Why Won't DualShock 4 Controllers Be Compatible With PS5 Games?
After the PS5 announcement in June, many have been wondering what the next generation of gaming will look like. Over the months, everything from backwards compatibility to the price point of the new console has been discussed across the internet.
On August 3, Isabelle Tomatis- PlayStation VR, Peripherals Marketing and Licensing, SIE spokesperson- took to the PlayStation Blog to answer some frequently asked questions regarding backwards compatibility, controllers, and peripherals. What was not discussed, however, was the much-debated price point of the new console. Fans are assuming this will be revealed closer to the console's launch date.
The first question that Tomatis answered regarded compatibility between PS4 accessories and the PS5. She confirmed that officially- licensed speciality peripherals, which she defined as arcade sticks and racing wheels, will be compatible with supported PS4 titles.
Click to enlargeThe PlayStation Camera for PS4 will also work on the PS5. The camera will require an adaptor, but PS VR users will receive this adaptor for free. Tomatis stated that the process for getting this adaptor will be revealed "at a later date."
Click to enlargePlatinum, Gold, and third-party wireless headsets will also work on the PS5. However, the headset application for the PS4 will not be compatible. It can be assumed that there will be a PS5 version of the application, but it has not been announced yet.
Tomatis also added that PS Move and PS VR Aim Controllers will work with supported PS VR games.
The biggest question that people had, however, was whether or not DualShock 4 controllers would work on the PS5. The answer took the internet by storm: DualShock 4 controllers would not be compatible with PS5 games. Supported PS4 titles would be able to utilise these controllers, but PS5 releases would reject them.
The reason for this, according to Tomatis, is so that players can experience the "new capabilities and features" brought by the wireless DualSense controllers. She states that the PS4 DualShock controllers simply don't allow for this extensive new range of features, which is why they will only work for compatible PS4 titles.
Click to enlargeShe also stated that "not all PlayStation officially licensed or third-party peripherals/accessories may work on PS5. We recommend checking with the manufacturer to confirm whether a product will work on PS5 and specific titles."
Even though Tomatis's statement regarding DualShock controllers was short, it created a lot of controversy within the gaming scene, as many were anticipating being able to use their older accessories with the new console. Unlike its direct competitor, Xbox, it seems that PlayStation's newest iteration of controller is just too different to provide the same experience across generations.
To further complicate issues regarding backwards compatibility on the PS5, a popular gaming YouTuber, Lance McDonald, claimed on Twitter that the PS5 would be compatible with all PS4 games, regardless of optimisation or testing.
This confused and upset many, as it seemed like Sony's lack of support for DualShock 4 on the PS5 was unwarranted. Many believed that if any PS4 game would work on the PS5, then the PS4 controller should too. These claims appear to be unfounded and based on older generation backwards compatibility between consoles like the PS1 and PS2. PlayStation themselves have not responded to this tweet, but McDonald has taken it down, which could imply that something went on behind the scenes. Evidence of other statements regarding backwards compatibility, such as the one shown below, are still available on his Twitter account.
The only information that fans have regarding backwards compatibility comes from Mark Cerny's March seminar and Hideaki Nishino's PlayStation blog post. Cerny stated that only the top 100 PlayStation 4 games would be backwards compatible with the PS5. Nishino's post seemed more optimistic about the PS5's backwards compatibility, stating that a majority of the over 4,000 PS4 titles would be available to play on the PS5.
Click to enlargeThe lack of certainty on the state of backwards compatibility with PS4 games and peripherals has made many sceptical about what Sony's "future of gaming" will be like. Much like Microsoft's initial lack of backwards compatibility between the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, the PS5's spotty compatibility with PS4 has angered many. However, much like Microsoft did, PlayStation can always announce support for older games in the future, which could win back some of its audience.
Speaking of Xbox, in a slight jab at PlayStation, Xbox UK tweeted out that the Xbox Series X will be compatible with all controllers, even those made for the Xbox One. This tweet has generated a lot of support from gamers, and many seem to be siding with XBox for this next generation of gaming. Whether or not Sony will fire back or further consider backwards compatibility will most likely be revealed in time.
There are so many grey areas in terms of what will and will not work on the PS5, be it games or accessories. With fall swiftly approaching and the holiday season drawing nearer, player questions might be answered soon. As the console's release date approaches, more concrete information will be provided, whether it be regarding the console's price, further specs, or cross-console compatibility. Players will just have to find out whether the DualSense controller adds the game-changing features promised by Sony or if the company's barring of DualShock controllers is simply a way to profit off its audience.
Images featured in this article via Sony
