How to connect your PS5 controller to PC and Steam Deck

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is one of the best gamepads out there currently. Its ergonomic design makes using it for long play sessions comfortable, it’s durable and has decent battery life too.

In the past, Sony hasn’t made it easy to use their controllers on other devices. The DualShock 4 required users to jump through hoops to use the controller with a PC. However, the DualSense is much easier to link to other devices.

While you won’t get as much customization as you do with the DualSense Edge and the PlayStation Accessories app, you also won’t have to spend $200 to use the controller with your PC with these methods.

How to use the PlayStation 5 controller on PC

There are two ways to connect the DualSense PS5 controller to the PC – wired and wireless.

With a wire

This is a very simple method but will require you to get hold of the correct cable. The PlayStation 5 controller has a USB-C port on the back of the device – this is where you charge the controller. Check what USB ports your PC has – if you’ve got a native USB-C port, you can get a USB-C to USB-C cable. If not, get a USB-A to USB-C.

The different USB cables. Image credit: Adafruit Industries via Flickr CC 2.0 license.

When you’ve got your cable, it’s just a matter of plugging it in. After a moment Windows will recognize the DualSense as a plugged-in gamepad and you’re off to the races. It’s that simple.

Using Bluetooth

If your computer has Bluetooth built-in then you won’t need to buy anything to use the PS5 controller with your PC. If it doesn’t have it by default, you can get a fairly inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter and plug that into your PC to connect your controller.

1. Open your Bluetooth settings (either through the menus or just type “Bluetooth” into the start menu and select ‘Bluetooth and other devices’
2. Click ‘Add Bluetooth or other device’
3. Select ‘Bluetooth’ in the pop-up menu
4. With your DualSense controller disconnected and turned off, press and hold the PS5 button and the ‘Create’ button (next to the d-pad) together until the light starts to blink
5. On your computer, select the DualSense from the list of available devices to connect via Bluetooth

How to use your PlayStation 5 controller on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is an incredible bit of portable gaming kit but there’s no denying that it’s heavy and can feel a bit cumbersome, especially for longer sessions. If you’ve got space to bring a DualSense alongside you can alleviate the wrist strain by propping up the Deck and gaming with the controller instead. Alternatively, if you’ve got the Steam Deck hooked up to a monitor for a less portable but more immersive gaming setup, a PS5 controller is perfect.

With a wire

If you’ve got a dock for your Steam Deck or are playing on the go without the Deck plugged into the power, you can just grab a USB-C to USB-C wire and plug the DualSense directly into the console. It will pick it up as a gamepad and you’re ready to go.

With Bluetooth

Connecting your PS5 controller to your Steam Deck is pretty simple. The device comes with Bluetooth so it’s just a matter of linking the Deck with the gamepad.

1. On your Steam Deck, press the ‘Steam’ button.
2. Go to ‘Settings’
3. Go to ‘Bluetooth’
4. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is on
5. With your DualSense controller disconnected and turned off, press and hold the PS5 button and the ‘Create’ button (next to the d-pad) together until the light starts to blink
6. Go back to your Steam Deck and select the DualSense from the list of available devices to connect via Bluetooth

The ‘create’ button. Image credit: Sony Why wired might be better

It’s just as easy to use a cable or Bluetooth and how you use your PS5 controller with your PC or Steam Deck will mostly come down to personal preference and what you’ve got available.

However, if you’ve got the cables available, plugging in might be the best option. While you are restricted by the length of the wire and they can be a little annoying, there’s a major upside.

If you’re done on the PC and want to go back to the PlayStation, you have to go through the controller pairing process to pair the DualSense with the PS5. Then if you want to go back to PC or Deck, you have to re-pair with the device.

This makes it pretty irritating for anyone who wants to switch back and forth between devices on a frequent basis. If you stick to Bluetooth for the PlayStation and wired for your other devices, you avoid this issue. Or, you could get a new DualSense controller to use with your PC or Steam Deck. It will make life easier for sure but might be cost-prohibitive. A new DualSense will still set you back around $65.

Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons/Sony/Valve

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