Does PS4 and PS5 use the same power cable plug?

The short answer is yes – both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles use the same standardized IEC C7 "figure 8" power cable. This cable is compatible between both systems, allowing you to safely repurpose your PS4 power cords for the PS5. Read on as I dive deeper into the power specifications for both consoles and how to best leverage accessories across generations.

As a gaming enthusiast and content creator who loves everything PlayStation, I‘ve been eager to get my hands on the PS5. When unboxing my shiny new console, I was pleased to discover the power cable hasn‘t changed. Being able to reuse existing power cords, headsets, and other gear makes the upgrade more affordable. Now let‘s look under the hood to understand exactly how and why the plugs and ports remain compatible.

Electrical compatibility of PS4 and PS5 power cables

Both the PlayStation 4 and 5 game systems utilize a common 100-120V, 50/60Hz AC input range capable of up to 10A of electric current. This allows them to be safely powered using a standard IEC C7 "figure 8" cable connected to basic North American wall outlets.

Here is a side-by-side view of the PS4 and PS5 power ports:

Fig 1. PS4 (Left) and PS5 (Right) AC power input ports both utilize IEC C7 connector

This non-polarized, 2 prong connector is ubiquitous – found on everything from laptop power bricks to LCD monitors. The simple design, ease of connecting, and ability to handle 10+ amp current loads has made the IEC C7 connector an industry workhorse.

Both Sony consoles use an external power supply converting the AC wall current into appropriate low voltage DC for internal electronics. This allows them to leverage inexpensive commodity power cables while isolating sensitive logic boards from electrical noise.

According to tested PS5 power draw analysis from The Verge, typical gaming system consumption measured 167 watts during Marvel‘s Spider-Man: Miles Morales gameplay. This aligns with the PS5‘s much improved graphical capability over the PS4, rated at just under 110 watts maximum when active.

Fig 2. Power usage specification comparison between PS5 and PS4 while gaming

So while electricity demand has increased by over 50% with the vastly more capable PS5 hardware, the supplied AC cable remains safely within electrical limits. This reassures me as both a gamer wanting reliable hardware, and as an enthusiast reusing existing cabling.

Charging the DualSense controller without a PS5

The PS5 ships with the impressive DualSense controller featuring advanced haptic feedback and dynamic trigger support. This innovative gamepad contains a built-in lithium-ion battery recharged via USB-C connection.

Unlike the PS4, a USB-C port is not natively available on the console itself. So how can PS5 owners charge their DualSense controllers without access to the console?

The provided USB-C to USB-A cable can connect the controller to ordinary USB-A ports found on most chargers, power banks, PCs, or USB wall adapters. I‘ve found it most convenient to use my 18W Android phone power adapter. While taking longer than directly using the PS5 hardware, it‘s reliable enough for overnight charging.

Gamers still owning the PS4 console unfortunately cannot directly charge DualSense controllers by plugging into USB-A ports. However USB-C remains an open standard, so generic cables or chargers work perfectly fine as a substitute. It simply takes longer compared to leveraging the PS5‘s dedicated charging circuitry and USB-C port.

Backward compatibility of PS4 accessories on PS5

A major innovation Sony delivered for PS5 owners is strong backwards compatibility with existing PS4 games and accessories. As an early adopter constantly upgrading audio gear and controllers, I appreciate being able to carry forward my existing investments.

Sony designed the PS5 hardware and software ecosystem to gracefully accept PS4 games, headsets, VR gear and input devices. Here‘s a quick list of accessories confirmed to work on both console generations:

• PlayStation VR headsets and camera adapters
• Wireless headsets like the Platinum and Gold models
• Racing wheels & flight sticks such as the Logitech G29
• Specialty gamepads for niche titles
• External USB hard drives up to 8TB

This forwards compatibility tells me Sony cares about not fragmenting the play experience or forcing re-purchases unnecessarily. The strategy excites me as both a loyal customer and gaming commentator closely following the PlayStation platform evolutions.

Researching adoption rates of PS5 vs PS4

As of February 2023, over 30 million PS5 consoles have been sold globally based on Sony‘s latest earnings report. This is fairly impressive given substantial supply constraints over the past 2 years! In comparison, the beloved PS4 hit 117 million units shipped lifetime-to-date.

Clearly the mature, established PS4 install base dominates for now. But with projections of 50 million PS5 sales by 2024, the tide is certainly turning towards adoption of the next-gen console. As production ramps up, I‘m bullish on the PS5 attaining PS4 levels of gamer mindshare thanks continuing innovations and loyal fans like myself eager to upgrade!

Final thoughts

I hope this guide gave you confidence around repurposing your PS4 power cables and accessories with the incredible PS5 system. Both consoles clearly share common IEC standard power inputs guaranteeing cross-generational compatibility. And innovative features like USB-C charging on the DualSense controller provide next-generation functionality absent on the PS4 itself.

Sony‘s commitment to supporting existing games and peripherals during the transitionary PS5 launch period gives me further faith they care about customers beyond just selling new hardware. The ability to carry forward expensive headsets, racing wheels, and VR gear keeps the upgrade costs manageable for veteran fans.

Let me know if you have any other questions around usage of PS4 accessories or cables on the PS5! I‘m always happy to dig into technical details and provide recommendations around gaming gear optimizations.