The PS5’s DualSense controller is renowned for its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, but its Bluetooth pairing has been a weak point until now. Switching platforms, from console to PC or smartphone, meant starting the pairing process all over again each time. With its latest system update, Sony finally corrects this frustrating limitation, allowing the controller to be paired with multiple devices.
An update for DualSense controllers
The new feature is currently being rolled out as a beta update to selected players in France, Japan, the USA, Canada, the UK and Germany. It allows up to four different devices to be registered on a single controller. Switching from one to another is now a simple matter of pressing buttons, without having to go back to the Bluetooth settings.
Sony has also included a device-specific indicator light: one to four flashes, depending on the profile selected. This change makes DualSense similar to audio accessories such as Bluetooth headphones, which can already handle multiple connections. Currently in Beta, this update will be rolled out globally to all gamers very shortly.
How do I connect a DualSense controller to several devices?
To assign a device, simply hold down the PS key and one of the action buttons (triangle, circle, cross or square) for more than 5 seconds. For example, the triangle can represent the PS5, the circle a PC, the cross an iPhone and the square an Android tablet. The joystick will flash according to the chosen location to confirm.
Before proceeding, be sure to disconnect any USB cables from the controller and ensure that its LEDs are off. Next, activate Bluetooth on the target device, then select the controller from the list of detected devices. The indicator light will tell you whether the operation has been successful. With this solution, you can connect up to 4 different devices to the DualSense controller.
Easily switch from one device to another
Once the various profiles have been set up, changing devices is simple. Hold down the PS button and the associated action button again for about 3 seconds. The controller automatically connects to the designated device, with no further action required.
Fast and intuitive, this feature should delight gamers who use their DualSense controller on multiple platforms. Whether you want to play on the PS5, a PC or even game remotely on a tablet or smartphone, the DualSense controller can now be connected directly, without having to go through the pairing stage.
How do I update my DualSense controller?
To update your DualSense controller from a PS5 console, start by connecting it to the console using a USB cable. Then go to Settings, Accessories and Controllers. There you’ll find the Software option for your DualSense wireless controller, which lets you check whether an update is available. If so, simply follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest firmware. This operation is fast and guarantees optimum compatibility with new features, particularly those linked to multi-pairing.
It is also possible to update the controller directly from a PC. To do this, download the PlayStation Accessories software from the PlayStation website. Once installed, connect the controller to your computer via a USB cable, launch the program and follow the on-screen instructions. This method provides access to the same software enhancements as the console, and is particularly useful for gamers who use DualSense mainly on PC.
With this update, Sony offers an improvement that is modest in appearance, but highly significant in terms of use. The ability to switch from one device to another without going through the settings menus makes thing easier and reinforces the DualSense’s appeal as a cross-platform controller. It now remains to be seen whether this function will be extended to other accessories, such as PS VR2 controllers, which are still limited in this respect.
