The DualShock 4 is the fourth version of the DualShock controller line and the first since the original to change the design, while maintaining what makes the controller recognizable to gamers around the world.
Sony released the original PlayStation in 1994, bundled with the PlayStation controller, complete with four directional buttons (instead of a D-Pad) and four face buttons, but it was missing the dual analog sticks now common on all game controllers. from the 1990s. DualShock 4 to the Xbox Elite controller to the Switch Pro controller.
In 1997, three years later, Sony released the dual analog controller, but in 1998 it was withdrawn from the market in favor of a refined version: the Dualshock. Now in its fourth version, the Dualshock 4 has proven to be one of the best controllers ever made by Sony.
The DualShock 4 didn’t completely change the look or feel of the controller, but it was the biggest design update since the original shipped with the PlayStation. The grips were redesigned to be more comfortable in the hand, the bumpers were changed to actually work as triggers, the joysticks added back the inverted grip to keep the finger on the stick without slipping, the start and select buttons were removed, and a large touch panel and light were added to the unit.
For many, however, the biggest and most important change to the DualShock 4 is the inclusion of Bluetooth, allowing the controller to be used on more devices than ever before. Thanks to iOS 13, you can finally pair your DualShock 4 with your iPhone or iPad. Let’s see how.
A match in heaven?
The ability to pair your DualShock 4 with an iPad via Bluetooth was always present, even without modifications. Unfortunately, once paired, you won’t be able to use the DualShock 4 with anything on your device. It would appear in the settings menu, allowing you to see that your devices were connected, but since the DualShock 4 wasn’t part of the Made for iPhone program, it didn’t work.
That changed with iOS 13 and its derivative, iPadOS. The two devices can now fully sync with each other simply by pairing them in the Bluetooth settings.
Connecting the DualShock 4 to your iPad.
- Make sure your DualShock 4 is charged, then head to your ipad’s settings menu and select Bluetooth.
- Press and hold the games station button and the Share until the LED on the back of your device starts flashing.
- Your controller will appear in the Available devices menu, and a simple tap is all it takes to complete pairing.
While you can’t use your DualShock 4 to navigate your iPad’s actual system settings, once you get into a game that supports controllers, you’ll find that both work without the need for additional settings menus.
To pair again with your PS4 when you’re done playing on your iPad, simply plug it into the USB connection and hold down the PlayStation button.
Troubleshooting
Although your DualShock 4 should pair with your iPad without much trouble, you might run into some obstacles that prevent you from playing on the go. If you are having technical difficulties, there are a few steps you should try.
First, check to see if your iPad’s Bluetooth is connecting with other devices, to make sure it’s an issue with the controller and not your tablet. If you can’t connect to other devices with your iPad, try restarting or contact Apple for more information.
If your DualShock 4 is still connected to your PS4, you may have accidentally turned on your console while trying to pair it. Make sure your console is turned off, then try the pairing process again, making sure to press and hold both buttons at the same time.
Finally, it might be time to reset your controller. Using a needle or paper clip, press and hold the reset button on the back of your controller for 3 to 5 seconds. Once the reset is complete, try pairing your iPad and controller again.
The games
We jump toOcean Horn 2one of Apple Arcade’s launch titles, to test controller support for theZelda-Like a game. When we originally played the title without a paired controller, the screen gave us all the buttons and actions necessary to move around the screen.
But with the DualShock 4 paired, all those action buttons disappeared, leaving us with a wide, expansive screen to play on.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that not all games have built-in controller support, not even in Apple Arcade.What the hell? is one of our favorites since the launch of Apple Arcade, but as a game that relies so heavily on touch controls, trying to use a controller simply doesn’t do anything.
Thankfully, controller.wtf has put together an incredibly long list detailing hundreds of games that support MFi controllers, and with iOS 13, that support now extends to the DualShock 4 as well. You can see a full list of highlights here or use the search box to view if a game you like is compatible with DualShock 4.
Just keep in mind that while your DualShock 4 will work with your iPad to control games, some PlayStation-exclusive features, including the touchpad and audio jack, are disabled when used as a Bluetooth controller.
What happens if I don’t have a DualShock 4?
Although the black version usually sells for $39.99, the DualShock 4 is not a cheap controller, and if you’d rather not shell out up to $65 for mobile games, there are alternatives you can choose from today. You’ll just have to make sure the controller you choose is MFi (Made for iPhone) branded and you’ll be good to go.
If you can spend around $30, it’s easy to get one. We recommend the SteelSeries Nimbus as it has great battery life and is designed to work with all iOS devices, including your iPad. This is an attractive controller, with its metallic finish and gunmetal gray plastic, one of the best we’ve seen.
SteelSeries typically makes accessories for PC gaming, so it shouldn’t surprise you that this gamepad works great for any iOS device you have, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something to play with in your Steam library. Everything about this controller, from the buttons to the joysticks and D-pad, feels great, designed for precision in any type of game.
The controller is large, measuring in size and style similar to the DualShock 4 controller, complete with an identical joystick layout. The device also uses Lightning for charging, which could be a benefit for some and a hindrance for others, but it’s worth noting that battery life is more than solid, promising over 40 hours of gaming between batteries.
The two main disadvantages of the Nimbus? The controller lacks any type of phone holder, accessory or otherwise. If you’re interested in using it for gaming on the go on your phone, it may not be the controller for you. Finally, at full price, it’s a bit pricey, with a standard console price of $49.99, although you can pick up refurbished models for half that price.
There are other MFi controllers as well, including the GameSir line, Bounabay Grip for iPhone, and many more. Just be sure to check the reviews when purchasing a device; you’ll want to make sure it’s MFi compatible and will work for the game you want to play.
Can I play PS4 games on my iPad?
Mobile gaming is great, but what if you could replicate the experience of owning a Nintendo Switch with your PS4 and iPad? If you’re looking to stream PS4 games to your iPad, you’re in luck.
Sony offers a Remote Play app for iOS that lets you stream your favorite games to your phone. You can turn on the PS4 remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, and you can play with on-screen controls and using a Bluetooth-paired DualShock 4.
It’s one of the coolest features the PS4 offers, but you’ll want to make sure you have a stable internet connection to use it. It will work best if your PS4 is connected to an Ethernet connection and you will need at least a 6th generation iPad or later to use the app.
Considering the DualShock 4 is one of the best controllers we’ve seen in the 2000s, it’s no surprise that people want to use the device as a primary controller on other platforms. Whether you’re looking for a controller for your new iPad or have some extra DualShocks at home for your friends to use when they come over to play multiplayer games, using PlayStation 4 controllers on your iPad is a natural fit. to test on your device. Fortunately, with iOS 13 and iPadOS, you can finally make that dream come true.
