The PS5 DualSense is likely one of the Sony console’s best strengths, so why not use the PS5 controller on PC, too? We predict it is the most effective PC controllers (opens in new tab) because of its superior haptic motors and ‘adaptive’ triggers, which make it really feel like no different controller I’ve used earlier than—a minimum of when enjoying PS5 video games that take full benefit of it. The DualSense is simple to make use of on PC, and a few Sony recreation ports truly convey these superior options to life on PC.
And so they’re not alone: another PC video games, akin 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 nearly any PC recreation with out fussy setup. It simply works.
Here is a fast information on how you can use the PS5 DualSense controller on PC, through both wired USB or a wi-fi Bluetooth connection.
Connecting: Wired or Bluetooth
How do I exploit DualSense controller on PC?
Wired
This a part of setup is a snap. To attach the controller to your PC through USB, you are going to want a USB Kind-C to USB-A cable to your PC (or a USB Kind-C to Kind-C cable when you occur to have a handy port obtainable). 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 manner.
If it’s essential purchase a cable, this is a two-pack from Anker for $11 (opens in new tab).
Bluetooth
To make use of the DualSense through Bluetooth, you may want a USB Bluetooth adapter (or a motherboard with Bluetooth built-in). To get related, 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 machine’ and the primary merchandise on the subsequent menu that claims ‘Bluetooth.’ Your PC will begin looking for obtainable 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 number of seconds, ‘Wi-fi controller’ ought to pop up in your Bluetooth units listing to hook up with. Simply click on on it to complete pairing.
Should you 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 this time 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 assist for the DualSense again in November 2020, and has improved assist for it since then. Utilizing Steam is by far the simplest option to get your DualSense engaged on PC, even if you wish to use it in non-Steam video games.
To start out, join the DualSense to your PC through wire or Bluetooth as described above. After you have it related, open Steam and launch Massive Image Mode. It is best 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 format; the Triangle button is Y, the Sq. button is X, and many others.
You’ll be able to select Calibrate to tweak the joystick sensitivity, and Preferences to offer 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 necessary tip right here: ensure PlayStation Configuration Help is checked if you wish to customise your DualSense controller’s format or gyro controls. With this button checked, you may press the PlayStation emblem button on the controller in any Steam recreation to drag up Steam’s controller configuration display.
Reminder: the controller configurator is simply obtainable via Steam Massive Image mode.
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From this display you may swap button bindings, change how the touchpad works (it might do separate left- and right-clicks) and in addition configure the gyroscope, if you wish to use gyro aiming. It’s also possible to configure Motion Units and Motion Layers (opens in new tab) to allow completely totally 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 would create an Motion Set for that and set off it by urgent a selected key anytime you hop in a aircraft.
Should you simply need your DualSense to work like all ol’ gamepad, although, you may depart this display alone, no tweaking required.
Non-Steam video games
How do I exploit the DualSense controller with non-Steam video games?
If you wish to use the DualSense in a recreation that you simply personal on, say, the Epic Video games Retailer, there is a answer that ought to work for absolutely anything, even emulators. The straightforward option to do it: Deliver Steam again into the image. Steam has an ‘Add to library’ function for Home windows executables that permits you to add different applications 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 recreation to my library…’ possibility to drag up an inventory of applications in your PC. Generally, this could mean you can add a recreation and use a controller with Steam performing because the middleman.
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DS4Windows is another choice
Should you favor 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 assist. (Should not or not it’s DS5Windows? Hm, that does not sound fairly nearly as good).
To make use of it, join your controller to PC through USB or Bluetooth as defined above with DS4Windows open, and you need to then be capable to customise your keybinds, change the LED and monitor the controller’s battery degree. DS4Windows will allow you to use the DualSense in any PC recreation with Xbox controller assist.
PC recreation assist
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 assist out of the field. However most video games at this time use Microsoft’s newer XInput driver, which is the place Steam Enter actually is useful. PCGamingWiki retains an inventory of video games that use the DualSense options, however listed below are some highlights that assist each Adaptive Triggers and haptic suggestions:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Metro Exodus Enhanced Version
- Deathloop
- Ultimate Fantasy 7 Remake
- Murderer’s Creed Valhalla
- Genshin Impression
- Dying Stranding
- F1 22
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
