The PS5 DualSense is likely one of the Sony console’s best strengths, so why not use the PS5 controller on PC, too? We expect it is probably the greatest PC controllers (opens in new tab) due to its superior haptic motors and ‘adaptive’ triggers, which make it really feel like no different controller I’ve used earlier than—at the very least when enjoying PS5 video games that take full benefit of it. The DualSense is straightforward to make use of on PC, and a few Sony sport ports really deliver these superior options to life on PC.
They usually’re not alone: another PC video games, corresponding to Deathloop, Metro Exodus and Murderer’s Creed Valhalla, additionally faucet into the DualSense’s particular options. Due to Steam, we are able to simply use the DualSense controller in just about any PC sport with out fussy setup. It simply works.
This is a fast information on learn how to use the PS5 DualSense controller on PC, by way of both wired USB or a wi-fi Bluetooth connection.
Connecting: Wired or Bluetooth
How do I take advantage of DualSense controller on PC?
Wired
This a part of setup is a snap. To attach the controller to your PC by way of USB, you are going to want a USB Kind-C to USB-A cable on your PC (or a USB Kind-C to Kind-C cable when you occur to have a handy port out there). Whereas the PlayStation 5 console comes with one packed in, the DualSense bought by itself would not. Bummer! Get your fingers on a cable, plug it in, and also you’re in your means.
If you must purchase a cable, this is a two-pack from Anker for $11 (opens in new tab).
Bluetooth
To make use of the DualSense by way of Bluetooth, you will want a USB Bluetooth adapter (or a motherboard with Bluetooth built-in). To get linked, open the Bluetooth & different units menu in Home windows by urgent the Home windows key and typing ‘Bluetooth.’ Then click on ‘Add Bluetooth or different system’ and the primary merchandise on the subsequent menu that claims ‘Bluetooth.’ Your PC will begin looking for out there units.
On the DualSense, maintain down the PlayStation emblem button and the Share button (the small one to the left of the touchpad) till the LEDs across the touchpad start flashing quickly. Inside a couple of seconds, ‘Wi-fi controller’ ought to pop up in your Bluetooth units checklist to hook up with. Simply click on on it to complete pairing.
For those who want a Bluetooth adapter, you will get a 5.0 mannequin for lower than $20 (opens in new tab).
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The DualSense will now be accessible in Home windows with its DirectInput driver, which some video games will acknowledge and allow you to rebind controls. However many PC video games at the moment are constructed round Microsoft’s newer XInput driver for the Xbox controllers, so the DualSense might be fairly restricted with out some assist.
That is the place Steam is available in.
Steam setup
How do I setup the DualSense controller in Steam?
Steam added preliminary help for the DualSense again in November 2020, and has improved help for it since then. Utilizing Steam is by far the simplest approach to get your DualSense engaged on PC, even if you wish to use it in non-Steam video games.
To begin, join the DualSense to your PC by way of wire or Bluetooth as described above. Upon getting it linked, open Steam and launch Large Image Mode. You need to see the DualSense is now acknowledged and listed as a PlayStation 5 controller. Steam will robotically configure the keybinds to imitate an Xbox controller structure; the Triangle button is Y, the Sq. button is X, and many others.
You possibly can select Calibrate to tweak the joystick sensitivity, and Preferences to present the controller a reputation, allow/disable rumble, and configure the colour and brightness of the LED strip across the touchpad.
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One vital tip right here: ensure that PlayStation Configuration Assist is checked if you wish to customise your DualSense controller’s structure or gyro controls. With this button checked, you may press the PlayStation emblem button on the controller in any Steam sport to drag up Steam’s controller configuration display.
Reminder: the controller configurator is just out there by means of Steam Large Image mode.
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From this display you may swap button bindings, change how the touchpad works (it could do separate left- and right-clicks) and in addition configure the gyroscope, if you wish to use gyro aiming. You can too configure Motion Units and Motion Layers (opens in new tab) to allow completely completely different button bindings after which change to them on the fly in-game. For instance, when you solely needed to make use of gyro controls whereas in a aircraft in GTA, you can create an Motion Set for that and set off it by urgent a selected key anytime you hop in a aircraft.
For those who simply need your DualSense to work like several ol’ gamepad, although, you may go away this display alone, no tweaking required.
Non-Steam video games
How do I take advantage of the DualSense controller with non-Steam video games?
If you wish to use the DualSense in a sport that you simply personal on, say, the Epic Video games Retailer, there is a resolution that ought to work for absolutely anything, even emulators. The straightforward approach to do it: Carry Steam again into the image. Steam has an ‘Add to library’ characteristic for Home windows executables that lets you add different packages to your Steam library, after which make use of the Steam overlay.
As you may see within the picture above, click on the ‘Video games’ menu in Steam, then select the ‘Add a Non-Steam sport to my library…’ choice to drag up a listing of packages in your PC. Usually, this could mean you can add a sport and use a controller with Steam performing because the middleman.
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DS4Windows is another choice
For those who desire to configure the DualSense for non-Steam video games with out including these video games to your Steam library, great neighborhood software DS4Windows (opens in new tab) added DualSense help. (Should not it’s DS5Windows? Hm, that does not sound fairly nearly as good).
To make use of it, join your controller to PC by way of USB or Bluetooth as defined above with DS4Windows open, and it’s best to then be capable of customise your keybinds, change the LED and monitor the controller’s battery degree. DS4Windows will allow you to use the DualSense in any PC sport with Xbox controller help.
PC sport help
What video games use the DualSense controller’s options on PC?
You will not have to make use of Steam to make the DualSense work in all video games. In Home windows the DualSense makes use of the generic DirectInput driver, which some video games help out of the field. However most video games at the moment use Microsoft’s newer XInput driver, which is the place Steam Enter actually turns out to be useful. PCGamingWiki retains a listing of video games that use the DualSense options, however listed here are some highlights that help each Adaptive Triggers and haptic suggestions:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Metro Exodus Enhanced Version
- Deathloop
- Last Fantasy 7 Remake
- Murderer’s Creed Valhalla
- Genshin Affect
- Demise Stranding
- F1 22
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
