A new blow has been struck in the next generation cold war between Microsoft and Sony, as the PS5 isn't fully compatible with the DualShock 4 controller used by the PS4. The Xbox One controller is considered an industry standard of quality, due to its compatibility with Windows and a number of mobile devices, and Microsoft has done little to change the design with the Xbox Series X controller.
By comparison, the DualSense controller for the PS5 has a number of new features that aren't present in the DualShock 4. The DualSense comes with haptic , which offers a sensation of touch that can match the surface that the player is standing on, while the adaptive triggers can create resistance to the player's movements, which can be used to emulate the sensation of pulling a bowstring.
The new features of the DualSense controller will cause compatibility issues with modern games. Sony has revealed that the DualShock 4 cannot be used for new PS5 games. We know that there will be some kind of backward compatibility with the PlayStation 4 and that some older games (like Grand Theft Auto V) will be ported to the system, so the DualShock 4 will likely be fine with those games, but not the new ones. The official Xbox UK Twitter has tweeted in what seems like a clear shot taken at the limited cross-gen compatibility of PlayStation controllers, as Microsoft has pointed out that the Xbox Series X will be backward compatible with all Xbox One controllers for all of its titles.
The post made by Xbox UK is a microcosm of the two company's approach to their system. Microsoft's approach involves a slow transition that is full of cross-compatibility, to the point where Xbox Series X exclusives aren't as important for the company. By contrast, Sony's message is clear - if you want to play PS5 games, then you have to buy a new system. Sony is making a clear dividing line between the generations going forward.
The features of the DualSense have been some of the most highly promoted aspects of the PlayStation 5. It makes sense that new PS5 games won't be compatible with the controller, but this means that people are going to have shell out more cash if they want to play locally with friends. The Xbox fans who are upgrading will already have compatible controllers from their previous system, so Microsoft has every right to brag about its system.
The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are due to be released during the 2020 holiday season.
Source: Xbox UK
