Will My Controller Work With…?
Can a PS4 controller work on a PS5? Will an Xbox controller connect to an iPhone? Does a Switch Pro Controller work on PC? Choose your controller and the device you want to use it on, and this checker gives you a clear yes, no, or yes with a workaround, plus how to connect it.
Controller Device Compatibility Matrix
Check native, limited and unsupported controller connections across consoles, PC, mobile and Steam Deck.
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How to use it
- Choose your controller.
- Choose the device you want to use it on.
- Read the result and the connection steps.
- If you need an adapter or software, the result tells you which.
What your results mean
Possible results:
Result Meaning
Yes Connects and works normally
Yes, with limits Works, but some features don't (e.g. haptics, gyro, some games)
Yes, with an adapter or software Needs an adapter, Steam Input, DS4Windows or similar
No Not supported. The result suggests a controller that is.
Common questions at a glance
Combination Short answer
PS4 controller on PS5 Yes for PS4 games, not for PS5 games
PS5 controller on PC Yes, by USB or Bluetooth; Steam Input gives the widest game support
Xbox controller on PC Yes, with the widest game support
Switch Pro Controller on PC Yes; Steam Input recommended
PlayStation or Xbox controller on Switch Only with a compatible adapter
Controllers on iPhone and Android Most recent PlayStation and Xbox controllers connect by Bluetooth
Compatibility can change with system and firmware updates. Update your controller and device first if something doesn't connect.
Why some controllers don't work everywhere
Consoles only accept controllers they've been designed or licensed to work with. That's why a PS5 controller won't connect to a Switch on its own, and why PS5 games don't accept a PS4 controller.
PCs, phones and the Steam Deck are much more open. Most controllers connect, and software such as Steam Input fills the gaps by translating buttons into a layout games understand.
Quick compatibility overview
The table gives a general picture of which official controllers work where. Support can change with updates, and some combinations only work in certain games or with certain connections, so treat it as a starting point and check
the details for your device.
"Yes" means it connects and works as a controller on that device. "Limited" means it works in some cases only.
Controller PS5 Xbox Series Switch / Switch 2 PC
DualSense Yes No No Yes
DualShock 4 PS4 games only No No Yes
Xbox Wireless No Yes No Yes
Switch Pro No No Yes Yes
Joy-Con (original) No No Yes Limited
Using controllers across consoles
Consoles don't accept other makers' controllers on their own. To use a PlayStation controller on Xbox, or an Xbox controller on Switch, you need an adapter that translates it. Adapters work well for many players, but they can add a little delay and may not support every feature.
Some adapters aren't allowed in online tournaments. If you play competitively, check the rules first.
PC support in detail
On PC, most controllers connect by USB or Bluetooth. Xbox controllers have the widest game support, because most PC games are designed around their layout. PlayStation and Switch controllers work in many games directly and in almost all games through Steam Input.
Advanced features vary. The DualSense's adaptive triggers and full haptics only work in games that support them, usually over USB. Gyro works through Steam Input on controllers that have one.
Phones and tablets
Modern Android phones and iPhones support the main console controllers over Bluetooth. That makes cloud gaming and mobile games much more comfortable. Some games don't support controllers at all, so check the game's description.
If a controller pairs but doesn't work in a game, try another controller-supported game to see whether the problem is the game or the connection.
Steam Deck and handheld PCs
The Steam Deck and other handheld PCs accept most controllers over Bluetooth or USB. Steam Input handles the button layout, so most controllers work in most games.
This is useful when you connect a handheld to a TV. Pair your usual console controller and play from the sofa.
Cloud gaming services
Cloud gaming services each have their own supported controller list. Most support Xbox and PlayStation controllers, and many support others too. Check the service's help pages before buying a controller just for cloud gaming.
Cloud gaming adds its own delay, so a wired or low-latency controller can help the experience feel more responsive.
