Using a gamepad on your PC used to be considered a compromise, but today we can safely say that the experience in certain games is better with one. The market is full of plug-and-play options, but many users have access to the PlayStation family of gamepads. If you are one of those users and want to know how to use a PlayStation controller on your PC, whether it's PS4 or PS5, this article will help you.
A Gamepad for Every Game
I'll be the first to admit: even though I defend the keyboard-mouse combo tooth and nail, some games develop their full potential with a gamepad. Two examples that come to mind are metroidvanias like Blasphemous and Hollow Knight, but it would be a mistake to forget Cuphead, and all those ports that got stuck halfway with their control conversion.
Naturally, Windows 10 offers plug-and-play compatibility for Xbox gamepads, but if your plan is to use a PlayStation controller on PC, you need to consider other factors. The first is that there is no official support for DualShock/DualSense under Windows, or alternatively, the controller will work with the DirectInput protocol, limiting its functionality. The second is that Steam can help you overcome those difficulties.
How to Use a PlayStation Controller on Your PC
- With a cable: Let's start with the simplest. The DualShock 4 for PlayStation 4 requires a microUSB/USB-A cable that supports data and charging. In contrast, the DualSense for PlayStation 5 replaces the microUSB port with a USB-C. You can also connect from microUSB to USB-C (PS4) or USB-C to USB-C (PS5) without issues. Just make sure to use good-quality cables and adapters.
- Via Bluetooth: The process reduces to putting the controller in pairing mode. Here are the official instructions for DualShock 4 and for DualSense. Once the gamepad is ready to pair, go to Windows 10 Settings, then Devices, click "Add Bluetooth or other device", and then click again on the Bluetooth category. Windows 10 should see the controller, allowing you to add it to its configuration. If it asks for a PIN, try 0000.
Obviously, some of the integrated functions of PlayStation gamepads won't be available on PC, and you'll also need a good Bluetooth adapter. I understand the convenience of wireless connections, but I've accumulated a lot of experience with Bluetooth on Windows 10... and I can only say this: try the cable first.
How to Configure Steam for a PlayStation Controller on PC
Easier, impossible: With the gamepad already connected/paired, open Steam and enter Big Picture mode. Steam should detect and configure your gamepad automatically, but if there's any issue, go to Controller Settings and confirm that the PlayStation Configuration Support box is checked. Another valid path in Steam is Settings – Controller – General Controller Settings. Steam will try to emulate an Xbox controller layout on the PlayStation gamepad, but you can modify it as you like.
What If the Game Isn't on Steam?
Two options. The first is to add external games to Steam using the command 'Add a non-Steam game to my library' in the Products menu. This will show a list: choose the game, and it will be registered so that Steam acts as a middle man.
The second option is to download the latest version of DS4Windows. Although we already have a mini tutorial for connecting a PlayStation 4 gamepad to the PC using this program, the good news is that it received an update with support for the new DualSense controllers. I must mention that the most recent build of DS4Windows requires version 5 of the .NET Framework, and you should disable the option for PlayStation in Steam.
In Summary
It would be fantastic if Sony acted with a bit more common sense and offered its users-customers-consumers proper support for using PlayStation controllers on PC. Until that happens, both Steam and DS4Windows will have to come to the rescue.
