Forthcoming PlayStation software Update adds Multi-Device Pairing to dualSense Controllers

Sony on Wednesday announced its DualSense controllers will receive the ability to be automatically paired to multiple devices simultaneously. The software update, available in beta later this week, was detailed by Sony Interactive Entertainment’s vice president of product management Shuzo Kikuchi in a post published on Sony’s PlayStation blog.

“Many PS5 peripherals, including the DualSense wireless controller, are designed to support a variety of devices beyond PS5 including PC, Mac, and mobile devices. We believe enabling compatibility of our peripherals across multiple platforms creates a more flexible and seamless gaming experience,” Kikuchi wrote in the introduction. “As part of this effort, we’re excited to announce that the latest PS5 system update beta will preview a new feature that allows DualSense wireless controllers and DualSense Edge wireless controllers to be paired across multiple devices simultaneously, making it easier to switch between them without needing to pair each time.”

Kikuchi notes users have heretofore been required to pair their controller(s) each time someone wanted to use it with other devices. With the update, that tedium will be gone; users will be able to pair up to four devices at the same time and easily switch between them from the controller itself. “For example, you can take your controller which you use with your PS5, then seamlessly switch connection to a PC to play PC games, or connect it to a smartphone to enjoy Remote Play from your PS5,” Kikuchi said. “With this enhanced flexibility, you can enjoy gaming more freely across multiple devices.”

The pairing/switching process involves a combination of presses on the controller.

For its part, Apple has supported PlayStation controllers for several years on its panoply of platforms. In addition, the company announced at WWDC last month visionOS 26 supports Sony’s PlayStation’s VR2 Sense controllers after it had been rumored awhile.

Today’s news from Sony is welcome, particularly in an accessibility context. The big win here is alluded to in Kikuchi’s piece, as users needn’t manually pair their PlayStation controller with their other device(s). As with setting up AirPods, pair once and it propagates to one’s other kit. A disabled person who, for instance, has any number of cognitive/motor/visual conditions which could cause friction with bespoke pairing, this feature of ostensible convenience is transcended to become something arguably more meaningful by breaking a barrier and enabling greater accessibility to gaming to all. It goes to show how a seemingly mundane implementation detail—pairing accessories—can in actuality have a profound role in shaping a positive user experience for people.