3 via USB there is no additional setup required.
Ps4 Controller Ps3 Compatibility
This is excellent as it means you can minimize the time spent waiting for controllers to charge. You’ll be able to charge your PS3 controller while using your PS4 controller.
This also means you don’t need to buy extra controllers unless you want to.
To connect your PS4 controller to your PS3 console:
- First, connect the Micro USB cable to your PS3
- Next, connect the other end of the Micro USB cable into your DualShock 4 controller
- Next, power up your PS3
- After that, select the PlayStation button on your PS4 controller
- You should now have a working controller for your PS3!
How Many Controllers Can You Connect To A PS4?
A great question regarding the PS4 is how many controllers can you connect to it? You may want to play a game with your friends or family but aren’t sure how many people can play at once.
Although some party games only require 1 controller to play, you might want to play some other couch co-op games like Borderlands 3 or Overcooked, so you’ll need some more controllers.
The PlayStation 4 can support up to 4 controllers connected at the same time. Providing a game supports couch co-op of up to 4 players, this means you and 3 other people can play a video game at once.
In fact, when you have connected 4 controllers to your PS4 you’ll see that each of them has a different colored LED to signify which player you are:
- Blue – Player 1
- Red – Player 2
- Green – Player 3
- Pink – Player 4
To learn more about the ins and outs of the PlayStation 4 controller, I wrote an in-depth article that you can read here:
To connect a DualShock 4 controller to your PS4 console: Service manual martin mac 2000.
- Connect your Dualshock 4 controller to your PS4 via Micro USB cable
- Next, power up your PS4
- After that, select the PlayStation button on your DualShock 4 controller
- Once this has been successful, you’ll see the light bar on your controller turn blue (player 1).
If you have any issues connecting your DualShock 4 to your PS4 here is a link to the PlayStation Support page on DualShock 4 troubleshooting: Pairing and Connecting DUALSHOCK 4
Ps4 Controller On Ps3 Compatible Games List
Conclusion
We were able to cover a lot of useful information in this article so let’s summarize before we finish.
- First, I answered the question can I use a PS3 controller on a PS4 console?
- Next, we looked at do PlayStation 3 Bluetooth remotes work on a PS4?
- Next, we answered the question, what controllers are compatible with a PS4?
- After that, we examined if you can charge a PS3 controller on a PS4 console.
- As well as that, we looked at if you can charge a PS4 controller on a PS3 console.
- Finally, we answered the question, how many controllers can you connect to a PS4?
I hope you found some value in reading this article. If you enjoyed it, please consider sharing this article on social media. It will help others to find it which would be great.
Ps3 Controller On Ps4
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