Connecting a PS4 joystick to a computer

Dualshock 4 is the gamepad for the latest generation Sony PlayStation 4 game console. Partly, these controllers fit the PS3 and personal computer.

It is technically possible to connect a controller from PS4 to a computer.

Characteristics:

  • Touchpad with color indicator.
  • The Share button allows you to record and share game moments, upload screenshots and videos from the game to the network directly.
  • Charging via USB during the game.
  • Improved buttons for more precise control.
  • Built-in speaker for a more realistic transfer of the atmosphere of the game.
  • Stereo headset connector.
  • Accelerometer and gyroscope allow you to control the character with the help of movement, rotation and tilt of the gamepad.
  • Compatibility with the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset.

When the gamepad was released, its compatibility with the personal computer was announced. However, in practice, to achieve full-fledged work of all its functions is very difficult. This is logical, because Sony is focused on capturing demand for its console and is not interested in making wide use of the joystick on the PC.

Nevertheless, the PS4 controller attracts gamers with its advanced features and design performance. Therefore, we consider ways to properly connect the PS4 joystick to a computer so that it retains its functionality to the maximum and works correctly in computer games.

Connection methods

You can connect Dualshock 4 to a PC in the following ways:

  1. Using USB, you will need a microUSB-USB cable.
  2. By Bluetooth.
  3. With Sony's proprietary wireless adapter.

By USB, you can play on a laptop or computer with Windows 7, Win 8 and Win 10. After turning on the cable, the driver should be automatically installed and the joystick will be recognized as a standard DirectInput device.

In order to connect the gamepad from PS4 to PC via bluetooth, you need an adapter for PC and OS not lower than Windows 8 or a built-in module on a laptop or computer. Preferably Broadcom, they are guaranteed to work correctly with controllers from the PS. Turn on the Bluetooth on the PC, and then hold down the Share and PS buttons for a few seconds. If required, enter the code 0000 on the screen. In this way, you can connect up to 4 Dualshock to the computer.

In September 2016, Sony introduced a wireless adapter to connect Dualshock 4 to Windows and Mac. It was supposed that with its help it would be possible to fully use all the functions of the gamepad on a personal computer. However, in practice, it fully works when playing PS4 games on a computer. In addition, this way you can connect only one Dualshock 4.

From the advantages of using a wireless adapter Sony can be called:

  • the ability to play sound through a joystick speaker from a PC;
  • Connection to the computer will take place instantly without driver conflicts and without the need for additional installation and configuration.

If you simply connect the controller, many of its functions are likely to be inoperable. This is a touch panel, gyroscope and accelerometer, vibration function, speaker and microphone, headset jack. To connect the joystick with all the functions you need to install special software.

Steam

Steam is a distribution service for digital copies of games with store, network community and gaming platform functions. The Steam client is free to download and install on the computer. From December 2016, he officially supports Dualshock 4, and he works with ordinary Bluetooth adapters and with Sony's proprietary adapter. And you can also simultaneously connect different gamepads and they will not conflict with each other.

Instructions on how to connect a joystick on Steam:

  1. Activate support for Dualshock 4 on Steam:
    • Enter Big Picture mode.

    • Find “Settings”, “Controller Settings”.

    • Enable DS4 Controller Support.

  2. Adjust the backlight and activate the vibration.
  3. Turn off and turn on the gamepad.
  4. Add a third-party game to the library. To do this, in the menu at the bottom right click "Add game".
  5. Run the game from the library.
  6. Press the PS button on the controller. The settings screen appears, go to "Controller Settings".
  7. Customize controls and features as convenient. In games where there is no support for gamepads initially, it will be more difficult to configure. If you experience difficulties, contact the community of a particular game or download the successful settings of other players.

If you do not want to use the Steam client, then download one of the applications that makes it possible to correctly pair DS4 with personal computers.

Special software

There are several sets of drivers and programs that allow you to correctly connect the Sony gamepad to Windows:

  • DS4Windows;
  • DS4Tool;
  • InputMapper;
  • Xpadder.

DS4Windows is a special program for working with DS4. Connection instructions:

  • Download for free from the official site //ds4windows.com.
  • Save to your computer, unzip.
  • Run DS4Windows.exe.
  • Click "Program Folder".
  • Run the DS4 driver installation and follow the instructions on the screen.

After installation, you can customize the program according to your preferences. If in some games the PS4 controller does not work, turn on the Hide DS4 Controller function, then disconnect and reconnect the gamepad.

DS4Tool is a driver kit for DualShock 4. For proper operation:

  • Download the driver archive, save and unpack it to a folder on your hard drive.
  • Run ScpDriver.exe, the installation of the driver itself will begin.
  • Run the ScpServer.exe file every time before connecting the controller.

InputMapper is an Xbox 360 joystick emulator program. After downloading and installing the application, the computer will perceive DS4 as an Xbox gamepad. In this regard, in some games, the Sony gamepad may not work correctly or does not work at all. Therefore, the feasibility of using such a program is questionable.

Xpadder is a program that allows you to work in Windows with controllers from different manufacturers. The program is paid, but universality gives it an advantage in case you play on several different joysticks.

Windows is developed by Microsoft, which has its own Xbox One game console, competing with PS4. Accordingly, they have done everything to maximize compatibility with their own gamepad and impede the use of their main competitor controllers. But with the help of special programs that are easy to configure, you can connect to your PC and enjoy all the benefits of Dualshock 4.

For enthusiastic gamers, the Steam service is more likely to be suitable, as they are likely to use it anyway. It will be enough only to enable DS4 support and connect it to the PC. But utilities such as DS4Tool and DS4Windows are also a good solution. If you have ideas on how to set up and optimize Dualshock 4 on a personal computer, leave tips and share your opinions in the comments.