DualShock 4
The DualShock 4 is the standard PlayStation 4 controller and the successor to the DualShock 3. Early comments by Sony suggested it would work on the PC out of the box[1], but this is only partially true. It only officially supports DirectInput with the official drivers, but external programs are still needed for full XInput functionality. It's only recently that Sony announced an official solution in the form of the DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adapter.
Features
| Features | DS4Windows | InputMapper (DSDCS) | DS4 to XInput | SCP Driver Package | USB Wireless Adapter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touch pad | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Light bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth or USB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in speaker and headphone jack | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Vibration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sixaxis | Somewhat† | Somewhat† | No | No | Yes |
† Accelerometer and gyro can be mapped over the existing XInput stick axes and mouse movement, though it translates poorly to PC games and Dolphin.
Using on a PC
- DS4Windows (download) is a modified version of DS4-to-XInput that also allows for rudimentary Sixaxis mapping to XInput or keyboard keys. It also has a lot more mapping options, like setting up macros. This is the recommended driver.
- DualShock Exclusive Mode Tool might be necessary if your DS4Windows setup becomes unusable after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
- InputMapper (formerly DSDCS) is another branch of DS4Windows that promises a clean, user-friendly GUI with plenty of options (mostly copied from J2K's DS4Windows), but is adware/donationware. Official thread.
- DS4 to Xinput is the original wrapper for XInput that can also use the touch pad. However, it's no longer being maintained.
- SCP Driver Package supports basic DS4 features, but there have been reports of latency issues and dropped inputs with this (issues are often said to be because of the previously accompanied zadig tool). Official thread.
- PS4PC can make use of the touch pad on PC.
Bluetooth connection problems
Some Windows users have experienced problems with their DS4 controllers disconnecting from Bluetooth during the pairing process. This does not affect all users, but those who experience this issue can resolve it using these steps. (Perform these steps quickly or the controller will disconnect.)
- Initiate the pairing process by holding the Share button and the PS button until the light bar begins to flash white.
- Go through the normal steps to add a device through your Bluetooth settings, normally as simple as right clicking the tray icon and selecting "Add a Device".
- When asked to select the device, right click on the Wireless Controller and click Properties.
- In Bluetooth Services, check "Drivers for keyboard, mice, etc (HID)" and press Apply.
- Allow the drivers to install and complete the pairing process as normal.
Your controller should now remain connected via Bluetooth, allowing you to use wireless input where supported with the driver solutions listed above.
