The Ultimate Guide to Connecting Two PS5 Controllers to Your Laptop

As a gaming enthusiast and content creator always looking to maximize my setup for intense local multiplayer action, one of my favorite tips is connecting two PS5 DualSense controllers to my laptop.

Let me tell you, nearly doubling your controller capacity opens up a whole new world of competitive and cooperative gameplay directly on your mobile battlestation.

But getting everything successfully synced can be tricky. In this epic walkthrough, I‘ll be sharing pro-level insights on the most seamless methods I‘ve found for linking both wired and wireless PS5 gamepads.

Let‘s dive in!

Why Connect Multiple PS5 Controllers?

Before we get technical, let me hype you up on why this should be your next laptop gaming upgrade…

Having two fully-featured DualSense controllers unlocked paves the way for:

• Next-Level Local Multiplayer: Finally enjoy supported couch co-op, competitive head-to-head games, and more without splitting the tiny laptop screen!

• Ultimate Control Flexibility: Mix using a controller and mouse/keyboard seamlessly depending on your gameplay needs.

• Killer Combo Capabilities: Link both gamepads to execute devastating synchronized attack patterns in fighting games.

• Expanded Genre Potential: Experience controller-focused genres like platformers, fighting games, sports games, and racing simulators.

• Impressive Button Mapping: Fully utilize the DualSense‘s advanced force feedback vibration, adaptive triggers, motion sensors, touchpad, headset jack and other integrated features.

According to a 2021 survey by NewZoo, over 61% of desktop gamers utilize controllers over mouse and keyboard in at least some games. And the advanced haptic feedback and ergonomic form factor of the PS5‘s DualSense make it a top choice.

Now let‘s get into the nitty gritty on how to get two of Sony‘s latest gamepads hooked up to your laptop!

Connecting PS5 Controllers via USB

The most reliable connectivity method is through an old-fashioned wired USB connection.

While sacrificing some mobility freedom, plugging your PS5 controller directly into one of your laptop‘s USB ports offers:

• Nearly instant plug-and-play functionality
• Minimal syncing and configuration requited
• Consistent performance without signal interference or drops

Based on my extensive testing, I‘ve had flawless connectivity integrating two PS5 controllers by USB with laptops like the Razer Blade and ASUS ROG Zephyrus models.

Here are the quick steps:

1. Acquire a USB-C to USB-A cable to link with your laptop‘s traditional USB-A port. I recommend the Anker Powerline USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable.
2. Connect one end of the cable into an open USB port on your laptop.
3. Connect the other end of the cable into the USB-C port on your PS5 DualSense controller.
4. Windows automatically detects the controller. Repeat steps for second controller on another USB port.
5. Configure any controller settings in Steam/Epic/GOG for optimal bindings.

Overview of wired USB connectivity from PCMag [1]

Then you‘re all set for lag-free wired gameplay with two fully functional DualSense controllers!

While wonderfully dependable, the wired approach does still limit some mobility and cable management can be annoying. So let‘s explore cutting the cord by linking PS5 controllers through Bluetooth as well.

Connecting PS5 Controllers via Bluetooth

Connecting controllers wirelessly via Bluetooth undeniably leads to a cleaner, less cluttered gaming setup.

However, Bluetooth introduces potential for slight latency and occasional signal interference. Proper hardware and configuration is key to a solid connection.

Based on recommendations from experts at IGN [2], ideal laptop specs for Wireless PS5 controller connectivity include:

• Bluetooth 5.0+ for increased bandwidth
• WiFi 6 (802.11ax) modem for less interference
• USB-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 for optimal data transfer
• Low-latency gaming monitors (NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync Premium)

As long as your laptop meets those standards, linking 2 PS5 DualSense controllers via Bluetooth is a breeze. Here is the quick process:

1. First enter Bluetooth pairing mode on the controller by pressing and holding the PlayStation and Share buttons simultaneously until lightbar flashes.
2. In Windows Settings, select “Add Bluetooth or other device” then choose “Bluetooth”.
3. Select wireless controller from the device list, accept pairing connection.
4. Repeat steps with second controller.
5. Both controllers will now remain wirelessly paired to laptop unless manually disconnected or reset.

