You can connect up to four controllers to your PS5 at the same time

The PlayStation 5 supports a maximum of four wireless controllers connected simultaneously. This is the standard for local multiplayer — you can have four players in the same room playing together on one console. Each controller connects via Bluetooth and appears as a separate player in games that support multiple controllers.

If you need more than four controllers for a larger group, you have options. Some games support additional controllers through USB connection, though this is less common. You can also use a second PS5 console and link the two together through your network for expanded multiplayer, though this requires two separate systems and two copies of most games.

Key Takeaways

  • Four DualSense controllers is the maximum wireless connection limit on a single PS5 console.
  • All four controllers connect through Bluetooth and do not require any additional hardware or adapters.
  • Games must be designed to support multiple controllers — not every title allows four-player local play.
  • You can connect a fifth controller via USB cable if a game supports it, though this is rare and the controller must stay plugged in.
  • If you regularly play with more than four people, a second PS5 console with network linking is the standard solution.

How to connect multiple controllers to your PS5

To connect a second, third, or fourth controller, hold the Create button on the back of each new controller until the light bar flashes. This puts the controller into pairing mode. On your PS5 home screen, go to Settings, then Accessories, then Controllers. Select the controller you are pairing and it will connect automatically within a few seconds.

Each controller will be assigned to a different player number — Player 1, Player 2, Player 3, and Player 4. The first controller you set up becomes Player 1 by default. You can swap which controller is which player by reassigning them in the same Accessories menu, though most games detect the controller order automatically based on which one you press a button on first when launching the game.

Once connected, the controllers stay paired to your console. You do not need to pair them again unless you reset the controller or pair it with a different device. If a controller stops responding, hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then press the power button again to reconnect it.

Which games actually support four controllers

Not every PS5 game allows four players on one screen. Sports games, party games, and fighting games almost always support four controllers — titles like NBA 2K, Madden, Gran Turismo, Mortal Kombat, and Astro's Playroom all work with four players locally. Many indie games and older PlayStation titles also support full four-player local multiplayer.

Story-driven single-player games typically do not support multiple controllers at all. Games like Spider-Man, Final Fantasy, and Elden Ring are designed for one player only. Before buying a game specifically for multiplayer, check the game's description on the PlayStation Store or the publisher's website — it will list the maximum number of local players supported.

Some games support two controllers but not four. Racing games, for example, might let two players race head-to-head but not four. The only way to know for certain is to check the game's manual or settings menu once you own it — the number of supported controllers is usually listed in the main menu under Options or Settings.

Using a fifth controller with USB cable

If a game supports it, you can connect a fifth controller by plugging it directly into a USB port on the PS5 with a USB-C cable. The PS5 has two USB-A ports on the front and two USB-C ports on the back. However, very few games actually recognize a fifth controller, and the controller must remain plugged in to work — it cannot operate wirelessly in this configuration.

This option exists mainly for developers and is rarely used in commercial games. If you are looking to play with five or more people, connecting a second PS5 console through your home network is a more practical solution. Both consoles can play the same game simultaneously, and players can join the same online session or play split-screen across both screens.

Connecting controllers to a second PS5 console

If you own two PS5 consoles on the same home network, you can set up local multiplayer across both screens. Each console can have up to four controllers connected, giving you eight total players in theory. However, the game must support this feature — it is not automatic.

To use two consoles together, both must be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into accounts that own the game. Some games like Overcooked and It Takes Two have built-in support for this. Others do not. Check the game's settings or manual to see if it mentions split-console multiplayer or network play for local groups.

Troubleshooting controllers that won't connect

If a fourth controller will not pair, first make sure the other three are already connected and working. The PS5 sometimes has trouble pairing a fourth controller if the first three are not stable. Disconnect the third controller, pair the fourth one, then reconnect the third.

If a controller still will not pair, restart the PS5 completely — hold the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then turn it back on. This clears the Bluetooth cache and often fixes pairing problems. After the restart, try pairing the controller again using the Create button method.

If the controller's light bar does not flash when you hold Create, the controller's battery may be dead. Plug it into a USB-C cable connected to the PS5 and let it charge for 30 minutes, then try pairing again. A fully drained controller can take up to two hours to charge completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PS4 controllers on PS5?

No. PS4 DualShock 4 controllers do not work with PS5 games. They can only be used with PS4 games that you play through backward compatibility. If you want to play PS5 games with multiple players, you must use DualSense controllers, which are the PS5's native controller.

Do all four controllers need to be charged?

Yes. Each controller has its own battery and charges independently through USB-C. A fully charged controller lasts roughly 12 hours of active play. You can charge one controller while using the others, or charge all four at once using a multi-port USB charger.

What happens if a controller disconnects during gameplay?

Most games pause or show a reconnection prompt when a controller loses connection. The player can usually reconnect by pressing any button on the controller. If the controller does not reconnect within a few seconds, restart it by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Can I connect controllers to my PS5 from across the room?

Yes. Bluetooth has a typical range of 30 feet in open space, though walls and interference can reduce this. As long as you are in the same room or nearby, the controllers will stay connected. If you are too far away, the connection will drop and you will need to move closer.

Do I need a special adapter to connect four controllers?

No. All four controllers connect through Bluetooth built into the PS5. You do not need any adapter, hub, or additional hardware. Simply pair each controller through the Accessories menu and they work immediately.