If you are a gamer who owns both an Xbox and a PS4 you might have wondered if you can use your Xbox controller on your PS4 console. After all having one controller for both systems would be convenient and cost-effective. Unfortunately Xbox and PS4 are not compatible by default as they belong to different brands and have different wireless protocols. However that does not mean it is impossible to use an Xbox controller on PS4. In this article we will show you how to do it using three different methods:
- Using an adapter
- Using the remote play feature on your PC
- Using a third-party device
We will also explain the pros and cons of each method and give you some tips on how to optimize your gaming experience. By the end of this article you will be able to enjoy your PS4 games with your Xbox controller without any hassle.
Key Takeaways
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Adapter | Easy to set up compatible with most controllers and joysticks supports wireless connection | Requires additional purchase may have compatibility issues with some games or updates |
| Remote play | Free to use supports wireless connection allows playing PS4 games on PC or other devices | Requires a stable internet connection may have input lag or quality loss needs a PC or other device to run the app |
| Third-party device | Supports multiple controllers and consoles allows customizing button mapping and sensitivity has additional features like turbo and macro | Requires additional purchase may have compatibility issues with some games or updates needs regular firmware updates |
Method 1: Using an Adapter
One of the simplest ways to connect an Xbox controller to a PS4 is by using an adapter. An adapter is a device that converts the signals from one controller to another allowing them to communicate with the console. There are various adapters available in the market but one of the best ones is the Game3Gear Brook Xbox One To PS4 Converter1. This adapter comes with a wireless USB and a cable that can connect your Xbox controller and your PS4 console. Here are the steps to use this adapter:
- Plug in the USB stick into the PS4 console.
- Connect the USB stick to the Xbox controller via cable once the LED light turns on.
- Wait for the controller to vibrate indicating that it is ready to use.
- Disconnect the cable and enjoy playing wirelessly.
The advantages of using this adapter are:
- It is easy to set up and use.
- It is compatible with most Xbox controllers including the Elite Series 2.
- It also works with joysticks and gaming pads.
- It can also connect your Xbox controllers to your PC.
The disadvantages of using this adapter are:
- It requires an additional purchase.
- It may have compatibility issues with some games or updates.
- It may need firmware updates from time to time.
Method 2: Using the Remote Play Feature on Your PC
Another way to use an Xbox controller on PS4 is by using the remote play feature on your PC. The remote play feature allows you to stream your PS4 games to your PC or other devices such as Android or iOS phones. You can then use any Windows-compatible controller including your Xbox controller to play your PS4 games on your PC screen. Here are the steps to use this method:
- Download and install the PlayStation 4 Remote Play app on your PC2.
- Open your PS4 console and go into the settings.
- Select the Remote Play Connection Settings and check the Enable Remote Play option.
- Make sure your PS4 console is activated as your primary console on your profile. You can do this by going into Account Management and choosing Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Open the PS4 Remote Play app on your PC and sign in to your PSN account.
- Start searching for your PS4 console. The app will automatically detect and pair up with your console.
- Connect your Xbox controller to your PC via cable or Bluetooth.
- Adjust the video quality and framerate from the settings as you wish.
The advantages of using this method are:
- It is free to use and does not require any additional purchase.
- It supports wireless connection for both the controller and the console.
- It allows you to play your PS4 games on your PC or other devices.
The disadvantages of using this method are:
- It requires a stable internet connection for both the console and the PC.
- It may have input lag or quality loss depending on your network speed and settings.
- It needs a PC or other device to run the app.
Can the Methods for Connecting an Xbox 360 Controller to a PC Without a Receiver Also Work for Using an Xbox Controller on a PS4?
Yes, the methods for connecting an Xbox 360 controller to a PC without a receiver can also work for using an Xbox controller on a PS4. By using a USB cable or Bluetooth, you can connect Xbox 360 controller to a PC and also use it on a PS4 without a receiver.
Method 3: Using a Third-party Device
A third way to use an Xbox controller on PS4 is by using a third-party device that can connect multiple controllers and consoles. One of these devices is the Magic S Pro3 which is a wireless controller adapter that can support various controllers such as Xbox One Xbox 360 PS4 PS3 Switch and more. It can also work with different consoles such as PS4 PS3 Switch Xbox One Xbox 360 and PC. Here are the steps to use this device:
- Plug in the Magic S Pro into the PS4 console.
- Connect the Magic S Pro to the Xbox controller via cable or Bluetooth.
- Press the button on the Magic S Pro to switch to the PS4 mode. The LED light will turn blue.
- Wait for the controller to pair up with the console. The LED light will flash quickly.
- Disconnect the cable and enjoy playing wirelessly.
The advantages of using this device are:
- It supports multiple controllers and consoles giving you more options and flexibility.
- It allows you to customize the button mapping and sensitivity of your controller.
- It has additional features like turbo and macro functions.
The disadvantages of using this device are:
- It requires an additional purchase.
- It may have compatibility issues with some games or updates.
- It needs regular firmware updates from the manufacturer.
What are the key benefits or advantages of using an Xbox controller on a PS4 and how does it differ from the standard PS4 controller experience?
Using an Xbox controller on a PS4 console can provide some advantages and differences compared to the standard PS4 controller experience. Here are some key benefits and differences:
Benefits of using an Xbox controller on a PS4:
– Enhanced controls: Using an Xbox controller on a PS4 console can provide enhanced controls which can be beneficial for certain games[3].
– Familiarity: If you are used to using an Xbox controller using it on a PS4 console can provide a more familiar gaming experience[3].
Differences between Xbox and PS4 controllers:
– Battery: The PS4 controller has a built-in rechargeable battery while the Xbox controller requires AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack.
– Bluetooth: All PS4 controllers come equipped with Bluetooth while only newer models of the Xbox controller feature Bluetooth.
– Compatibility with PCs: Xbox One controllers are generally more compatible with PCs than PS4 controllers although they may require additional hardware.
Ultimately the choice between using an Xbox controller or a PS4 controller comes down to personal preference the games being played and the user’s comfort with each controller.
Are there any limitations or features that may not be fully functional when using an Xbox controller on a PS4 and if so what are they?
Yes there are some limitations when using an Xbox controller on a PS4 console. Here are some of them:
– Limited game compatibility: Some games may not support the Xbox controller and may require the use of a PS4 controller.
– No touchpad functionality: The Xbox controller does not have a touchpad which is a feature of the PS4 controller that is used in some games.
– No motion controls: The Xbox controller does not have motion controls which are used in some PS4 games.
– No headphone jack: The Xbox controller does not have a headphone jack which is a feature of the PS4 controller that allows for audio to be played through headphones connected to the controller.
Can users seamlessly switch between the Xbox controller and the PS4 controller during gameplay or is it a one-time setup process that needs to be reversed afterward?
It is not possible to seamlessly switch between an Xbox controller and a PS4 controller during gameplay. Users would need to disconnect one controller and connect the other one which may require navigating through the console’s settings or using a third-party adapter.
However some games may allow users to use both controllers simultaneously for multiplayer games.
Additionally users may be able to remap the controls on their controller to better suit their preferences which could potentially make switching between controllers easier.