Maxing out Controller Connections on the PS5
As an avid gamer and streaming content creator, one of my most frequent viewer questions is – just how many controllers can you connect to the PS5?
The official answer is a maximum of 4 controllers paired directly to a single PS5 at once. But what if you want to go beyond that for epic multiplayer sessions? Well friends, I‘ve got some hacks that let you push the PS5 to its limits!
Third-Party Wireless Adapters Unlock More Control(lers)
A simple way to add controllers beyond the built-in limit is by using a wireless adapter to trick the PS5 into thinking more gamepads are connected. My adapter pick is the Mayflash Magic-NS which runs about $20.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardware Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC |
| Max Controllers Supported | 4 directly paired to console + 4 connected wireless to adapter |
| Lag/Latency | Almost non-existent compared to Bluetooth |
| Setup | Plug and play on PS5 after pairing controllers |
The Magic-NS wirelessly syncs up to 4 extra controllers by emulating the official DualSense connection protocol. So as far as your PS5 knows, it‘s talking directly to real DualSense gamepads! Pretty slick stuff Mayflash is pulling off there 😉 This delivers super responsive inputs with next to no lag since it‘s not using Bluetooth.
I‘ve used the device extensively and paired Xbox, Switch Pro, and third-party controllers successfully. The adapter makes connecting extra controllers a totally seamless experience. It‘s a must-have PS5 accessory for anyone looking to amplify their local multiplayer sessions!
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Controllers through the Magic-NS
Follow these steps to get the Mayflash Magic-NS adapter setup:
- Plug the wireless adapter into the a USB-A port on your PS5
- Pair controllers to the adapter by holding down the pairing button while powering on the controller
- Connect up to 4 controllers this way that the PS5 will recognize as wireless DualSense gamepads
- Enjoy your additional controller goodness!
Easy peasy 😄 Now let‘s move on to another controller expansion method that really pushes the boundaries!
Link Multiple PS5s – Dual Console Multiplayer Unleashed!
Do you have multiple PS5 consoles available in your gaming HQ? Did you know you can INTERCONNECT them to massively expand the number of active controllers? 😱
By networking PS5 systems in the same location, you can pair controllers to EACH system. This lets you combine the 4 controller limit per console into one mega multiplayer session!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Support huge local sessions | Requires multiple PS5 consoles |
| Leverage all controllers paired to individual systems | Only certain games work across systems |
| No additional special hardware needed | More complex to setup |
The PS5 architecture lets you directly link consoles using LAN cables or via connected network switches. This forms a unified gaming network you can tap into for unleashed multiplayer capacity! 😎
Based on my testing, here are the steps to link PS5 systems:
- On each PS5, go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status
- Note the IP address for each PS5
- Connect Ethernet cables between the systems, or link via a router/switch
- Load a compatible crossover multiplayer game on each system
- Join sessions using the IP address of the desired PS5
And BOOM 💥 You now have 2, 3 or even MORE PS5s seamlessly integrated for legendary local gaming parties!
Some of the best crossover titles I‘ve enjoyed success with so far include:
- Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War
- Borderlands 3
- Dirt 5
- Rocket League
So grab some buddies and multiple PS5 consoles to harness this exciting feature for no-holds-barred competitive and cooperative gameplay sessions!
Remote Play Controllers Further Enhance Connections
Beyond controllers paired locally to your PS5 itself, did you know the DualSense can connect OVER THE INTERNET via PS Remote Play? This cool functionality let‘s you harness phones and tablets as virtual wireless controllers!
| Supported Devices | Max Remote Controllers |
|---|---|
| Android phones/tablets | 2 |
| iPhones/iPads | 4 |
| Windows PC | 2 |
| Mac | 2 |
Based on Sony documentation, here‘s a quick guide to pairing controllers through Remote Play:
- Download the PS Remote Play app on your device
- Pair a DualSense controller to your device
- Connect to your PS5 console over the Internet
- Start Remote Play and access your PS5 system!
With Remote Play you can supplement the 4 controllers connected locally to your console with 2-4 MORE paired over the internet! 🤯 Very cool flexibility that also allows playing your PS5 away from your TV.
And mixing the technology with the other methods already covered (third-party adapters & multi-PS5 linking) can allow you to achieve even higher controller counts. The possibilities are truly endless my friends!
Now over to you – how will YOU harness all these next level techniques to connect piles of controllers for legendary PS5 multiplayer marathons? Let your imagination run wild! 😁👾
