Alright, let’s get real for a second. You’ve got a PS4 controller that you absolutely love—maybe the feel of the D-pad, the way it fits perfectly in your hands, or perhaps it’s just because you’ve spent hundreds of hours mastering combos with it in Street Fighter V.
But now, you’re gaming on an Xbox One, and spending money on another controller when you’ve got a perfectly good PS4 controller sitting there seems, well, kind of ridiculous.
You’re probably thinking, “Is there a way I can use my PS4 controller on Xbox One without dropping cash on some overpriced adapter?”
Well, guess what? There is.
And the best part? It’s totally free if you know how to make it happen.
In this guide, I’m gonna break down how to use your PS4 controller on your Xbox One, step-by-step.
No fuss, no extra gear—just you, your favorite controller, and a couple of tricks to get it working. Let’s dive in.
Can You Use a PS4 Controller on Xbox One?
So, can you just plug in your DualShock 4 and start gaming on Xbox One?
Not quite.
The bad news is that Sony and Microsoft don’t exactly play nice when it comes to cross-compatibility.
The Xbox One is built to work with Xbox controllers, and the same goes for the PS4 with DualShock. You know, that whole “console war” thing they’ve got going on.
But don’t worry—where there’s a will (and a bunch of gamers who hate buying extra gear), there’s a way.
The trick is to use third-party software or even your PC as a middleman to make your PS4 controller talk to your Xbox One.
It’s not rocket science, but there are a few steps involved.
Step-by-Step: How to Set It Up (No Cost!)
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—how to get your PS4 controller working on your Xbox One, without spending a dime.
You’ll need a PC or smartphone to make this magic happen, but don’t worry, it’s super straightforward.
Step 1: Download Third-Party Software
First things first, you’ll need to grab some software.
One of the best options is something like CronusMax or even Xbox Accessories App if it’s available for your setup.
These programs act as a go-between, letting your Xbox One recognize and accept inputs from your PS4 controller.
- Download the software: Head to the official website for whichever software you choose and download it to your PC.
- Install it and open the program: Follow the simple instructions to get it up and running.
Step 2: Connect Your PS4 Controller to PC/Phone
Next up, connect your PS4 controller to your PC or smartphone, depending on your setup.
You’ve got two options: go wireless via Bluetooth or just plug it in with a USB cable.
Both methods work, but Bluetooth will give you that untethered, couch-gaming vibe.
- For Bluetooth:
- On your controller, hold down the PS button and the Share button until the light starts flashing.
- Pair it with your PC or phone via Bluetooth (it’ll show up as “Wireless Controller”).
- For USB:
- Plug your DualShock 4 into your PC or phone using a micro-USB cable.
Step 3: Configure Your Xbox One as the Output Device
Now, the magic happens.
Once your PS4 controller is connected to your PC or phone, you’ll use the software to tell it, “Hey, I want to control my Xbox One with this thing.”
- Open up the third-party software you downloaded.
- Find the settings where you can map the output device as your Xbox One.
- Run a quick test to make sure your Xbox One recognizes the controller.
Step 4: Test It Out
Boot up a game and test how your PS4 controller works with your Xbox One.
Try different games to make sure everything is working smoothly, especially games that require precise inputs like Fighting Games or First-Person Shooters.
Pros and Cons of Using a PS4 Controller on Xbox One
So, what’s the catch?
Let’s break down the pros and cons so you know exactly what you’re getting into before diving headfirst into a long gaming session.
Pros:
- Comfort and Familiarity: If you’ve been using the DualShock 4 for years, it just feels right. Especially for games that need tight, precise inputs like fighting games or platformers.
- It’s Free! You’re not spending extra money on a new controller. That’s a win, especially when next-gen gear doesn’t come cheap.
- Wireless Gameplay: If you’re using Bluetooth, you get the freedom to game wirelessly without being tied to the console.
Cons:
- Compatibility Issues: Some features of the Xbox controller—like the Xbox button or triggers—might not work the way they’re supposed to on your PS4 controller.
- Input Delay: Depending on your setup and the software you use, you might notice slight input lag, especially in fast-paced games.
- No Xbox-Specific Features: Some features, like impulse triggers or voice chat through the Xbox controller, might not carry over to the PS4 controller.
READ: Why Fight Sticks Are Better Than Controllers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I really use a PS4 controller on Xbox One for free?
