Does PS4 Controller Use WiFi or Bluetooth?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The PlayStation 4‘s DualShock 4 wireless controller connects via Bluetooth, not WiFi. All PS4 controllers use Bluetooth technology to pair and communicate wirelessly with the PS4 console and other devices like PCs.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication standard that allows compatible devices to connect over distances up to 100 meters. Unlike WiFi, which is designed for internet network connectivity, Bluetooth is optimized for pairing peripherals like game controllers, headphones, speakers and more to host devices.

There have been several versions of Bluetooth over the years with different capabilities:

  • Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B had many compatibility issues
  • Bluetooth 2.0+EDR improved speed and reliability
  • Bluetooth 3.0+HS introduced better data transfer speeds
  • Bluetooth 4.0+LE (Low Energy) reduced power consumption
  • Bluetooth 5.0+LE increased range and speed

For gaming devices like the PS4 controller, Bluetooth 5.0 and above offers the best combination of low latency (lag), interference resiliance, and energy efficiency – all critical factors for an optimal wireless gaming experience.

Pairing PS4 Controller via Bluetooth

To connect your PS4 controller wirelessly, you simply need to turn on the controller by pressing the PlayStation button and wait for it to automatically pair with your PS4 console via Bluetooth. The light bar on the controller will blink blue while it searches and connect.

Here are a few tips for seamless Bluetooth pairing:

  • Make sure no other Bluetooth devices like headphones are connected to the PS4
  • Try re-pairing the controller if the light bar doesn‘t turn solid blue
  • Restart both the PS4 and controller if you face pairing issues
  • Check if your PS4 software is updated to the latest version

If your controller fails to connect wirelessly over Bluetooth, you can also use a USB cable to connect the controller wired to the PS4. This USB connection allows you to charge your controller if the battery is low.

Benefits of Bluetooth Controller Connectivity

Bluetooth offers major advantages for connecting your PS4 controller compared to alternatives like WiFi:

Lower latency: Bluetooth has significantly lower latency than WiFi, meaning less lag and delay in your game controls. This allows for near real-time input which is essential for serious gaming.

No interference: Bluetooth uses frequency hopping technology making it highly resistant to signal interference. This prevents disconnects or interrupted gameplay as can happen over WiFi.

Energy efficiency: Bluetooth 4.0 and above use very low energy leading to good battery life on your controllers. PS4 controllers last for hours of gaming on a full charge.

Overall for gaming controllers, Bluetooth simply delivers a superior wireless experience compared to WiFi connectivity. Playstation smartly leveraged Bluetooth in all its PS4 controllers understanding its benefits.

Using PS4 Controllers on Other Devices

A great benefit of Bluetooth is that PS4 controllers can pair with other devices besides your PlayStation 4:

  • Windows PCs
  • Mac computers
  • Android smartphones and tablets
  • iOS devices (with some limitations)

As long as the device supports Bluetooth connections, you can sync and use a PS4 controller to play mobile games, navigate interface menus, control media playback and more. This flexibility expands the capabilities of the PS4 controller.

The Future of Wireless Controllers

While the PS4 relied on older Bluetooth standards, newer consoles like PS5 utilize the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology in their controllers. Bluetooth 5.1 offers 4x the speed and 2x the range of older versions.

We can expect future controllers to leverage new wireless standards for:

  • Even lower latency and lag
  • Reduced risk of signal interference
  • Longer battery life while maintaining range

There are even early trials of WiFi-based wireless gaming protocols that operate in the uncongested 60GHz frequency band reserved for short range, high bandwidth communications.

So while we are unlikely to see WiFi directly in game controllers themselves given Bluetooth‘s advantages today, future advancements in wireless technology could enable new capabilities.

Conclusion

In summary, the PS4 DualShock controller relies 100% on Bluetooth technology for its wireless connectivity to the console and other devices. It does not use WiFi to directly connect.

Bluetooth offers critical benefits like low latency, interference resistance, and energy efficiency – which makes it the ideal wireless protocol for gaming controllers. And with the latest Bluetooth versions, connectivity and battery life continue improving across Playstation and Xbox controllers.

So while WiFi continues to evolve as well, Bluetooth retains key advantages that will keep it the de facto standard for wireless gaming controllers into the future.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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