Sony rolls out an update to DualSense controllers for simultaneous multi-device connection
The update for PS5 is up now, and improves the DualSense’s pitch as a convenient multi-platform controller.
By Glenn Chua -
Sony’s DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers are currently compatible with PCs, macOS and iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth, which makes them a handy all-in-one option for PC, console and mobile gaming.
But one thing that held DualSense back was the inability to connect to multiple devices at the same time. This changes now, as Sony has rolled out an OTA update enabling this exact feature, allowing you to assign up to four devices to their own specific slots on the controller.
The update can be found on your PS5 via Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Once installed, you can start assigning your devices to their slots on the controller by following these steps:
- Ensure that the light bar and player indicators are off.
- Press and hold the PS button and one of the action buttons (triangle, circle, cross or square) until the light bar and player indicators start blinking. The action button represents which slot you’re assigning the device to, and the number of indicators being lit up corresponds to the slot number you’re in.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device and select the option to add Bluetooth devices.
- Select your DualSense controller from the list of devices; the light bar will light up, and the player indicator lights will blink according to the slot number you assigned the device to.
When setup is complete, you can switch devices by pressing and holding the PS button + action button combination that you assigned the target device to, and release them when the light bar and player indicators blink. Here’s an example from Sony:
Slot Number | Button Used | Player indicator lights | Connected Device (Example) |
Slot 1 | PS button + Triangle | One light on | PS5 |
Slot 2 | PS button + Circle | Two lights on | PS5 Pro |
Slot 3 | PS button + Cross | Three lights on | Windows PC |
Slot 4 | PS button + Square | Four lights on | iPhone |
In addition, Sony has also enabled a Power Saver mode for DualSense controllers, which can be enabled via Settings > System > Power Saving > Use Power Saver.
Power Saver will disable VR mode, and will also limit certain gameplay features depending on the game you’re playing. Titles that currently support this include Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Demon’s Souls and Ghost of Yotei, with support for more games on the way.