Consult controller manual if the lightbar does not flash indicating pairing mode. Reset connection and troubleshoot if sync fails repeatedly.

While connecting is easy, maintaining stability takes finesse. Observe these best practices for optimal wireless performance:

• Update Bluetooth and WiFi drivers to latest versions
• Disable background apps and limit processes/connections
• Avoid interference by spacing laptop >3 ft from other wireless devices
• Gaming closer to router/modem and avoid signal obstructions
• Adjust antenna positioning of laptop/controller for best reception
• Clear controller sync history after testing multiple devices

With robust connectivity hardware and some tweaks to your setup, Wireless freedom awaits!

Controller Connection Method Pros and Cons

To summarize the core benefits of each approach, here is a quick pros vs cons breakdown:

Connection Method	Pros	Cons
Wired USB	Very reliable connectivity No latency Plug & play	Limited mobility Cable clutter
Wireless Bluetooth	Freedom of movement Cleaner setup Quick pairing	Potential latency/interference Configuration factors Battery limitations

So while wires win for pure performance, Bluetooth offers excellent convenience perks. Hopefully weighing those factors helps choose your link.

Customizing PS5 Controller Settings

Beyond just establishing connectivity, you‘ll want to customize configurations within Windows and on gaming platforms like Steam to get the most out of your PS5 controller features including:

• Force Feedback Vibration: Feel explosive rumbles and subtle environmental textures.

• Adaptive Triggers: Experience dynamic resistance levels while accelerating vehicles, drawing bows, and more for added immersion.

• Integrated Mics: Issue voice commands and chat online without needing headset.

• Gyro Aiming: Further precision by slightly angling gamepad to aim.

• Touchpad Swipes: Flick touchpad in-game for more inputs like changing weapons.

• Motion Controls: Further interactivity by gesturing with controller.

And much more. Check your platform and game settings post-connection to tailor your experience.

For example in the Steam Controller settings, you can fully remap every button, tweak haptic intensity, calibrate gyro aim, and test features like adaptive triggers for compatible games.

This fine-tuning makes a world of difference – I recommend really personalizing response curves and feedback on a per-game basis.

Best Local Multiplayer Games to Play

Now for the most important part – actually taking your perfectly connected DualSense controllers out for a spin in amazing local co-op and competitive games!

While the PS5 has a stellar library of exclusive single player masterpieces like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – the expanded controller connectivity potential of a gaming laptop lets you dive into genres dedicated to playing together in person.

Here are some of my top recommendations across platforms:

• It Takes Two (Origin): Awarded Game of Year in 2021 – fantastically fun platformer built purely for wild co-op only escapades.

• Mortal Kombat 11 (Steam): Legendary fighter now updated with immersive DualSense features – inflict brutal beat downs.

• FIFA 23 (Steam/Origin): With hyper-realistic haptic feedback, experience the roar of the crowd during nail-biting soccer showdowns with a friend.

• Splitgate (Steam): Innovative blend of FPS gameplay with rapid portals – outflank opponents in cosmic arena battles.

And tons more. With the realm of local multiplayer now opened through my controller expansion tips, there are endless adventures to enjoy with gaming companions.

So grab a buddy, sync those gamepads and let the party begin!

Final Tips for Connecting PS5 Controllers to Laptop

I hope this guide has delivered everything you could need to know taking your mobile gaming station to new levels via connecting multiple PS5 controllers.

Here are some closing tips to ensure controller connectivity success:

• Invest in a USB hub or Bluetooth 5/WiFi 6 device adapter for optimizing wireless sync
• Maintain latest Windows, GPU, Bluetooth driver updates for best compatibility
• Reset controller sync history after connectivity testing or troubleshooting issues
• Charge both gamepads simultaneously conveniently using a dual charging stand

And most importantly – have an absolute blast putting those DualSense gamepads to work in your favorite multiplayer games!

You now have all the pro gamer insight on transforming your laptop into an incredible portable local multiplayer machine via unlocking a second PS5 controller.

Let me know if any other questions pop up during your setup process – or what awesome games you discover enjoying two-player mayhem ultra-portably on your laptop!

Game on!

Sources

[1] https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-a-ps5-dualsense-controller-on-a-pc
[2] https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-bluetooth-adapters-for-pc-gaming