Third-party controllers
Third-party controllers often support several platforms, sometimes with a switch to choose which one. Licensed controllers for consoles are built to work properly with them, though some features may be limited.
Read the platform list carefully before buying. "Works with PS5" might only mean PS4 games on a PS5.
Checking a controller works
Once connected, use our Controller Health Check to make sure everything works. If the browser can see the controller, most games on that device will too.
If the browser doesn't see it, try another cable or port, or re-pair it over Bluetooth before assuming it isn't compatible.
Original Joy-Con on Switch 2
Original Joy-Con can work with Switch 2 wirelessly, but they can't attach to the console's sides, because Switch 2 uses a different, magnetic attachment. Some Switch 2 features designed for the new Joy-Con, like mouse controls, need the new Joy-Con.
If you're unsure whether a particular game supports original Joy-Con, check the game's information on the eShop.
Why a controller might stop working after an update
Updates to consoles, operating systems or controller firmware occasionally change how controllers connect. If a controller stops working after an update, re-pair it, update the controller's firmware, and check the maker's support pages for known problems.
Third-party controllers sometimes need their own firmware update after a console update. The maker's website usually has a tool for this.
How to pair a controller with a new device
Most controllers enter pairing mode with a button combination. The DualSense uses the Create and PS buttons held together. The Xbox controller uses the pair button on the top. The Switch Pro Controller uses the small sync button on the top.
Once in pairing mode, look for the controller in your device's Bluetooth settings.
Controller How to enter pairing mode
DualSense Hold Create and PS until the light flashes
Xbox Wireless Press and hold the pair button on top
Switch Pro Press the sync button on top
Joy-Con Press the sync button on the rail side
Pairing back to the console
After using a controller with another device, you may need to reconnect it to your console with a cable. Plug it in and press the home button. Wireless pairing then works again.
Adapters and their limits
Controller adapters translate one controller for another device. They're great for using a favourite controller on different consoles, but features like vibration, gyro and headset audio may not work. Check the adapter's details before buying.
Retro consoles and mini consoles
Mini and retro consoles often support specific controllers only. Some accept USB controllers, others only their own. Adapters exist for many retro consoles, letting you use modern controllers.
Using multiple controllers on one device
Most consoles and PCs support several controllers at once. On PC, mixing different makes is usually fine, though games may assign players differently. If players are assigned in the wrong order, disconnect all controllers and reconnect them in order.
Bluetooth has a limit to how many devices can connect well at once. If controllers drop out, try connecting some by USB.
Smart TVs and streaming boxes
Many smart TVs and streaming boxes support controllers for games and cloud gaming apps. Support depends on the device and its software version. Check the device's help pages for a list of supported controllers.
Compatibility and features
A controller can connect to a device and still not support all its features there. For example, a DualSense on PC may have basic vibration but not full haptics in many games. When checking compatibility, check whether the features you care about work too.
Common problems
The game may expect an Xbox-style controller. Enable Steam Input or check the XInput Detector.
Put the controller into pairing mode and remove old pairings from the device.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any controller on a Steam Deck?
Most Bluetooth and USB controllers work, and Steam Input handles the button layout.
Do I need an adapter for Switch?
Only for controllers not made for Switch. The result tells you if you do.
Can I use a PS4 controller on PS5?
Yes, but only in PS4 games.
Do Xbox One controllers work on Xbox Series?
Yes. They work fully.
Can I use a PS5 controller on Switch?
Not on its own. An adapter is needed.
Do Switch Pro controllers work on Switch 2?
Yes, original Pro Controllers work with Switch 2.
Do controllers work on Mac?
Yes. Recent versions of macOS support the main console controllers.
Do PS5 controllers work on PS4?
Not officially as a PS4 controller. Use a DualShock 4 for PS4.
Can I use an Xbox controller on PS5?
Not on its own. An adapter is needed.
Will my controller work on Steam Deck?
Most controllers do, over Bluetooth or USB.