Yes, you can! With the help of free third-party software or adapters, you can use your PS4 controller on Xbox One without having to spend any money. The guide above walks you through the steps to make it happen, including what software to use and how to set it up.
2. Will there be any input delay when using a PS4 controller on Xbox One?
It depends. If you’re using a wireless setup via Bluetooth, there may be slight input delays, especially during fast-paced gameplay. However, if you connect the controller via a USB cable, the input lag can be reduced significantly. Your experience will also depend on the third-party software you’re using.
3. Do I need a special adapter to make this work?
No, you don’t need to buy an adapter if you follow the free software method outlined in this post. However, some adapters, like CronusMax or Titan One, also offer a solution but can come with a cost. If you’re strictly looking for free solutions, stick to the software method.
4. Are there any features I’ll lose when using a PS4 controller on Xbox One?
Yes, there are a few features you may not have access to when using a PS4 controller on Xbox One:
- Xbox-specific features like impulse triggers.
- The Xbox Guide button won’t work as intended.
- Some games might not support vibration feedback or trigger sensitivity with a PS4 controller.
5. Can I use the PS4 controller wirelessly on Xbox One?
Yes, if you follow the Bluetooth connection steps mentioned earlier in this guide, you can use your PS4 controller wirelessly on Xbox One. Keep in mind that some third-party software supports Bluetooth, while others may require a wired connection.
6. Will my PS4 controller work for all Xbox One games?
In most cases, yes. Once you’ve set up the connection properly, the PS4 controller should work with the majority of Xbox One games. However, some games may have issues with button mapping or may not support all features, so you might need to adjust the settings in-game or remap buttons manually.
7. Is there any difference in performance when using a PS4 controller on Xbox One?
There may be some differences in performance, especially in terms of input lag or feature support. For example, Xbox One games that use impulse triggers or advanced haptic feedback might not feel the same on a DualShock 4. But in terms of general gameplay (movement, jumping, shooting), the experience should be fairly smooth.
8. Can I remap the buttons on my PS4 controller for Xbox One games?
Yes, many Xbox One games allow you to remap buttons, even when using a third-party controller. If the game doesn’t support it natively, some third-party software solutions give you the ability to remap buttons to suit your gameplay style.
9. What’s the easiest way to connect a PS4 controller to Xbox One without spending money?
The simplest and most cost-effective way is by using free third-party software like CronusMax or others that act as a bridge between your PS4 controller and Xbox One. This guide outlines how to do that step-by-step, including how to connect via Bluetooth or USB.
10. Can I use other controllers (like a PS5 DualSense) on Xbox One using the same method?
Yes, similar methods can be applied to other controllers like the PS5 DualSense, though you may need slightly different software. Just make sure that the third-party app you choose supports the specific controller you’re trying to connect.
11. What should I do if my PS4 controller isn’t working on Xbox One after following the steps?
If your PS4 controller isn’t working, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Double-check your Bluetooth or USB connection.
- Restart the third-party software and try re-pairing the controller.
- Ensure that your Xbox One is correctly set as the output device.
- Test the controller with another game to rule out game-specific issues.
Final Tips and Takeaways
At the end of the day, using your PS4 controller on Xbox One is totally possible and might be the perfect solution if you’re not ready to shell out for another controller.
It’s a free fix, and if you love the feel of the DualShock 4, you don’t have to give it up just because you’ve switched consoles.
Here are a few final tips to keep things running smoothly:
- Test your setup in different games: Some games may work better with this setup than others.
- Custom button mapping: Take advantage of in-game custom mappings to make the controller feel even more natural.
- Stay updated: Third-party software updates regularly, so make sure you’re always running the latest version for the best performance.
So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and enjoy your PS4 controller on Xbox One without spending a single coin.
Want Your Own Custom Fightstick?
At JUANminiDIY, we specialize in creating custom arcade sticks that reflect your unique gaming style. We’ve crafted over 400 custom wooden arcade sticks for gamers all over the world, each one built with care and attention to detail.
If you’re interested in having your own custom fightstick made or if you need parts, feel free to message us on Facebook or check out our Lazada Store. You can also browse through some of our other builds on our YouTube channel.
Let’s make your dream arcade stick a reality!
Stay Connected
Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to stay in the loop with the latest articles, promos, and more.